Home safety

Exit routes and communal areas must be kept clear of rubbish, storage and personal items at all times. If there’s a fire or other emergency, you’ll need to get out quickly and safely. Rubbish is also a fire hazard.

Please don’t install fixed play equipment such as trampolines, slides and swings in communal gardens, as we’re legally responsible for the safety of all equipment in communal areas.

Please put away all garden furniture (chairs, tables and loungers) not provided by us after use, as we’re legally responsible for the safety of all equipment in communal areas. Ensure paddling pools are emptied and put away after use due to the risk of drowning.

If you hire a bouncy castle, you’re responsible for its safety.

• Ensure it is a safe size for the space and away from hazards people could fall on.
• Ensure the bouncy castle is put up according to its safety instructions.
• Be careful that power cables don’t cause a trip hazard.
• Don’t cover generator vents – they could overheat and cause a fire.
• Supervise activity at all times and never leave an inflated bouncy castle unsupervised.
• Consider buying public liability insurance in case of injury claims.

Buildings often have flat roof areas that may look like they can be used as an extra outside space. However, flat roofs can be extremely dangerous. 

It’s strictly forbidden to use flat roofs on our buildings. 

Flat roof areas are not designed or maintained for use, unlike balconies or terraces. This is because they come with lots of fatal risks, such as falling from or through one. They must not be used for any activity, including:

• outdoor eating or barbecues
• exercise
• smoking, socialising, or sunbathing
• storage, gardening, or drying laundry.

If flat roofs are being used, we may remove items or take appropriate tenancy action. 

Balconies and roof terraces

Designated balconies and roof terraces are different to flat roofs because they have:

• floors built to withstand the weight and wear of use as an outside area
• railings or edge protection that is at least 1.1m high, to prevent falls
• safe access from a door or walkway (access should never be available by a ladder or window).

Flat roofs

In comparison to balconies and terraces, flat roofs are:

• not designed or built to withstand access
• not required to have edge protection – and no minimum height where there is one
• unlikely to have a door, but may be accessible by window, ladder, scaffolding, or over a wall
• easily damaged by stored items or planters - which can cause damage or leaks to homes below.

Contact us about flat roofs

If you need to report any damage to a flat roof, or have concerns that vulnerable people (such as young children) can access them, please contact us.

You can speak to your building safety manager, phone our customer services team on 0300 500 8000, or contact us online.

The tap water in your home should be clear and odourless. If it is discoloured or has an unusual smell, and you think the issue is affecting other homes too, please contact your water company.

You can find out who your supplier is by using the Water UK website. 

Legionnaires’ disease  

Legionnaires’ disease is caused by Legionella, a water-borne bacteria, which can grow in stored and stagnant water.

Breathing in water droplets that contains the bacteria can result in getting Legionnaires’ disease. This is uncommon, but it can be very serious. You can find information about symptoms on the NHS website.  

How to prevent Legionnaires’ disease  

You can reduce the growth of bacteria and prevent illness by following these simple steps:

Keep the water flowing:

Use all the taps in your home at least once a week. If your home has been empty for several days, run your taps and showers for 2-5 minutes to flush them out.

De-scale taps and showers:

• Clean taps and showerheads regularly to reduce limescale build up.
• Every 3 months (or sooner if there is visible build up) de-scale your taps and showers. You can do this by tying a bag filled with white vinegar to the tap or using a de-scaling solution. Follow the instructions on the bottle.

Set your hot water to the correct temperature:

• Legionella bacteria grows between 20°C and 50°C.
• Where possible, set your water cylinder or combi boiler to a minimum of 60°C. 

Report any concerns:

• If your water is not heating or cooling properly, your taps have a drop in water flow, or there is unexpected debris in your water, please contact us.