Your responsibilities as a Portsmouth Homes tenant

We want to help you understand what you need to do as a Portsmouth Homes tenant to keep your home and shared spaces safe and pleasant for everyone. Here’s what you need to know:

We know it can be frustrating, but if you live in a block of flats we can’t allow anything in communal areas like hallways or stairways – it’s about keeping everyone safe in an emergency. We are required by government legislation and fire service guidance to keep communal areas in blocks of flats clear. This means:

• No bikes, pushchairs, mobility scooters etc
• No furniture or decorations
• No shoes or doormats
• No charging of e-bikes or e-scooters
• No attaching items to your front door, as it is a fire door

We now operate a zero-tolerance approach to items in communal areas, so please visit the keeping communal areas clear page for more information.

We regularly check fire safety equipment in your building. However, you can help keep everyone safe by telling us about any damage to fire alarms or safety equipment you notice. The sooner you let us know, the sooner we can sort it. Tap the link below to find out who you need to contact for which type of equipment.

Find out more about fire safety.

Dealing with rubbish properly helps keep pests away and makes your homes and shared spaces nicer for everyone:

• Put your rubbish bags in the right bins, not outside your door.
• Take bulky items to the recycling centre or pay for a collection. You also get one free collection a year – call or email us to find out more.
• Don’t put dangerous items like batteries or electrical items in normal bins.

Learn more about how to get rid of your waste properly.

If you have your own garden:

• Keep it tidy
• Trim hedges and trees so they’re safe

Can’t manage your garden due to age or health? You might be able to get help.

• Feel free to let kids play, but please tidy up toys afterwards
• Do not store items in these items
• Keep an eye on your pets and clean up after them

Let us know if:

• Something needs fixing
• You spot anything unsafe
• You’re worried about a neighbour
• You need extra support with anything

Want to help make your area better? You can:

• Join our estate walkabouts
• Have your say in our focus groups
• Help out in community gardens
• Tell us your ideas for improvements

You may need to pay if:

• Rubbish is left in the wrong place (£10)
• We have to remove things from communal areas
• There’s damage to shared spaces

For more information, please contact us at 023 9268 8444 or housing.depot@portsmouthcc.gov.uk