Lighting has evolved rapidly over the past decade, yet many blocks and estates are still relying on older fluorescent systems.

The Upper Tribunal (“UT”) has confirmed in the recent case of Almacantar Centre Point Nominee No 1 Ltd and another v de Valk and others [2025] UKUT 298 (LC) that qualifying leaseholders are not liable for the costs of replacing unsafe cladding, no matter when it was installed.

Major works are vital for maintaining the safety, structural integrity, and value of a block and its flats.

Whether it’s roof replacement, façade repair, window renewal or fire safety upgrades, these projects are essential for the long-term health of the building.

Across the UK, Residents’ Management Companies (RMCs) are facing a common challenge: rising service charges.

Leaseholders in blocks of flats can find themselves navigating a legal maze when it comes to making structural changes.

For any RMC, few responsibilities are as significant, or as scrutinised, as the planning and delivery of major works.

Maintaining the cleanliness and structural integrity of your block is a vital part of protecting residents’ wellbeing, controlling costs and safeguarding the long-term value of the building.

The report reinforces the company’s commitment to driving greater transparency and accountability across the sector.

ALEP held its annual conference on 15 October, attracting more than 240 professionals from across the leasehold sector.

Record-keeping is a key tool in assisting with the legal compliance of your building and ensuring that the building is documented for future management.

JMJ Asset Management officially launched this autumn, founded by industry professionals Jodie Fraser, Mark Briggs, and Jamie Treweke.

The legal team at specialist property solicitors JB Leitch provide an update on some recent and relevant case successes and their significance.

When it comes to maintaining a block of flats, few topics create as much debate as major works and reserve funds.

The FirstPort Group has secured over £1m in funding to improve the heat network at its Switch House and Elektron development in London.

As a block manager, you’re responsible for more than just collecting service charges and arranging repairs.

Whether it’s a burst pipe, a faulty lift, or a leaking roof, reactive maintenance tackles immediate problems as they arise.

From unauthorised alterations and subletting through to non-payment of service charges or nuisance behaviour, issues can quickly escalate if not handled correctly.

Communal spaces: entrance lobbies, corridors, bin stores, and shared outdoor areas are the first point of contact for residents and visitors.

Earl Kendrick presents The London Seen – a photography exhibition in support of MyWorld Earl Kendrick is delighted to invite you to the launch of The City Seen, a new photography exhibition celebrating the creativity and resilience of people with…

When it comes to managing a block or estate, maintenance is often seen as the dull, unglamorous side of the job.

The FirstPort Group launched its first AI-powered smart buildings platform, transforming how residential buildings are managed and maintained.

In this article, JB Leitch look at some of the key developments around building safety and their implications.

Fire safety in residential buildings relies on strong compartmentation and effective fire engineering.

A well planned sinking fund ensures that you can handle major repairs or replacements without relying on sudden, unexpected contributions from leaseholders.

Older buildings carry legal obligations that must be respected when undertaking repairs or maintenance.

In this article, we will explore the key areas to consider, common pitfalls to avoid and how to futureproof your parking provision.

Older residential blocks bring a unique charm and character that many residents love; high ceilings, ornate cornicing, period facades and spacious layouts.

Rising construction costs, economic uncertainty and unexpected issues can put pressure on even the most carefully planned budgets.

When deciding on the type of maintenance and maintenance company you require, it is important to remember servicing should be about preventative maintenance.

Underinsurance is a silent threat. Regular RCAs from a professional, RICS-regulated provider are your best defence.

Property management company FirstPort has restructured its operations and strategy, adopting a more regionally-focused approach.

The best strategy building managers can use now is to understand every requirement of all current legislation and the costs associated with these.

Resident engagement doesn’t have to be a grand campaign. Sometimes it’s as simple as using a valuation as an opportunity to be visible, helpful, and human.

Property valuation is an important process for anyone involved in buying, selling, or managing property, particularly in the context of flats and leasehold properties.

Adiuvo has announced the launch of Eve, the UK’s first FREE AI-powered lease reader designed specifically for the leasehold sector.

Under the Building Safety Act, property managers and duty holders for higher-risk residential buildings face new and ongoing compliance responsibilities, including the Building Safety Case (BSC).

Relying on outdated valuations, online calculators, or bank estimates often fails to reflect the true reinstatement cost, especially in complex or historic buildings.

