Torts notices
Keeping communal areas clear is essential for everyone's health and safety. As a landlord we have a legal duty to make sure all fire escapes and fire routes are always kept clear, this includes both internal communal spaces and external grounds.
To help us keep you safe from harm, communal areas such as hallways, paths, gardens, landings and stairs must not be used for storing personal belongings. We regularly check both internal and external communal areas to make sure they are kept clear.
Keeping communal areas accessible is important because:
- It ensures Safe Evacuation: Clear access routes are essential for quick and safe evacuations during emergencies like fires.
- Helps to Prevent Injuries: Items left in communal spaces can block pathways and create trip hazards.
- Provides Emergency Access: Ensuring emergency services can access areas when needed.
- Aids Fire Safety: Preventing the spread of smoke and fire, or accidental fires from items like faulty e-bike or scooter batteries.
- Allows access for maintenance and cleaning: Enables maintenance staff to perform repairs and cleaning, reducing the risk of accidents from neglected upkeep.
Accessibility for all residents
We maintain a full overview of the safety of our buildings and customers. If your ability to evacuate a building may be compromised (for example, due to reduced mobility or understanding), please let us know so we can develop a Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan (PEEP) and work with the emergency services to get you to safety in an emergency.
Frequently asked questions
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What is a Torts Notice?
A Torts notice is issued under the Torts (Interference with Goods) Act 1977 and is a legal document that informs the owner of items that they must collect their belongings within a specified time frame, we attach the notice to items left in communal areas.
The notice will inform owners of left property that their items will be removed after a specified period, usually seven days. The Torts (Interference with Goods) Act 1977 allows landlords to dispose of goods if reasonable efforts to trace the owner fail.
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What happens when I receive a Torts notice?
When you receive a Torts notice, it means you have been formally notified to remove your personal items from communal areas within a specified timeframe.
Here’s what you need to do:
Read the notice carefully: The notice will detail which items need to be removed and the deadline for doing so, which is typically within seven days.
Take action and remove your Items: Collect and remove the specified items from the communal areas before the deadline. You can either store the items within your home or dispose of them in a responsible way.
There is further information below on how you can dispose of items you no longer want.
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How do the Thrive Homes Estates team deal with items left in communal spaces?
If we find any hazards in these areas, we will first try to identify and contact the owner to request they remove the items.
If we don’t know who left the item, a warning card will be put on the item and Torts notices will be posted to all resident's in the block requesting removal within 7 days.
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If I no longer want my items, how do I dispose of them?
Bulky items should not be put in bin stores, if you have large items that you no longer want you can explore the options below for disposal:
- Check Local Council Guidelines: Visit your local council’s website for information on disposing of large items. Many councils offer collection services for bulky waste.
- Recycling Centres: Take items to a nearby recycling centre. They often accept a wide range of materials, including furniture and garden equipment.
- Charity Donations: Consider donating usable items to local charities or second-hand shops. Many organizations will collect items directly from your home.
- Online Marketplaces: Sell or give away items on platforms like Gumtree, Nextdoor, or Facebook Marketplace. This can be a quick way to find new homes for your belongings.
- Hire a Disposal Service: If you have a several items, you might want to hire a professional disposal service. Ensure they are licensed to handle waste.
By following these steps, residents can responsibly and efficiently clear the communal areas. If you need further assistance, please contact the Customer Relations team.
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Can my Local Authority help me dispose of unwanted items?
Many local council authorities provide services for additional or bulky waste removal, there may be a charge for this so check with your local council authority.
Hertfordshire County Council Recycling centres
Central Bedfordshire Council Recycling centres
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How do I report fly tipping?
Fly tipping is the illegal dumping of waste on land or in water without permission and is a serious offense because it can harm the environment and pose health risks by obstructing pathways and access routes which makes it dangerous for residents and emergency services. It also create unsightly areas in our communities.
Fly tipping can include household items like mattresses and fridges, construction debris, garden waste, and other types of rubbish.
Local authorities and the Environment Agency have the power to investigate and prosecute those responsible for fly-tipping, with penalties including fines and imprisonment.
If you know of a neighbour who is regularly fly-tipping in or around your building, please speak to us confidentially. It's helpful if you can share any evidence such as photos. Please note that removal services are chargeable and without evidence we would be unable to recharge the individual.
Customers are responsible for getting rid of items they no longer want such as beds, sofas and white goods. Thrive do not offer a clearance service and any items left in communal areas, including next to bins, is considered fly-tipping which is a criminal offence.
If you have excess waste or items that cannot be disposed of in your bin, your local authority may offer a paid for service to collect it.
You can find more information on ways to look after your shared bin store and chutes here.
To report an issue on private land or a public space, contact your local authority at: Find your local council - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) -
Why are we unable to leave our property in the communal area?
Storing personal items in communal spaces is a problem for a number of health & safety reasons, for example fire and smoke risks and evacuating safely in an emergency.
Our priority is to keep our customer safe and we ask for your help to keep communal areas free form clutter for everyone's benefit and safety.
In the past it has been reported that residents have been unable to fully access their homes because of private property being left there.
Following conversations with our insurers, they have advised us that if an incident were to occur as a result of the use of items belonging to customers, it is not covered by our insurance policy.
Contact us if needed: If you have any questions or need assistance, contact us in the usual way.
Understand the Consequences: If the items are not removed by the date shown, we will arrange for their disposal in line with our policy, and you may be charged for the removal.
Additionally, we may take enforcement action under the terms of your tenancy or lease.
Receiving a Torts notice is a serious matter, but by acting promptly, you can avoid any further issues.
Stay Alert! Please report any hazards or immediate health and safety concerns to our Building Safety Team by emailing fire@thrivehomes.org.uk