Communal Spaces
Communal Spaces
In this section, you'll find information on our communal spaces maintained by Flint Housing and external estate and block managers, including responsibilities, cleaning, maintenance, safety, and how to report any issues.
What are communal areas?
Communal areas are shared spaces that all residents can use. These may include:
- Entrance halls and lobbies
- Corridors and stairwells
- Lifts
- Shared bin and recycling areas
- Communal gardens, courtyards, and play areas
- Bike storage
- Shared parking areas (where applicable)
Responsibility for Communal areas depends on ownership
Responsibility for communal areas depends on whether we are the freeholder of the land or block, whether we own the block internals (but not externals) or hold individual flat leases.
If we own the land, we appoint Pinnacle or another estate manager to maintain communal gardens, paths, courtyards, shared parking areas, boundary walls, fencing, and external lighting. If we own the freehold of the building, we will appoint Pinnacle or a block manager to maintain and ensure safety of all communal areas within the block. If we do not own the land, we will work with the land owners' appointed managing agent to ensure external communal areas are appropriately maintained.
In such cases, the freeholder's managing agent is usually responsible for maintaining the structure and fire safety elements of the block. Pinnacle or another appointed block manager will manage internal communal areas and work closely with the freeholders' agent to ensure building safety standards are met and help raise issues with the freeholder where needed.
In such cases, the freeholder's managing agent will be responsible for maintaining the structure and all internal communal areas. Pinnacle will work closely with the freeholders' agent to ensure building safety and communal area standards are met and help raise issues with the freeholder where needed.
Cleaning of Communal Areas
If we own the building, Pinnacle or another block manager, on our behalf, will arrange regular cleaning of internal communal areas. Cleaning services typically include sweeping, mopping, cleaning handrails and communal touchpoints, lift lobbies, bin stores and communal windows. The frequency is reviewed regularly.
If you notice an area that needs attention between scheduled cleans, please contact Pinnacle:
Email: flinthousing@pinnaclegroup.co.uk
Call: +44 (0) 808 196 8275
Communal Maintenance and Repairs
Flint Housing or the freeholders' managing agent will be responsible for maintaining communal areas, including lighting, doors, entry systems, lifts and mechanical equipment, flooring, walls, ceilings, and communal heating or ventilation systems where installed. Planned maintenance is carried out to prevent problems.
Fire safety in communal areas
Communal areas are managed in line with fire safety legislation. The block manager will carry out regular fire risk assessments, maintain fire doors, emergency lighting and signage, test fire alarms, and keep escape routes clear and well lit.
What can residents do?
To help keep everyone safe, residents must:
- Keep communal areas clear of personal items (bikes, furniture, prams, or rubbish)
- Always pick up any deliveries straight away
- Never wedge fire doors open
- Never smoke inside the building
- Never charge e-bike batteries inside the building
- Report damaged fire doors, missing signage, or faulty lighting immediately
Communal areas are shared escape routes and must always be kept clear.
Reporting issues
If you notice a problem in a communal area — damage, poor lighting, cleanliness issues, or safety concerns — please report it to Pinnacle as soon as possible:
Email: flinthousing@pinnaclegroup.co.uk
Call: +44 (0) 808 196 8275
Working together
Looking after communal spaces is a shared responsibility. By working together, we can keep these areas safe, welcoming, and well maintained for everyone who lives here.
If you have any questions about communal areas or your responsibilities as a resident, please contact Pinnacle at flinthousing@pinnaclegroup.co.uk or on +44 (0) 808 196 8275.