Keeping Shared Spaces Safe
We want everyone to feel at home and enjoy the spaces around them.
Because some areas are shared, they must be kept clear so everyone can use them safely – especially in an emergency.
What Are Shared Spaces?
Shared (communal) spaces are areas that everyone can use, including:
- Communal gardens and courtyards
- Pathways and walkways
- Entrance areas and corridors
- Shared outdoor areas, including open green spaces
- Bin stores and storage areas
Why Does It Matter?
Keeping communal areas clear helps to:
- Keep escape routes accessible
- Reduce fire risks
- Prevent injuries and accidents
- Support emergency access
- Ensure shared spaces can be used by everyone
Finding the Right Balance
We understand that it is important to feel at home and take pride in where you live.
This is about finding the right balance between enjoying shared spaces and making sure they remain safe, accessible and welcoming for everyone.
It's About Shared Responsibility
Customers, visitors and Platform all have a part to play in helping keep communal areas safe, accessible and enjoyable.
By keeping shared spaces clear and reporting hazards or concerns, we can work together to create safer communities for everyone.
As a responsible landlord, where a serious or immediate risk is identified, we will take action to help keep people safe.
How You Can Help
You can help by:
- Keeping communal areas clear
- Ensuring personal items do not create a risk
- Using designated areas for storage and waste
- Reporting hazards or concerns
Summer 2026
We will be running a campaign throughout the summer. The first phase of the campaign will focus on education and awareness during the summer months.
We'll be highlighting high-risk items commonly found in communal areas, including:
- Paddling pools
- Trampolines
- BBQs
- Fire pits
- Large play equipment
Shared spaces need to stay clear so everyone can use them safely.
FAQ
A communal area is any space shared by residents, including pathways, entrance areas, corridors, communal gardens, courtyards, bin stores and shared outdoor spaces.
Keeping communal areas clear helps:
- Reduce fire risks
- Keep escape routes accessible
- Prevent trips and falls
- Allow access for emergency services
- Ensure shared spaces can be used safely by everyone
We want families to make the most of shared outdoor spaces while helping keep them safe and accessible for everyone.
Play equipment such as trampolines, paddling pools and large outdoor toys can create hazards and restrict access within communal areas.
These items should not be placed or left in shared spaces.
Bikes and scooters can block pathways and restrict access in communal areas.
Where possible, they should be stored in designated areas or within your home.
Plant pots and other personal items can create hazards, contribute to clutter and restrict access if they build up within communal areas.
Communal areas should be kept clear and accessible for everyone.
Garden furniture can create hazards and restrict access for residents, visitors and emergency services.
It should not be left in communal spaces unless it has been provided or approved by Platform.
Examples include:
- BBQs
- Fire pits
- Fuel containers
- Gas bottles
- Vehicle batteries
- Petrol-powered equipment
- Large items blocking escape routes
- Items in poor or damaged condition
As a responsible landlord, where a serious or immediate risk is identified, we will take action.
We will endeavour to work with customers to ensure communal areas remain safe for everyone.
However, where a serious or immediate risk is identified, we will take appropriate action.
- Keep shared areas clear
- Remove personal items after use
- Use designated waste and storage facilities
- Report hazards or concerns
