To report a repair in a communal area please contact us via webchat, the customer portal, app or via our Contact Centre on 01628 543101.  All routine communal repairs will be completed within 21 days of reporting and will be completed anytime between 8am-5pm. 

If any communal repair is deemed to be an emergency we will attend within our normal 4 hour emergency response time. 

Keeping communal areas safe

The communal areas of your blocks are owned by Housing Solutions.  Communal areas include all communal hallways and walkways, shared staircases, balconies, bin and storage areas, access paths, communal gardens and drying areas.  We have a legal obligation to ensure these areas remain free of items that might cause or contribute to a fire, as well as any items which might present a trip hazard or obstruct your means of escape in the unlikely event of a fire.  The local fire service informs us that goods stored, or belongings and rubbish disposed of in communal areas, can be a serious hazard in the event of a fire.  They can block escape routes, block access for emergency services and can be subject to arson.

Hazards include but are not limited to: buggies and prams, children’s toys, play furniture, unwanted bedding/mattresses, rubbish bags, wheeled bins, door mats, mobility scooters, bicycles and motorcycles, shopping trolleys, lockers and cabinets, plant pots, washing machines, tumble dryers and other goods awaiting disposal.

Our Housing Officers and contractors regularly inspect the communal areas in our blocks. When they find that materials are stored or left in the communal areas, they will make an effort to identify the owner and notify the owner of the items, that the items must be removed.  If the items are not removed straight away, our teams are responsible for ensuring these are cleared in order to keep all residents safe.

We do understand that storage space is limited, especially for residents in small flats. However for everyone’s safety, it is very important that any personal possessions are kept inside your home.