Caretaking service
The council has a team of caretakers who help keep the entrances and outside areas of blocks of flats clean, tidy, and safe. These places are called "communal areas" because everyone who lives in the blocks can use them. There are two types of caretakers: mobile caretakers and high-rise block caretakers.
Mobile caretakers
This team works on all the low-rise blocks of flats in the city. They try to visit your block every six weeks. They will clean the inside entrances, stairs, and hallways. Outside, they will sweep the drying areas, paths, and bin stores. They will also tell someone if any repairs are needed inside or outside.
High-rise caretakers
Each of the three high-rise blocks has at least one caretaker. They will be at the block every day to make sure it stays clean, safe, and secure. They will clean all the shared areas inside and outside, like lifts, stairs, hallways, parking areas, shed areas, and bin stores. They will also report any repairs needed inside or outside.
Our aim
We want the entrance and outside areas of your block of flats to look nice and make a good first impression. Our goal is to keep these areas in the best condition all the time.
If the areas are communal, do I have any responsibility for their condition?
Even though other people who live in the block and visitors use the communal areas, you all have to keep them clean and tidy as stated in your tenancy agreement. You must not store items like prams, bikes, or mobility scooters in these areas. Leaving things in communal areas is a fire safety risk and stops the area from being cleaned properly. Any items left in communal areas will be removed. In some blocks, only one or two flats use a communal entrance. We do not clean these areas and will only do a safety inspection occasionally.
Can I do anything to help?
You can help to keep your block looking at its best by:
- keeping the area outside your flat clean and free from any litter
- not storing items and rubbish outside your front door
- not laying any carpeting, floor mats or door mats in the communal areas
The caretaking standard
The caretaking team will make sure that after each visit to your block of flats, the communal areas are left in the following condition, which is the minimum standard:
- Lights - all light fittings will work unless there is a problem, which the caretaker will report. All light switches will work and be clean. If there is a problem, the caretaker will report it.
- Floors - all floors will be clean, free of litter and dirt, and left in a sanitary condition.
- Stairs - all steps will be clean, free of litter and dirt, and left in a sanitary condition. Handrails will be clean.
- Ceilings - all ceilings will be free of cobwebs and any light graffiti will be removed. Sometimes, the caretaker might need to order special cleaning or decoration for an affected area.
- Walls - all walls will be free of cobwebs and any light graffiti will be removed. Sometimes, special cleaning or decorating might be needed for an affected area.
- Lifts - all lifts will be clean, free of litter and dirt, and left in a sanitary condition. Any light graffiti will be removed. Floors will be mopped and disinfected.
- Internal and external doors - door surfaces will be clean and free of grease, grime, and marks. Any glass will be clean, safe, and secure.
- Glass will be clean, safe and secure.
- Window frames - the inside surfaces of window frames and sills will be clean and free of litter and dirt.
- Internal and external bin stores - all floors will be clean, free of litter and dirt, and will be mopped and disinfected.
- Drying areas and footpaths - surfaces will be clear of any litter and will be swept or blown clean. Regular spraying will keep them as free from weeds and moss as possible.
- Health and safety - regular health and safety inspections are carried out. The caretaking team will report any repairs needed in communal areas that may make the area unsafe.
Can any extra cleaning be done between planned visits?
Extra cleaning will only be done if an area becomes unsanitary or there is a spill that you cannot easily clean yourself, and it makes the area dangerous for other residents. In such cases, please contact Customer Services on 01522 873333 to arrange for a caretaker to visit.