Daily Life Lessons · Neighbors
Understand how to use corridors, stairs, balconies and other common areas and what matters for evacuation, and be able to use them correctly yourself after checking your building's rules.
In condominiums and apartments, the corridors, stairs, elevators, entrance hall, garbage area, bicycle parking and so on are "common areas" (共用部分) used by all residents together. A balcony can be used only by the people in that unit, but in many cases it is treated as part of the common areas.
Corridors and stairs are evacuation routes in case of fire or earthquake. Do not leave bicycles, garbage, luggage or other things there. It is also important not to put things in front of the evacuation ladder on the balcony or the partition board between you and the next unit (隔て板). The partition board may be the way to escape to the next balcony.
Detailed rules on how to use these areas are set in the building's management rules (管理規約), usage regulations (使用細則), and the rental contract. If you are unsure, check with the management company or landlord.
マンションや アパートの 廊下（ろうか）、階段（かいだん）、エレベーター、ごみ置き場などは、みんなで 使う 場所です。「共用部分（きょうようぶぶん）」と いいます。
- 廊下や 階段に、自転車や ごみ、荷物を 置きません。火事や 地震の とき、にげる 道に なります。 - ベランダの にげる ための はしごや、となりとの 板（いた）の 近くに 物を 置きません。
ルールは 建物ごとに ちがいます。管理会社（かんりがいしゃ）や 大家（おおや）さんに 聞いて ください。
Which is a "common area"?
Places used by all residents together, such as corridors, stairs, elevators and the garbage area, are common areas.
What is the main reason you should not leave things in corridors or on stairs?
Corridors and stairs are evacuation routes. If things are in the way, it is harder to escape in an emergency.
Which is correct about balconies?
A balcony can be used only by the people in that unit, but in many cases it is part of the common areas. Do not put things near the evacuation ladder or the partition board.
What is the partition board (隔て板) between balconies for?
On balconies used for evacuation, the partition board is the way to escape to the next unit. If you put things in front of it, people cannot get through. Check how to evacuate your building with the management company or similar.
If you don't know the rules for using the common areas, what do you check?
The rules are set in each building's management rules, usage regulations, and the rental contract. Check with the management company or landlord.
Q. Can I leave an umbrella or bicycle just in front of my door for a while?
A. The corridor in front of your door is also a common area and an evacuation route. Whether you may leave things there depends on the building's rules, so check with the management company or landlord.
Q. Can I smoke on the balcony?
A. Smoking in a yard or on a balcony may bother neighbors because of the smoke and smell. The building's rules may cover this, so check the management rules or your contract.
Q. What if a common area is dirty or broken?
A. Do not fix it yourself; contact the management company, the landlord, or the building manager.
This practice tool asks questions in random order (it works when JavaScript is enabled). You can still read all the questions and explanations above without it.
Systems and procedures may differ depending on the city, ward, town or village where you live and on the time of year. Please check the latest information from your local government or the relevant organizations.
Content checked on: 2026-10-03
This page is a translation of the Japanese original. If the translation and the original differ, the Japanese version takes precedence. View the Japanese original