Skip to main content

beta This is the improved Camden website. Tell us what you think.

Fire safety in communal areas

Nothing is more important than your safety, which is why we have rules about what can be stored in communal areas such as:

  • staircases and under stairs 
  • corridors 
  • entrances and exits 
  • fire exits 
  • riser cupboards 
  • electrical intake cupboards 
  • lift motor rooms, tank rooms and drying rooms 

Nothing should be left in these areas that could catch fire or block an escape route. 

Items you can store in communal areas 

If you live in a purpose-built block 

You can store the following items in communal areas:  

  • standard doormats - no flammable materials and no carpet underneath 
  • real plants in terracotta, earthenware, or metal pots 
  • a bicycle if it does not block an exit route 
  • small metal garden furniture if it does not block an exit route 

You cannot store:

  • e-bikes, e-scooters and mobility scooters 
  • motorbikes  
  • prams or buggies  
  • bin bags  
  • tools or DIY equipment  
  • chairs or furniture  
  • plastic plant pots  
  • mobility scooters  
  • shoes or shoe racks 

If you need extra storage

If you need extra storage, we’ll work with you to find a solution. This may include an estate shed or garage that can be rented for a small weekly charge.  

You can also contact Veolia to book a large item collection. 

If you live in a street property

You can have a doormat in a communal area but nothing else.  

Reporting an item in a communal area 

Contact your neighbourhood housing officer if you spot anything in your communal areas that could be dangerous. You can also contact our Fire Safety Advisors by: 

Removal of items in communal areas 

If we find an item that should not be in a communal area: 

  1. We will attach a notice to it and write to you 
  2. You will have 7 calendar days to remove it 
  3. If it’s still there after 7 days, your Neighbourhood Housing Officer will try to speak to you before we remove it 
  4. We will not store the item and may dispose of it straight away 

If an item is an immediate fire risk, we will remove it without notice. 

Watch our video on fire safety in communal areas 

You can also:

Fire safety in communal areas policy 

For more information, read our full policy on managing fire safety in communal areas.