Portsmouth Council has told tenants in council-owned housing to remove wreaths and other decorations from communal doorways and corridors, citing tenancy rules and health-and-safety concerns. Letters warn that items left in shared spaces breach agreements and increase fire and trip risks. Residents were asked to use indoor areas or private balconies for decorations. If items are not removed, staff will take them down and a $33 retrieval fee will apply. A council spokesman called the restriction "frustrating" but said it is intended to protect everyone.
‘Frustrating’ But For Safety: Portsmouth Council Orders Tenants To Remove Christmas Wreaths From Communal Doors
Brickbat: Merry Christmas
In Portsmouth, England, the local council has instructed residents of council-owned housing to remove Christmas wreaths and other decorations from outside their front doors. The housing service sent formal letters saying that leaving items in communal corridors and on doorways breaches tenancy agreements and contravenes health and safety rules.
Why The Council Is Acting
Council officials say hallways, doorways and shared spaces must be kept clear to reduce fire risk and other hazards. The letters urged tenants to decorate inside their homes or on private balconies instead of in communal areas where decorations could obstruct evacuation routes or create trip and fire hazards.
Enforcement And Charges
Letters warned that if decorations are not removed voluntarily, council staff will take them down and a $33 retrieval fee will be charged to reclaim items. The fee and removal are presented as measures to ensure the safety of all residents living in communal accommodation.
A council spokesman described the rule as "frustrating" but said it is "designed to protect everyone."
What Tenants Should Know
- Decorate inside your home or on a private balcony to avoid breaching tenancy terms.
- If you receive a letter, remove items promptly to avoid removal and the $33 retrieval fee.
- Contact the housing service if you need clarification or assistance with safety-compliant decorations.
The policy aims to balance residents' festive traditions with a legal duty to maintain safe, accessible communal spaces.
