Fire safety
Please let us know straight away if you have any concerns about fire safety in your home or local environment.
In an emergency, always call 999.
Preventing fires in your building
Communal areas
Please do not keep any items in communal areas, including baby buggies, bikes or scooters. These areas need to be kept clear so that people can leave the building easily and emergency services can gain access.
Communal fire doors
We carry out regular Fire Risk Assessments in our buildings, including checking communal fire doors which help to stop the spread of fire and smoke. Fire doors stop fire and smoke spreading for at least 30 minutes. Any apartment that opens onto a communal area must have a fire-rated front door.
> How fire doors keep you safe
Smoke and heat detectors
We install and maintain smoke and heat detectors in our rented homes. Please allow access to our staff and contractors who need to service or maintain fire equipment, such as smoke detectors. If you own your home, maintaining detectors and fire equipment is your responsibility.
Balconies
Please don't use your balcony to store combustible items, such as furniture or white goods, or put up screens or fencing. Remember that smoking on your balcony can be dangerous and that barbecues are not allowed.
Front doors
If you live in a flat, please ensure that your front door has a self-closing device which works correctly - please tell us if you think your front door is damaged. You can read about fire doors here.
> Read more about Keeping your home safe
E-bikes and e-scooters
Fire incidents involving e-bikes and e-scooters are increasing. Here are some tips to help keep safe:
- Don’t store e-bikes or e-scooters near the entrance to your home or anywhere near an escape route.
- If you have a shed or garage please keep your e-bike or e-scooter there.
- Your battery and charger must meet UK safety standards and you should only buy these from a reputable seller. Don’t modify your battery or charger in any way – always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Unplug the charger as soon as your e-bike or e-scooter is charged. Don’t leave them charging overnight.
- Make sure there’s a smoke alarm in the area where you charge your e-bike or e-scooter and test it regularly.
Issues with electrical equipment and appliances can be a common cause of fire. Please read more about electrical safety here.