Lithium-ion batteries are now part of everyday life. From mobile phones and laptops to e-bikes, power tools and power banks, they are widely used by residents across blocks of flats. Their growing popularity, however, has raised an important and increasingly common question for landlords, managing agents and residents alike:
Are lithium-ion batteries allowed in blocks of flats?
The short answer is yes – but with important restrictions and responsibilities
Understanding lithium-ion batteries in residential buildings
Lithium-ion batteries are not banned outright in residential buildings. Most modern homes contain multiple lithium-powered devices, and their use inside individual flats is generally permitted.
However, these batteries present a well-documented fire risk when they are:
- Damaged
- Poorly manufactured
- Overcharged
- Charged unattended
- Stored or charged in inappropriate locations
Because of this, their use and storage must be carefully managed, particularly in communal areas and escape routes.
Lithium-ion batteries are typically allowed inside
Inside Individual Flats
Residents are generally permitted to use and charge lithium-ion devices inside their own flats, provided they follow safe practices, such as:
- Using manufacturer-approved chargers
- Avoiding overnight or unattended charging
- Keeping batteries away from combustible materials
- Replacing damaged or overheating batteries immediately
Fire risk assessments usually treat battery charging within flats as a resident behaviour issue, rather than a building-wide prohibition.
Lithium-ion batteries are NOT allowed in communal areas and escape routes
Lithium-ion batteries should not be stored or charged in communal areas of blocks of flats.
This includes:
- Corridors
- Stairwells
- Entrance lobbies
- Shared storage rooms
- Bin stores
- Plant rooms
Charging or storing batteries in these areas significantly increases risk because:
- Fires can develop rapidly
- Toxic smoke can block escape routes
- Residents may be unable to evacuate safely
- Fire-fighting access may be compromised
For this reason, most fire risk assessments and managing agents prohibit:
- Charging e-bikes or e-scooters in communal areas
- Charging power banks in corridors or stairwells
- Leaving battery-powered items on charge near combustible materials
High-risk items: e-bikes, e-scooters and power banks
Certain lithium-powered items present a higher risk due to battery size, charging demands and storage habits.
E-bikes and e-scooters
- Large batteries with high energy output
- Often charged overnight
- Sometimes stored in escape routes for convenience
Power banks and portable chargers
- Frequently left charging unattended
- Can overheat if poorly manufactured
- Often used near soft furnishings or paper items
Fire services across the UK have reported a sharp increase in fires linked to these devices, particularly where charging takes place in communal areas.
Can managing agents ban lithium-ion batteries?
Managing agents and landlords cannot realistically ban lithium-ion batteries entirely, as they are integral to everyday living.
However, they can and should:
- Prohibit charging and storage in communal areas
- Include lithium-ion battery risks within fire risk assessments
- Set clear building rules and resident guidance
- Take enforcement action where escape routes are compromised
Any restrictions must be reasonable, proportionate and clearly communicated to residents.
Fire risk assessments and legal responsibilities
Under UK fire safety legislation, the responsible person must take reasonable steps to reduce fire risk in communal areas.
This includes:
- Identifying ignition sources such as lithium-ion batteries
- Keeping escape routes clear of hazards
- Updating fire risk assessments as resident behaviours change
- Providing residents with clear safety information
Failure to address known battery risks in communal areas could expose landlords or managing agents to enforcement action if an incident occurs.
Best practice for managing lithium-ion battery risks
To manage risk effectively in blocks of flats, managing agents should consider:
- Clear signage and policies banning charging in communal areas
- Resident communications explaining the risks
- Regular inspections of corridors and stairwells
- Swift removal of items obstructing escape routes
- Reviewing whether designated, well-ventilated storage or charging solutions are appropriate
Education and consistency are often more effective than enforcement alone.
Key takeaway: allowed, but not unrestricted
So, are lithium-ion batteries allowed in blocks of flats?
Yes, within individual flats when used responsibly
No, in communal areas or escape routes
Strict controls are needed to manage fire risk
As lithium-powered devices continue to increase, proactive management and clear guidance are essential to keeping residents safe.
How the team at Charles Cox can help
With extensive experience in residential block management, Charles Cox works with landlords and freeholders to manage evolving fire safety risks, including lithium-ion battery hazards, ensuring buildings remain safe, compliant and well managed. If you would like further details, please contact us.
