Door swing clearance at stair landings
400 mm
door swings on or near landings do not impede safe passage, particularly verifying the 400mm minimum clearance from the first tread on private stair bottom landings.
Every figure for this topic is on one page: Stair dimensions and handrail heights in UK homes
Read the full answerDoor swings must not obstruct staircase landings. For private stairs, a door may open across the bottom landing provided that there is a minimum clearance of 400mm from the first tread to the door's arc.
Basis in regulation
How to check it on site
Check that door swings on or near landings do not impede safe passage, particularly verifying the 400mm minimum clearance from the first tread on private stair bottom landings.
Common failure
Doors opening directly onto the first tread or obstructing the landing severely reduce safe usable space and create a trip hazard.
Last updated 28 August 2026. This is our editorial summary of publicly available regulation, not building control approval or a warranty determination.