Under Finland’s Rescue Act, exit routes such as stairwells must be kept accessible and free of obstructions. In practice, this means that stairwells must not be used to store belongings.
Safety first
Fire safety concerns everyone living in a housing company. In an emergency, the stairwell must provide a clear escape route for residents and access for emergency services.
As a general rule, the only items permitted in stairwells are:
- decorations attached to apartment doors
- the housing company’s noticeboards
- entrance mats or corridor runners provided by the housing company.
Other items, such as houseplants, parcels, pushchairs and personal doormats, can pose a safety risk.
Why can a plant or a mat be a hazard?
In an emergency, every second counts. Items left in stairwells can slow down evacuation, hinder emergency responders and, in the worst case, help a fire spread more quickly.
Items stored in stairwells can also increase the risk of arson. That is why even seemingly harmless objects, such as plants, mats and parcels, should be kept out of shared access routes.
Decorations and everyday belongings should be kept inside your apartment or in designated storage areas. Pushchairs, bicycles and other larger items should be taken to the appropriate storage room or another designated area, in line with your housing company’s instructions.
Who is responsible for fire safety in a housing company?
The housing company owns the building and is responsible for ensuring that the property is safe. In practice, the housing company’s board, supported by the property manager, is responsible for compliance with legislation and for fire safety.
However, every resident has a part to play in keeping the building safe. If you have a parcel delivered, bring it inside your apartment as soon as possible. If you bring a pushchair into the building, take it to its designated storage area. If you notice items in the stairwell that could obstruct access, report them in line with your housing company’s instructions.
Keeping shared access routes clear makes the building safer for everyone.
A tip for boards and residents
Many housing companies include more detailed rules on the use of stairwells in their house rules. Clear house rules help prevent misunderstandings and keep shared spaces safe and pleasant.
