We're reminding customers about the importance of keeping flat entrance doors clear

As part of our ongoing commitment to keeping everyone safe, we would like to remind customers how important it is that your flat entrance door can close fully and freely. Your flat entrance door is a fire door and designed to self-close in the event of a fire, helping to prevent smoke and flames from spreading into escape routes and neighbouring flats. This is a vital part of the building’s fire safety measures.

During recent routine inspections, we have noticed that some newly installed thick-pile carpets or heavy underlay in hallways have prevented flat entrance doors from closing properly. It is important that the door can close and latch freely by having a clearance gap between the door and the carpet.

For this reason, please avoid installing thick-pile carpets or deep underlay around your flat entrance door.

You may be asked to remove or adjust your flooring to allow the door to operate correctly, if it is found to be causing an obstruction.

You must not alter or trim your flat entrance door to accommodate new flooring, as this would invalidate the door’s certification.

Thank you for helping us keep your home and your building safe. If you have any questions, please contact the Fire and Building Safety Team.

Latest articles

27 May 2026

We've invested over £1.4 million pound improving the energy efficiency of more than 400 homes thanks to 0800 Repair

More than 400 Gentoo customers are now benefiting from energy efficiency improvements which are h...

22 May 2026

We have invested in colleague development through digital skills programme

We have continued to show our commitment to colleague development through a wide‑ranging digital ...

18 May 2026

We're shining a light on our longest-serving colleague celebrating 60 years with Gentoo

We’re proud to be shining a light on our very own electrician, Ron Avery, as he celebrates an ext...