Living in flats
If you live in a flat, bedsit or maisonette you need to treat your neighbours with special consideration and respect, and to look after common areas.
Your questions answered
Who is responsible for cleaning the communal areas?
Cleaning landings, stairs and hallways is carried out by Estate Cleaners. They have clear instructions on what to clean and how often. See Common areas. If there is a problem contact your Neighbourhood Office.
Who is responsible for maintenance of common areas or communal gardens?
We are responsible for maintaining any communal areas, gardens and play areas we own. This includes grass cutting and maintaining fences, paths and drying areas, and also servicing entry phones and lifts. Any repairs or misuse should be reported in the normal way to the Housing Contact Centre. You are responsible for helping us look after these areas and keeping them pleasant.
Who is responsible for television aerials and satellite dishes?
In a few blocks of flats we have provided a communal television aerial. If you have difficulties with your television in these blocks check with a neighbour to see whether they are also having problems. It may just be your own television. If other tenants have the same problem, report it as a normal repair by contacting the Housing Contact Centre. If you want to put up a TV aerial or satellite dish you must first get our permission in writing.
What can be done about noise in flats?
Noise can easily be heard between floors and walls in blocks of flats. Neighbours in flats are expected to show particular consideration and respect for each other. See Respecting your neighbours and Noise and nuisance.
Respecting your neighbours
- Keep the volume of sound from stereos, radios and televisions at reasonable levels.
- Do not allow anything to be thrown or dropped from balconies, windows, landings or corridors.
- Children must not play on common staircases or landings.
- Pets must not be kept, or allowed to wander, on common staircases or landings.
- Maintain the security of the building by using the door entry system properly.
Health and Safety
- Landings. Landings and stairs must be kept clear. Don't put up a security gate or leave anything outside your flat or in a common area, eg prams, bicycles, or plants.
- Flammable fuels. You must not use bottled paraffin or other flammable material for any heaters, cookers etc in flats.
- Vermin. Do not leave out food or waste where it can encourage pigeons, mice or cockroaches.
Common areas
- Cleaning. This is carried out by Hackney Homes Estate Cleaners. They also carry out other tasks such as replacing light bulbs on landings and checking for any dangers. Regular checks are made to make sure the cleaning is being done properly.
- Rubbish disposal. Refuse chutes and common bins are provided in most blocks. Do not put cardboard boxes down refuse chutes. You should wrap up sharp, wet or rotting objects to prevent damage or blockages.
- Repairs. Repairs or problems with lighting in the common areas of a block should be reported to the Housing Contact Centre. See Useful contacts.
- Fire doors. These must be kept closed at all times. Never wedge them open for any reason.
- Graffiti. Contact us immediately to remove it.
