No Storage in Hallways: NYC Rules and Signs
A stroller by the door, a bike on the landing, a shoe rack in the hall. It starts small, and then a hallway is half blocked. In a fire, those halls and stairs are the only way out. Here's what NYC rules say and how signs help keep things clear.
The quick answer
In short: The NYC Fire Code requires means of egress, meaning halls, stairs, exits and fire escapes, to stay clear, so common hallways can't be used for storage. Most leases and house rules say the same. "No storage" and "keep clear" signs make the rule visible and easier to enforce.
What must stay clear
- 1HallwaysNo bikes, strollers, shoe racks, furniture or boxes.
- 2Stairs and landingsNothing stored, ever. These are the main escape routes.
- 3Fire escapesNo plants, grills, furniture or storage. An obstructed fire escape is a serious violation.
- 4Exit doorsNever blocked or propped open. Stair doors should close on their own.
E-bikes make it more urgent
Lithium-ion battery fires spread fast, and an e-bike charging in a hallway can block the exit at the worst moment. That's why many buildings now pair hallway rules with battery safety signs and a bike storage room.
Signs that help
"No storage in hallways" near apartment doors and at the end of each hall.
"Keep stairs clear" by stair doors, next to the close the door sign.
"Fire escape: keep clear" on the window or wall inside units with fire escape access.
House rules on storage, next to the fire safety notice.
We make "keep clear" and "no storage" signs to match your building. See custom signs
Handling it with tenants
- Start with a reminder.
A friendly note and a sign usually solve it. Most people just didn't think about fire safety.
- Offer an alternative.
Stroller parking or a bike room makes the rule easier to follow.
- Put it in writing.
Add storage rules to house rules and to Part I of your FDNY guide.
What this looks like in practice
Picture a 5 story walk up where three families keep strollers on the landings. The owner clears space under the lobby stairs for stroller parking, posts "keep stairs clear" signs on each landing and sends a short note to every tenant. The landings are clear within a week, and the next FDNY inspection has nothing to flag.
Who checks this?
Fire inspectors, HPD inspectors during a visit and your super on routine walks. Our super's guide includes a monthly hallway check, and what happens during an HPD inspection explains what inspectors look at.
Official sources: FDNY Fire Code help and reference, FDNY apartment fire safety guide.
Quick answers
Can tenants store things in NYC building hallways?
No. The Fire Code requires halls, stairs and exits to stay clear, and most leases prohibit hallway storage.
Can I keep plants on a fire escape?
No. Fire escapes must be kept clear of plants, furniture and storage.
Are strollers allowed in hallways?
Generally not in a way that blocks the path. Many buildings offer stroller parking instead. See the checklist for required signs.
Not sure what your building needs?
Send us your address and number of apartments. We will tell you exactly which signs to order.
General information based on the NYC HPD Required Signage page as of November 2026. Not legal advice. HPD Signs NYC is not affiliated with the City of New York or HPD. Prices may change. Check nyc.gov/hpd for the latest rules.