Neighbours' items in communal areas: how to raise it
Updated: 4 days ago
A pushchair by the stairs, a bike against the landing wall, boxes and shoes in the shared hallway. Items in communal areas can seem harmless, until you squeeze past with shopping bags or think about how you would get out in a fire. In this article, you’ll find out why things end up in shared spaces, how to raise it calmly, which rules apply and what you can do if nothing changes.
Why do neighbours leave things in the hallway?
Usually it comes down to lack of space. Flats often have little storage, the bike store is full or far away, and the pushchair does not fit in the lift. Others see the landing as an extension of their home.
What neighbours often do not realise is that the hallway is also an escape route. A few things by their door can be a real obstacle for someone using a walking frame or wheelchair.
Start by showing understanding
Assume your neighbours simply have not thought about it. Begin with your own experience, not with a rule. For example:
"I know space is tight, it is for us too. But I sometimes struggle to get past with the shopping, and it made me think about what would happen if there were a fire. Could we look together at whether there's another way?"
Small, specific things to ask for
Do not ask for everything to go at once. For example:
Keep a clear walkway. Ask whether things could be placed so that there is plenty of room to pass.
Big items in storage. Bikes, boxes and furniture usually belong in a bike store, storage cupboard or the flat itself.
Nothing by the stairs or fire doors. That is exactly where people need to get through quickly in an emergency.
No e-bikes, e-scooters or flammable items. Lithium-ion batteries, cardboard and old newspapers are a real fire risk in a corridor.
Look for a solution together. Ask the landlord together whether there is space for pushchairs or mobility scooters.
Pick one or two points and agree to check in again in a few weeks.
What are the rules?
In England and Wales, the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 applies to the common parts of blocks of flats, such as corridors, landings and stairwells. The "responsible person", usually the landlord, freeholder or managing agent, must carry out a fire risk assessment and keep escape routes clear of obstructions and things that could burn. They may choose a "zero tolerance" approach, where nothing may be left in common areas, or "managed use", where some items are allowed under conditions. Scotland and Northern Ireland have their own fire safety laws with similar aims.
Many tenancy agreements and leases also say that residents must not store items or cause obstructions in communal areas. This is general information, not legal advice. To find out what applies in your building, ask your landlord, managing agent or residents' association, or contact Citizens Advice.
Keep a simple log
Are the things still there? Keep a note for a few weeks of what you see. Write down the date, the time, what was there and what the effect was, for example that you could not get past with a pushchair or that a fire door was blocked. Keep it factual. Do not photograph your neighbours or their front door, and do not post accusations in a group chat.
Important: do not move your neighbours' belongings yourself. Leave that to the landlord or managing agent.
In practice
Communal fires happen. London Fire Brigade warns that items left in communal areas can fuel a fire and block escape routes. Its guidance names e-bikes, prams, mobility scooters, furniture and rubbish as common problem items, and asks residents not to obstruct escape routes and to get the landlord's approval before storing anything in common areas (source).
A hallway fire with people upstairs. In May 2025, a converted e-bike caught fire in the ground floor entrance hall of a block of flats in Perivale, west London. Firefighters rescued five people from a first floor flat, and the brigade said the bike stored in the hallway would have impeded people's escape (source). The lesson: a calm conversation about one bike in the hallway can matter more than it seems.
If talking does not help
A second message. Repeat your request calmly and mention a few moments from your log.
Landlord, housing association or managing agent. They are responsible for the common parts and can remind residents of the rules.
Community mediation. If the atmosphere is tense, a mediator can help.
The fire and rescue service. If escape routes stay blocked and the responsible person does nothing, you can ask your local fire and rescue service for advice. In an emergency, such as a fire, call 999.
A calm first message
The CalmNotes pack for belongings in the way gives you editable example messages to raise it kindly, follow-up messages if nothing changes and a log template to keep track of what you see. You can find more practical packs in our English packs for the UK.
Choose a suitable next step
Free incident diary — Record incidents, contact and agreements.
Prepare your records and request for help — Organise your information and prepare a request for help.
Find support — Find out who may be able to help with your situation.
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