The Jersey Homes Trust

t: 01534 750200
e: jht@brunel.je

Rubbish Management and Communal Area Policy

Rubbish

KEEP COMMUNAL AREAS CLEAR – A VITAL SAFETY REMINDER FOR ALL TENANTS

All tenants are reminded that no items of any kind are to be left in corridors, stairwells, and other communal spaces such as around store/shed areas, bin stores and garages, within Jersey Homes Trust properties.

This is not simply a preference, or about how communal areas such as corridors look – it is a matter of safety, and one we take extremely seriously.

Why This Matters

Items such as bikes, buggies, toys, plant pots, furniture, doormats and even rubbish present real dangers when left in shared spaces.

Not only can they block or hinder vital fire escape routes, but they may also prevent emergency services from quickly reaching a fire or a resident in need.

In an emergency, every second counts. A single item could cause someone to trip, obstruct a firefighter’s path, or block a critical escape route.

Worse still, objects stored under stairwells can become fuel for fires – particularly if ignited by something as simple as a discarded cigarette.

Toxic smoke can spread quickly through a building, reducing visibility and putting lives at risk.

Please note: Smoking is strictly prohibited in all communal areas. Discarded cigarettes not only breach this rule but pose a serious fire hazard.

Strictly Enforced Policy

The Fire Service and our insurers are clear: communal areas (including corridors, stairwells, around store/shed areas, bin stores and garages) must be kept completely clear at all times. These rules are ongoing and there are no exceptions.

Any items found in communal areas will be removed by our managers. These will be stored securely for up to two weeks.

  1. A £49.00 charge will apply for the removal of items.
  2. A £99.00 fee will apply if you wish to retrieve your items.

After the two-week period, unclaimed items will be donated to charity or disposed of.

We understand that some tenants may view these rules as restrictive. However, they are based on the guidance of fire safety professionals and our responsibility as landlords to protect the safety of all residents.

These measures are also reflected in your Tenancy Agreement – failing to follow them will put you in breach of that contract.

Why We Charge

The Jersey Homes Trust incurs unavoidable costs when items are left in communal areas and need to be dealt with.

The £49.00 removal fee covers the cost of hiring contractors to safely remove and transport items, and the £99.00 retrieval fee covers the cost of secure storage, administration, and contractor time if you request items to be returned.

We do not profit from these charges – they are in place to recover the direct costs of dealing with breaches of safety rules. As a not-for-profit organisation, we ensure that these costs are not unfairly passed on to all tenants.

Please help us avoid these unnecessary costs by keeping communal areas clear at all times.

In Summary

  • Do not leave any items in corridors, stairwells, or hallways.
  • A £49.00 fee applies for removal of items.
  • A £99.00 fee applies if you wish to retrieve them.
  • Unclaimed items will be disposed of after two weeks.
  • Compliance is required based on Fire Service and insurance requirements
  •  Failure to observe these rules will result in a breach of the conditions of your lease.
  • Your safety – and that of others – depends on compliance.

We thank you for your understanding and support.

Together, we can ensure that your building remains a safe and welcoming place for everyone.

The terms of your tenancy are detailed in the Tenancy Agreement

For more information please see  Living in your home

See also