Communal Stairs – Whose turn to clean?

If you have ever lived in a flat in either a tenement or a more modern apartment block you will know this is a common question and unfortunately due to human nature sometimes this mundane task can be forgotten about. Communal stair cleaning is not usually high up on peoples to do list. This may be due to lack of time, work and family commitments,inability due to age or ill health,lack of awareness that this needs to be done or simply in some cases can’t be bothered.

The benefits of keeping these communal areas clean and tidy are obvious. Everyone has a pleasant environment to live in and pass through for residents and visitors alike. I’m sure we have all at some time in our lives arrived to visit a friend or keep an appointment and had to pick our way through stairs and hallways filled with litter,leaves, bin bags and assorted household goods going to the bin or just not enough room to keep them inside. Of course that’s not usually the first thing you notice. ITS THE SMELL. Trying to climb three flights of stairs holding your breath can be quite a feat of endurance for even the fittest of us. Or if your lucky there is a lift but what’s that nasty stain in the corner of the lift floor. Of course most properties are not as bad as this and only need a bit of TLC on a regular basis to help maintain them. Unfortunately if nothing is arranged usually someone takes the task on because no one else will, leading to resentments and arguments between friends and neighbours.

So what are the solutions. Well to start with talk to your neighbours. See if you can come up with a solution that suits everyone ( Or nearly everyone ). A plan of who does what, when and agree to stick to it. Forming an informal committee might be the answer to assist with all the regular maintenance work that needs to be carried out. Even if your property already has a factor or property manager this can help to reduce costs when done in conjunction with them. If all else fails bring in outside help.This will at least mean no one has to moan about someone not taking their turn. For a small expense each week to each flat its one less job to do and you can leave it in the hands of professionals and enjoy clean and pleasant stairs and hallways without the hassle.