Balcony safety policy feedback

Balconies on a block of flats

In April 2023 we consulted with residents on a planned Balcony Safety Policy. The policy would aim to address fire and safety risks for everyone’s benefit, however we also wanted tenants views on our approach to smoking on balconies.

We sent out emails to all tenants whose homes have a balcony. This totalled 214 properties. We asked these residents to share what they thought the new policy should enforce.

Of the 40 respondents

  • 50% said smoking should not be allowed on any balcony at all
  • 40% said smoking should not be allowed on a balcony if it causes a nuisance to other residents
  • 10% said smoking should not be allowed on a balcony which is adjacent to or directly above or below another home.

From feedback, we noticed that many residents asked for limitations in place, such as requiring residents who smoke to use an ash tray so cigarettes are not disposed in the below balconies, gardens, or communal areas.

As there is a close split between not allowing smoking at all, and not allowing smoking if it causes a nuisance to other residents, we will be going out to consult again on the police. Residents can vote on whether we should ban smoking on balconies or not.

We will be sending out an email and a letter soon.

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