Your safety is our priority. If you live in a flat or apartment, please help us keep shared areas safe, clean and welcoming for everyone.
Keep escape routes clear
Corridors, stairwells and walkways may be needed as escape routes in an emergency. They must remain clear at all times.
- Do not leave shoes, mats, cleaning items, garden tools or other belongings outside your front door.
- Do not store bicycles, prams or mobility scooters in shared hallways or communal areas.
- Never leave boxes, furniture or decorations in stairwells or communal walkways.
- Keep fire doors closed and never wedge them open.
In a fire
Get out, stay out and call 999. Follow the fire action notice and evacuation guidance for your building.
Smoke alarms
Test the smoke alarms inside your home every month to make sure they are working properly.
Never cover or remove a smoke alarm. Please contact MSV if you are concerned that an alarm is not working.
Help keep the building secure
- Do not let strangers follow you into the building.
- Make sure communal entrance doors close firmly behind you.
- Never prop open communal entrance doors. Keeping them secure helps prevent unauthorised access and reduces the risk of arson.
Balconies and railings
- Do not hang plant pots, troughs or decorations over, or attach them to, balcony railings.
- Do not hang washing lines, laundry or clothes from balconies or railings.
- Do not use barbecues or patio heaters on balconies.
- Smoking is prohibited in all communal areas, including balconies.
Waste and bin stores
- Put household waste securely inside the communal bins and close the lid.
- Never leave rubbish bags or old furniture in corridors, communal gardens or on the floor of the bin store.
- If the bins are full, take your waste back inside your home until there is space or until collection day.
- Take bulky waste to your local household waste recycling centre. Bin stores are not for furniture or large household items.
Loose rubbish can attract rats and mice and create a serious health hazard.
Items that can catch fire
Many everyday items can catch fire easily and produce toxic smoke.
- Never store petrol, gas cylinders or motorised vehicles inside the building.
- Charge e-bikes and e-scooters safely inside your home, away from your main exit.
- Never charge e-bikes, e-scooters or other electrical items in communal areas.
Flatten delivery boxes and place them straight into the correct recycling bin.
Report a communal safety concern
If you spot a safety issue in a communal area, please report it to MSV:
- Call 0161 226 4211
- Email enquiry@msvhousing.co.uk
- Register for or sign in to your My MSV Account to report it online
You can also download our Communal Safety leaflet for a printable version of this guidance.
