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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.
