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An update on communal areas
We have heard from many of you at our SFA roadshows and we know families wish to be able enjoy communal spaces and gardens to the front of their properties. In many cases, these areas provide a valuable space for garden furniture and play equipment.
We have a duty to ensure that communal areas are safe, but we also want to see a common-sense approach that balances safety and convenience for families.
The SFA Consumer Charter announced in April sets out our commitment to empower families and to enable you to take decisions about your home.
For the safety and enjoyment of all, please note the following advice regarding the use of outdoor communal spaces:
- Families are encouraged to use and to enjoy gardens and communal areas.
- Communal areas can be used for families to gather and socialise, provided this does not disturb other neighbours.
- Families have the choice to use items (such as garden furniture) in external communal areas. If families wish for our teams to carry out ground maintenance, we kindly request items are removed when not in use (as they will need access to a clear area to carry out the work). However, if families find enjoyment and pride in maintaining the area themselves, they are welcome to keep their items out.
- Please talk to your Housing Officer regarding larger items that are fixed and cannot be easily removed such as trampolines, swing sets, bike stores etc that you wish to place in communal areas.
- Items that pose an immediate health and safety risk to others such as rope swings, and tree houses may be removed without notice to ensure the safety of all.
Safety in flats or apartments: Indoor communal areas that are thoroughfares and lead to fire escapes (e.g. stairwells and hallways) should be kept clear of personal items such as bikes, as they could pose a hazard in the event of fire. Items stored in fire escapes may be removed without notice.
For any queries related to the use of communal space or to find your local housing officer, please contact the Pinnacle helpdesk.
Changes to the ORS SFA Customer Experience Survey
Opinions Research Services (ORS) have been commissioned to conduct monthly surveys on behalf of DIO. The telephone surveys, which are answered by Service Personnel and their families, give DIO a better understanding of the views and experiences of people living in UK SFA.
Respondents are chosen randomly each month, and it can be completed by the Service Person or their partner. Anonymised results are sent to DIO on a monthly basis and offer invaluable insights that can shape decisions that seek to improve the experiences of those residing in SFA.
From 1 July 2025, the survey question set is being updated to better align with the nationally recognised Tenant Satisfaction Measures, making it easier to compare the level of service provided in SFA against sector-wide housing standards. While new themes have been incorporated, many questions remain unchanged, and the survey still includes questions that are specifically tailored to capturing the unique nature of Service life.
DIO is committed to using the insights gained from this survey to accelerate continuous improvement, and we look forward to sharing key findings and planned actions, directly informed by your feedback.