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High-rise tenants reminded of responsibilities when using drying areas and communal spaces

Aberdeen City Council is reminding tenants living in high-rise properties of their responsibilities when using drying areas and communal spaces.

Residents are reminded that it is a condition of their tenancy agreement not to store items belonging to them or visitors in these areas. Doing so can present potential health and safety risks and possible serious fire hazards. Drying rooms should be kept secure at all times and anyone with concerns about the misuse of drying rooms is asked to contact the council’s housing department immediately.

Aberdeen City Council Head of Housing and Community Safety, Donald Urquhart said: “It is a tenant’s responsibility not to do anything which causes inconvenience or danger to those living around them and I would remind residents of the need to keep communal areas clear at all times.”

Grampian Fire and Rescue Service Station Manager, Mike Cordiner, of the risk reduction department, added: “You’re not at any more risk from fire because you stay in a high-rise flat. High-rise flats are built to be fireproof. Doors, walls and ceilings will hold back flames and smoke. Most fires don’t spread further than one or two rooms. If a fire starts in someone else’s flat or in the communal areas of the building, call the fire service but remain within your own home unless you’re affected by the heat or smoke.

“It can more dangerous to leave the safety of your flat to try and evacuate through a smoke filled area. There is smoke detection within most multi-storey communal areas and it will immediately set off the alarm and alert the Fire Service. Please help reduce the risk of fires within your building by keeping communal areas free of flammable items, keep drying rooms locked and don’t use them as storage areas.”

High-rise tenants are also reminded that they are entitled to have two items per household uplifted annually free of charge and this can be arranged by contacting the council’s environmental section on 0845 6005333. Any tenant who does not use this service and continues to leave items in communal areas could find their item is removed and the tenant charged for the uplift.

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