Basement, bicycle storage and loft cleaning in an apartment building: fire safety issues

The homeowners' association (SVJ) or building manager is responsible for cleaning shared basement corridors, bicycle storage, pram storage and lofts, either directly or through a cleaning service. Basement compartments are cleaned by their user. The key rule is fire safety: corridors and staircases used for evacuation in the event of fire must remain clear. Rooms outside the main living areas need be cleaned only monthly to quarterly, provided they are inspected regularly in the meantime.

For details on cleaning the entrance and stairs, see the article Entrance and staircase cleaning in an apartment building. This article focuses on spaces that are used less frequently and where items therefore accumulate easily.

Who is responsible for what

In an apartment building, three types of spaces are typically distinguished:

• Shared areas: basement corridors, bicycle storage, pram storage, drying room, loft and spaces housing meters and shut-off valves. Cleaning is provided by the SVJ or building manager; the scope and frequency are usually defined in the house rules or cleaning service contract.
• Basement compartments and loft boxes assigned to individual flats. Keeping them tidy is the user's responsibility. The cleaning service does not enter them unless expressly agreed.
• Technical rooms (boiler room, heat exchange station, distribution room). Only those authorised by the building manager may enter, and special rules apply.

The Fire Safety Act requires legal entities and self-employed individuals to maintain, among other things, clear emergency exit routes and free access to emergency exits (§ 5 (1)(b), Act No. 133/1985 Coll.). Individuals must, for example, ensure access to electrical distribution equipment and shut-off valves and create conditions in spaces they own or use for rapid firefighting and rescue operations (§ 17 of the same Act).

This is not legal advice. To clarify how these responsibilities are divided between the SVJ, building management company and individual owners, consult your building's articles of association, house rules and contracts. If uncertain, contact a fire safety professional or lawyer.

Why nothing should be left in the basement corridor

A basement corridor cluttered with stored furniture, tyres or boxes is unpleasant for routine passage. In a fire, however, it becomes far more serious. In a smoke-filled space, visibility is poor, every obstacle in the way causes delay and boxes, mattresses or paper increase the amount of combustible material.

Decree No. 23/2008 Coll. sets out conditions in Annex 6 for placing items in protected emergency exit routes. Such items must not affect the movement of persons, encroach on the minimum width of the exit route or obstruct the opening of doors. The decree also restricts what may be present in such a route and in what form.

If you are unsure which corridors and staircases in your building are emergency exit routes, ask your building manager or a fire safety professional. In practice, the simple rule is: items belong in compartments, bicycle storage or pram storage, not in corridors.

What should be removed from corridors and doorways

• bicycles, scooters and prams not in designated storage,
• furniture, mattresses, carpets and boxes,
• tyres, canisters, paints and thinners,
• anything obstructing electrical distribution equipment, main water or gas shut-off valves, fire extinguishers or hydrants,
• items that prevent doors from opening fully or narrow the passage.

Bicycle and pram storage are designed for storing bicycles and prams. Even so, it is wise to keep a clear passage to the door and light switch. Set rules in the house rules for charging e-bikes and e-scooters in common areas and follow the battery manufacturer's instructions when charging.

How often to clean basements, bicycle storage and lofts

Frequency depends on how the spaces are used. The table below offers a starting point that you can adapt to your building. For a comprehensive cleaning schedule for the building, see the article How often to clean common areas in an apartment building.

It is wise to combine checking that passages are clear with a regular inspection by the building manager or cleaning service. Record what was found and what was removed.

Procedure for cleaning basement corridors and bicycle storage

1. Post the date at least a week in advance on the notice board and by email so residents have time to remove their items.
2. Ventilate and switch on all lights. Note any faulty bulbs for replacement.
3. Walk through the spaces and photograph their condition, particularly any unmarked items in corridors.
4. Remove cobwebs from the ceiling and corners with a long-handled brush before you start sweeping.
5. Sweep or vacuum the floor. For concrete and sand, an industrial vacuum is suitable; otherwise dust stirred up by sweeping will settle again.
6. Mop the floor with a damp mop and general-purpose cleaner according to the label. Start at the door of the bicycle storage, where most soil accumulates.
7. Wipe light switches, handles and banisters on the basement stairs.
8. Check that there is clear access to the distribution board, shut-off valves and fire extinguisher and that doors open fully.

Equipment and supplies

• long-handled brush and dustpan, or an industrial vacuum,
• mop, bucket and general-purpose cleaner,
• work gloves and disposable rubber or nitrile gloves,
• respirator for dusty areas,
• sturdy refuse bags,
• headlamp or torch for poorly lit corners.

Rodent and pigeon droppings and mould

Signs of mice or rats are often found in basements and lofts. The US CDC, in its guide How to Clean Up After Rodents, recommends ventilating for about 30 minutes before cleaning and not sweeping or vacuuming droppings, urine or nesting material, as this releases fine viral particles into the air. Droppings and urine should be thoroughly dampened with disinfectant and allowed to act for 5 minutes or according to instructions. Then wipe with paper towels and dispose of them in a sealed container. Work in rubber or plastic gloves and wash your hands with soap and warm water after removing them.

When using disinfectant, always read the label, ensure ventilation and wear gloves. Never mix chlorine-based products with acids (such as limescale removers) or ammonia. For details, see the article Which cleaning products should never be mixed. Test the product on a hidden area first if it is on painted or plastered surfaces.

If there is significant rodent infestation or heavy pigeon droppings on the loft, cleaning is worthwhile only after a pest control or other specialist company engaged by the building manager has treated the problem.

Stored items and waste in common areas

The most common dispute: a bicycle sits unused in a corridor for years, or boxes pile up after a house move. A cleaning service should not discard unmarked items without instruction from the SVJ or building manager, as they may belong to someone. The proven procedure is:

1. The board or building manager decides to clear and sets a deadline.
2. A label with the date and notice to remove or mark the items with the flat owner's name and number is attached.
3. Residents are informed on the notice board and by email of the deadline for collection.
4. Before clearance, photographs are taken. Remaining items are disposed of according to the board's decision or stored separately for an agreed period.

This is not legal advice. Check your building's articles of association and house rules regarding the handling of others' property, and consult a lawyer in unclear cases.

Bulky waste in Prague is accepted at recycling centres. According to Prague Services, Prague residents who can prove permanent residence in Prague may use them free of charge, within set limits. Other entities may dispose of waste for a fee. Recycling centres also accept certain hazardous waste, such as batteries and paint. If the SVJ or a company is arranging clearance, check the terms in advance.

How to commission cleaning and what to watch for

If a company cleans the basements and loft, specify in the contract which areas are included, how frequently they are cleaned and whether it includes checking that passages are clear and reporting defects. For a summary of what should not be forgotten in a contract, see the article Service contract for cleaning common areas. One-off clearance and regular cleaning are usually arranged separately.

Basement, bicycle storage and loft cleaning are also included in common area cleaning from Úklid 1-2-3. For indicative prices according to scope, see the price list.