Question:
Hello,
We do not live in an area with an Eruv and my question is whether it is permitted for us to carry in the hallways, stairwells, and rooftop area of our apartment building. As far as we know, we are the only Sabbath observant family in the building, although there may be another frum couple in the next door building (on the same property).
Thank you
Answer:
Hello,
If there is no Eruv, we may not take anything out of the apartments into the stairwells, hallways, or onto the roof, because that would be carrying from a more private place to a more public one. However, items that were in the stairwells or on the roof before Shabbos, such as a chair, may be moved from one place to another on the roof, etc.
Best wishes
Sources:
שולחן ערוך אורח חיים סימן שעב סעיף א "גגין, וחצרות, וקרפיפות, כולן רשות א' הם לכלים ששבתו בתוכה שמותר לטלטלם מזה לזה אפי' הם של בעלים הרב' ולא עירבו יחד, ... ולא חיישינן שמא יטלטל גם כלים ששבתו בבית לחצר אחרת או לגג וקרפף".
