What are communal areas and services?

If you live in a block of flats, there are areas you will share with other tenants such as the internal hallways, staircases, landings and front and rear outside areas. These are called communal areas.

Keeping the communal areas of your block clean and tidy is the joint responsibility of South Liverpool Homes and tenants living in the apartments. There is information on the communal noticeboards which gives you a record of when we have cleaned the indoor communal areas and maintained the shared gardens.

Utility supply contracts for communal areas

We’ve applied to the First-Tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) for permission to enter into long-term contracts for the supply of gas and electricity to communal areas in some of our buildings — without carrying out the full consultation process usually required under Section 20 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985.

Read more - First-Tier Tribunal Application

Responsibilities

Here's a guide to our responsibilities inside and outside your home and what we expect from you as a tenant.

  • Close-up of a daisy flower in a lawn with a blurred lawnmower in the background, suggesting garden maintenance.

    Outdoor areas: Our responsibilities

    Grass cutting
    We cut all grass areas, front and back, once a month during the growing season of March to October. The areas will be left with a neat and tidy appearance and all litter and debris will be collected and removed prior to cutting. Cut grass will not be collected; it will be left down and used as a natural fertiliser. Paths and walkways will be cleared of all grass cuttings following mowing. 

    Grass edges
    Any growth around the edges of the grass is controlled using brush cutters. The ground will be checked for any debris before work commences. 

    Hedge maintenance
    We trim hedges from March to October, using the appropriate tools to provide a clean and even cut. We follow the contour of the hedge and remove all trimmings once we have completed the works. 

    Pruning shrubs
    Pruning of shrubs is important to keep them healthy and long lasting. We will lightly shape shrubs and remove any dead and diseased wood. Shaping is carried out in late spring, whilst pruning is carried out when required. 

    Weed spraying
    We will spray and control weeds on all communal paths and hard standing once a month, weather permitting.  

    Leaf removal
    Leaves will be removed once a month from all communal gardens and paths during November to February. 

  • Window being cleaned with a brush, water streaming down the glass with greenery visible outside.

    Indoor areas: Our responsibilities

    Floors
    Sweep and wash all floors, including stairs, landing and communal entrance every month 

    Walls
    Clean walls and skirting boards every month 

    Windows
    Clean internal and external windows in the communal areas every three months. This does not include the external windows of individual flats. 

    Repairs
    Report any repairs that need doing in the communal areas and carry out a communal block inspection each month. 

    Fire doors
    Complete monthly inspections of all fire doors in the communal areas.

  • Five wheeled garbage bins—three green and two purple—lined up against a wall beside vegetation.

    What we ask of you

    Inside
    Keep internal communal areas completely clear and report any concerns to us. This includes any personal items such as furniture, plants, mobility scooters, pictures, pushchairs, doormats, bicycles, play equipment, rubbish and shoes. Any obstructions are a fire hazard. 

    Outside
    Keep outdoor areas tidy and free from rubbish. Nothing should be stored in the communal gardens, this includes play equipment. Dog fouling must be removed by the owner immediately, bagged securely, and placed in the communal bin. Any fly tipping and dog fouling will be reported to the relevant Neighbourhood Management Officer for investigation.

    Bins and recycling
    Put your wheelie bins out on the day they are to be collected and put them back in the allotted area once they have been emptied.  

    Use the correct recycling bin for the right type of rubbish. If you have a blue recycling bin, please don’t put household waste in it; this will contaminate the bin and it will not be emptied. 

    Help us help you
    Sticking to the above will allow us to clean your communal areas to a high standard as well as keeping yourself and visitors safe.

     

An individual riding a blue mobility scooter on a pathway outside a brick apartment building.

Mobility scooters in flats and apartments

Mobility scooters help many people to remain independent and stay connected to their communities. We understand how important they are to many of our customers.

However, mobility scooters must not be stored, parked or charged in communal areas such as hallways, landings, corridors, stairwells, entrance areas or shared lounges.

This is because communal areas form part of the building's escape routes. Leaving any item in these areas, including mobility scooters, wheelchairs, bicycles, pushchairs, furniture or personal belongings, could obstruct residents trying to leave the building during an emergency. Mobility scooters and their batteries can also present a fire risk if damaged, faulty or charged incorrectly.

Where should I store my mobility scooter?

Unless a dedicated scooter storage area has been provided at your scheme, your mobility scooter should be stored within your own home, provided this can be done safely and without blocking your exit route in an emergency.

When storing a mobility scooter in your apartment:

  • Keep it away from your front door and ensure it does not block your escape route.
  • Make sure you and anyone living with you can leave the property quickly in an emergency.
  • Store it somewhere stable where it cannot create a trip hazard.
  • Follow the manufacturer's instructions for maintenance, battery care and charging.
  • Regularly check the scooter, battery and charging equipment for signs of damage or wear.
  • Only use the charger supplied or approved by the manufacturer.
  • Charging your mobility scooter safely
If you need to charge your mobility scooter at home
  • Charge it in a well-ventilated area.
  • Never charge it in a communal area.
  • Do not cover the battery or charger while charging.
  • Unplug the charger when charging is complete.
  • Stop using the scooter or charger immediately if you notice overheating, unusual smells, smoke or damage.
  • Make sure your home has working smoke alarms and test them regularly.
Need extra support?

We recognise that storing a mobility scooter safely can sometimes be challenging, particularly in smaller apartments.

If you use a mobility scooter and are concerned about storage arrangements, please contact us. We will work with you to understand your circumstances and discuss any support or reasonable solutions that may be available at your scheme.