Dangerous Communal Areas: Landlord Responsibility
Driscoll Kingston & Co Limited · 1 August 2026 · 8 min read
Which common parts may be covered?
Shared entrances, paths, corridors, stairwells, landings and structural parts commonly fall within landlord, freeholder or manager obligations. Fitness duties can also extend to common parts of the building.
What defects need urgent action?
- Loose steps, absent guarding or unsafe handrails.
- Dark stairwells or exposed electrical parts.
- Fire doors or escape routes that cannot operate safely.
- Insecure entrance doors.
- Lift faults trapping occupants or preventing essential access.
Who is the correct responsible party?
The immediate landlord, freeholder and managing agent may have different contractual roles. A tenant should notify their landlord and the building manager where known rather than waiting for them to allocate responsibility.
What evidence helps?
Keep photographs taken safely, defect logs, service-charge notices, lift outage records, complaints and any council or fire-service findings. Record the practical effect on disabled or vulnerable occupants.
Can compensation be claimed?
Potentially where duty, notice, breach and loss are proved. Injury, access loss and reasonable expenses require separate evidence. See the evidence checklist.
This article provides general legal information only. It does not constitute legal advice on any specific case. Awaab's Law Claims Specialists is a trading name of Driscoll Kingston & Co Limited, authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA No. 839699).
