Keeping communal areas clear and safe
North Northamptonshire Council has introduced a Sterile Area Policy for communal areas in its housing properties.
If this policy affects you, we will write to you directly.
The policy means that shared areas, including corridors, stairwells, landings, lobbies and communal entrances, must be kept clear of personal belongings and other items.
Keeping these areas clear helps reduce the risk of fire and ensures residents can safely leave the building in an emergency.
Legal responsibility
Items left in communal areas can:
- increase the risk of fire
- block escape routes
- make it harder for emergency services to access the building
The Council has a legal responsibility to help ensure escape routes remain clear and safe. Fire safety guidance also recommends that communal areas are kept free from unnecessary items.
Items you must not leave in communal areas
You must not store or leave the following items in communal areas:
- prams, buggies and pushchairs
- mobility scooters
- bicycles and e-bikes
- furniture, shelving and other household items
- rubbish, recycling and refuse sacks
- shoes, boots and clothing
- doormats, plants and decorative items, unless specifically approved following a fire risk assessment
- any other personal belongings that could create a hazard or obstruction
This list is not exhaustive. Any item that presents a fire risk or obstructs access may need to be removed.
Removing items from communal areas
Neighbourhood Housing Officers, Sheltered Scheme Officers and Caretakers will carry out regular inspections. The officer responsible will depend on the type of building or housing scheme.
From 4 January 2027, if an item is found in a communal area, a 24-hour removal notice will be issued.
You will be asked to remove the item within 24 hours. If it is not removed, the Council may remove it and deal with it in accordance with the Torts (Interference with Goods) Act 1977.
Repeated breaches of the policy may result in further tenancy enforcement action.
If you have a disability or mobility need
We understand that some residents may need to store essential equipment because of a disability or mobility issue.
If this applies to you, please contact us. We will discuss your circumstances and work with you to identify a suitable solution wherever possible.
Our aim is to keep communal areas safe while recognising residents' individual needs.
Contact us
If you have questions about the Sterile Area Policy or need to discuss your circumstances, contact the Housing Services Team.
Telephone: 0300 126 3000
Email: [email protected]
Last updated 25 September 2026