Balcony Safety Policy

Introduction

This policy applies to all properties owned Bassetlaw District Council (BDC) that have a balcony and / or walkways.

This policy outlines the safe use of balconies and / or walkways. For the purpose of this policy the definition of balconies includes individual balconies, Juliet balconies and communal walkways with individual flat entrance doors directly off them.

Aim

The aim of this policy is to ensure

Safe use of balconies and / or walkways
Fire risk management on balconies and / or walkways.

This policy provides a framework for how balconies and / or walkways will be managed and what is expected of residents.

The policy also sets out how and when balconies and / or walkways will be inspection, including the frequency of these inspections.

Scope, Definitions, & Legislation

The legislation that applies to this policy are:

Fire Safety Act 2022
Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005
The Housing Act 2004
Anti-Social Behaviour Crime and Policing Act 2014
Building Safety Act 2023

Tenants’ Obligations

In line with the Tenancy Agreement tenants must keep their home, including its fixture and fittings, clean and in good condition.

To ensure balcony safety tenants are obliged to regularly check the surfaces, flooring, glass, and railings of their balcony, to make sure they are safe and not in need of repair.

It is the responsibility of the tenant to report any defects so they can be repaired within a timescale relative to any Health and Safety considerations.

When letting a property with a balcony, the Council will ensure that the door to the balcony is lockable and that two keys are provided. A restrictor will be installed to the window if it is not present as part of the original design.

It is the responsibility of the tenant to ensure that the door is kept locked, or a window restrictor is engaged if there are small children in the property.

It is important to keep balcony and / or walkway decking clean to remove algae or dead leaves which could make the balcony and / or walkway surface slippery. It is the responsibility of the tenant to do this, as part of their ongoing household maintenance.

If the balcony and / or walkways is shared and serves as a fire escape for other flats, the tenant is responsible for keeping it clear and free from obstruction. Personal items and rubbish must not be left or stored in in these areas.

Tenants must not do the following.

Store items on the balcony – permissible items are a fire-resistant table or chairs.
Try to clean the outer face of the balcony’s window glass by reaching over.
Fix additional timber or combustible screening or flooring on the balcony (this includes artificial grass or similar)
Allow anyone to climb or lean over the balcony or leave children unattended on the balcony.
Force anything in-between or connect anything to the railings.
Use the balcony as a barbeque area or use any other appliance that emits a naked flame or intense heat.
Allow pets to foul on the balcony.

Fire Risk Management

Balcony fires can happen any time however, they are more common during the summer months. There are steps that can be taken to minimise the risk.

Tenants must keep their balcony clear at all times of flammable and dangerous items including:

Gas canisters, barbecues, and patio heaters
Glass bottles or mirrors
Paints, oils, or paint thinners
Upholstered furniture, wood, plastic, or combustible materials
Balcony covers including artificial grass.

Residents or their guests should not smoke on a balcony if this causes nuisance to other residents. Smokers can stay safe on their balconies by putting out cigarettes completely and disposing of them carefully. Ashtrays must not be left on the balcony. Cigarettes or cigarette butts must not be thrown over a balcony.

The Council’s Responsibilities

The Council is responsible for repairing and maintaining the structure and outsides of its properties. This includes shared areas such as walkways.

The Council and / or its representative will inspect balconies and /or walkways every 3 years to ensure they are safe to use.

If any items that should not be stored on an individual balcony and / or walkway are identified the Council will provide written notice to the owner(s) of the item(s) to allow them to be removed within seven days. If items are not removed within the required timescale the Council will remove them and recharge the tenant.

If any items are stored or left on a shared balcony and / or walkway, the Council may remove anything without notice to the tenant and recharge them for the cost of removal and disposal.

Consultation, Communication, & Training

The Council will provide clear and comprehensive advice and information to residents, with an aim for a single point of contact, being the Neighbourhood Housing Officer and / or the Compliance Manager.

All residents with a balcony and / or shared walkway will be consulted on any changes to this policy.

Monitoring & Performance Management

We aim to review this policy annually to ensure it reflects current legislation and latest examples of best practice.

Overall monitoring and review of this policy will be undertaken annually in consultation with staff and other relevant partners and stakeholders.

Equalities Implications

In producing this document an Equality Impact Assessment Screening (EIA) has been carried out.

An EIA is a way of assessing the impact, or likely impact, that a particular policy, procedure, or decision will have on particular groups. This is used to assess whether in making the decision whether the Council has complied with its public sector equality duty under S149 of the Equality Act 2010 (as amended) to; eliminate discrimination and any other conduct that is prohibited under this act and to advance equality between those who share a protected characteristic.

The screening found that a full impact assessment is not required.

Related Strategies/Documents

Tenancy Agreement.

Last Updated on Tuesday, October 6, 2026