Housing Associations: How to Deal with Persistent Bad Smells in Communal Areas

Persistent bad smells in communal areas are one of the top complaints housing associations face. Whether it’s odours from bin stores, urine in stairwells, or drainage issues, these problems frustrate tenants and can lead to bigger maintenance challenges.

Before tackling the problem, it’s important to understand the causes of persistent bad smells in communal areas and why quick fixes alone often aren’t enough. Addressing the root issues improves communal area hygiene, reduces housing association complaints, and enhances tenant satisfaction and hygiene.

Why Communal Areas Smell

Common causes include:

• Bins and refuse stores - Overflowing or unclean bins.

• Urine in stairwells or lifts - Misuse or accidents cause persistent odours.

• Blocked or faulty drains - Backups can create ongoing odours.

• Poor ventilation - Stale air traps smells.

• Damp or mould - Musty odours from leaks or condensation.

Addressing these issues is essential for housing association maintenance and maintaining happy tenants.

Short Term Fixes

While some problems require professionals, housing staff can try:

• Regular stairwell cleaning and bin store cleaning

• Using odour neutralising sprays for temporary relief

• Pouring hot water or disinfectant down drains (drain maintenance in communal areas)

• Improving ventilation by safely opening doors

Whilst quick fixes help, persistent bad smells in communal areas often need professional attention.

Professional Solutions

Best Choice Cleaning Company provides expert communal cleaning services for housing associations, including:

• Scheduled deep cleaning of stairwells, lifts and bin stores

• Specialist odour elimination services

• Checks for drainage issues or pests (drain maintenance in communal areas)

• Long term professional cleaning contracts to prevent smells returning

Professional solutions tackle the root causes of persistent bad smells in communal areas, saving time and money.

Long Term Prevention

Preventative measures reduce complaints and improve resident wellbeing:

• Maintaining regular cleaning contracts for communal areas

• Ensuring proper waste management and frequent bin emptying

• Conducting routine inspections for drains, damp or pests

• Communicating with residents about bin usage and hygiene policies

• Improving ventilation in enclosed areas

Investing in professional block of flats cleaning services boosts tenant satisfaction and hygiene and lowers the number of housing association complaints.

How Best Choice Cleaning Company Can Help

At Best Choice Cleaning Company, we work with housing associations across London and Kent to remove persistent bad smells in communal areas and prevent them returning.

Our services include:

• Deep cleans of stairwells, lifts and bin stores (stairwell cleaning, bin store cleaning)

• Specialist odour elimination services

• Scheduled professional cleaning contracts for long-term prevention

We deliver cost effective cleaning solutions that improve communal area hygiene and resident satisfaction.

If your communal areas are suffering from persistent bad smells, get in touch with Best Choice Cleaning Company today for a tailored cleaning plan.