Displaying flags and symbols
We know that flags and symbols can be a meaningful way for people to express who they are. Over the past year, we’ve seen more flags displayed in our communities, which has led to some concerns and questions.
To help everyone feel safe and respected, we want to be clear about what is and isn’t allowed on our properties.
What can you do
You’re welcome to display flags and symbols in some areas, as long as they’re safely attached and respectful of others and the wider community.
You can display flags:
Inside your home – such as behind a window, providing they:
- follow government guidance
- do not include offensive or inflammatory content
- do not break any planning restrictions
On private balconies or windows, if they:
- follow government guidance
- do not include offensive or inflammatory content
- are securely fixed and not at risk of falling
- do not cause damage to the building
- do not break fire safety guidance or planning restrictions or any terms of your tenancy
- do not breach lease or freeholder terms
On existing flagpoles or fittings that are part of the building, as long as they:
- follow government guidance
- do not display offensive or inflammatory content.
Installing items like flagpoles may be considered a structural change and could need permission.
If we receive a complaint about a flag that breaks any of these rules, we’ll get in touch with the resident to resolve it directly. If the issue continues, it may be dealt with under our neighbour or antisocial behaviour policies.
What’s not allowed
To keep shared areas safe and inclusive, there are some places where flags or symbols can never be displayed.
Please don’t place flags:
- in shared internal or external areas such as corridors, stairwells or communal balconies
- on lampposts, railings or other public fixtures
- in places where they pose a fire, safety or access risk
- where they may create division or cause distress in the community.
Graffiti is not permitted on Clarion-owned buildings or land. Offensive graffiti will be removed within 24 hours and any other graffiti will be removed within 28 days.
If your community is interested in creating a permanent mural (for example, a flag or artwork painted on a wall), we’re happy to support that conversation. We’ll work with Clarion Futures to explore how this could be done in a way that reflects the community and is sustainable for the long term.
Keeping everyone safe
We understand that some of these issues can feel personal. That’s why we aim to handle them with care and understanding.
Here’s what to expect from us:
- Our staff will not remove flags from residents’ homes but we will ask for you to remove them if they could be considered offensive or threatening.
- If a flag is displayed in a communal space, we’ll contact the relevant residents to resolve the issue.
Our teams will look to ensure all our homes and communities are safe places to live, and will ask for items to be removed if needed. We expect customers to treat those teams with respect whilst they carry out these duties.
We do not tolerate any act of aggression or abuse towards our colleagues dealing with this and will take appropriate tenancy action if needed.
Need support?
If you’re unsure about anything or want to talk to us about displaying a flag or symbol in your community, we’re here to help.
Please get in touch with your neighbourhood response officer or contact us.
Together, we can make sure our communities remain respectful, inclusive, and safe for everyone.