What does it mean?
Stairwells and common areas in apartment buildings are regulated by both fire safety legislation and the landlord's house rules. The basic rule is that stairwells must be kept clear of items that could block escape routes in case of fire. This means shoes, strollers, bicycles, and furniture should not normally be placed in the stairwell.
The landlord sets house rules that all tenants are expected to follow. Common rules include prohibition of storage in stairwells, requirements to keep doors closed, rules about stroller rooms and bicycle storage, and maintenance of common areas. Violations of fire safety rules can lead to warnings and in repeated cases affect the lease.
Key Points
- Stairwells must be kept clear for evacuation — fire safety requirement
- Shoes, strollers, bicycles, and furniture should not be in the stairwell
- The landlord sets house rules that everyone is expected to follow
- Use designated spaces: stroller rooms, bicycle storage, etc.
- Repeated violations can lead to warnings
Practical Tip
Read the building's house rules at move-in and respect them. Use stroller rooms and bicycle storage instead of the stairwell. If you see the stairwell being blocked by others, inform the landlord rather than moving their belongings.
Legal Basis: Civil Protection Act (2003:778) — requirement for clear escape routes