Central to the leasehold reform debate is the role of property valuations, which underpin the cost of key transactions such as lease extensions and collective enfranchisement (where leaseholders purchase their building’s freehold).

Choosing between a desktop and onsite reinstatement cost assessment is about more than convenience. It is about protecting your block, fulfilling your legal obligations, and ensuring financial peace of mind.

Stay ahead with timely surveys, professional advice, and a solid understanding of when to act. It is the best way to protect your leaseholders, your building, and your peace of mind.

If your block’s reinstatement cost assessment (RCA) or insurance valuation has not been updated in the last few years, it may no longer reflect current rebuild costs.

Insurance should be a safety net, not a gamble. Make sure your policy is built on solid foundations, not outdated assumptions.

For Residents’ Management Companies, Right to Manage companies, and freeholders, the obligation to insure a leasehold property correctly is a legal duty.

Managing a property involves a myriad of responsibilities, and when it comes to communal areas, the complexities only multiply.

In the event of a fire, fire doors help protect escape routes and support fire compartmentation slowing the spread of fire.

Information belongs to the Client, so it should never be gatekept, nor should handovers be delayed.

In property management, delivering reliable heating and hot water is a fundamental part of what makes a building liveable.

The Supreme Court recently confirmed the scope of the Building Safety Act 2022 and the Defective Premises Act 1972.

Over the last century, housing has adapted in response to everything from population growth to social change.

Principle Estate Management has been appointed to manage Ovington Court, a distinguished 38-unit mixed-use Art Deco building.

Behind every well-maintained entrance hall, landscaped garden or serviced lift is a managing agent working hard to balance quality with cost.

These decisions also clarify why a retrospective reach of certain provisions in the BSA is vital in fulfilling a core objective of the BSA.

Watling Real Estate has been appointed in connection with five sites under the ownership of companies within Godwin Group.

For those managing blocks of flats, understanding and fulfilling these responsibilities is not just about compliance, it is about protecting lives.

Understanding these responsibilities is about more than just “good practice” – it is essential for the smooth running of your building.

Among the most common of these are disputes over service charges, particularly when it comes to communal areas.

From rising energy prices to climate-conscious residents, there is a growing need for blocks of flats to embrace environmentally friendly solutions.

For Residents’ Management Company directors, this reactive approach to building maintenance often ends up costing far more in the long run.

The reliability of lifts isn’t just a technical concern – it’s a core aspect of tenant well-being and building compliance.

For the past year The Property People has been quietly making waves, building relationships and delivering results without the fanfare.

Property managers who work with Earl Kendrick have a team of surveyors, building safety experts, planners and designers behind them.

The parties are entitled to clear explanations and thorough rationale as to why and how sums have been calculated.

One of FirstPort’s regional Customer Excellence Managers, Rebekah Barwell, explains how the regionalisation has improved work on the ground. 

Plenty of Leasehold reform activity in Westminster agenda but progress on management reform remains stubbornly slow

The ACE Awards shine a spotlight on the exceptional contributions of residential property managers, suppliers, and industry professionals working to improve the lives of millions of leaseholders across the UK.

Living in a block of flats comes with plenty of perks – shared spaces, managed amenities, built-in community, and often a great location. But it also comes with a shared responsibility. When multiple households are living under one roof, good…

Living in a flat can offer comfort, security, and a sense of community, but for someone living with dementia, it can also present unique daily challenges. 

Future Decarbonise, a specialist division within Future Group, has emerged to address this growing operational need.

Property managers must understand the EV charging solutions available to them to accelerate the transition to electric.

A well-crafted plan protects the building, ensures resident wellbeing and contributes to financial stability.

Leasehold properties come with specific rules, shared spaces and responsibilities that you should be aware of before you move.

Handling service charges clearly and fairly is essential to maintaining residents trust and ensuring the smooth management of the block.

You are not only responsible for arranging maintenance and cleaning, but also for setting the tone for respectful use of communal areas.

An effective and proactive RMC is more than just a legal structure. It is the link between residents, managing agents, contractors and the freeholder.

In the heat of summer, when ventilation systems are in constant use, the risks of contaminated ventilation systems. escalate dramatically.

Fire compartmentation involves the use of fire-resistant construction to divide a building into separate areas.

The apartment complex offers residents the opportunity to live sustainably, while also allowing them to enjoy an urban lifestyle.

Three Sixty Space, part of national property services group LRG (previously Leaders Romans Group), has launched of Alexander House.

Remedial actions identified during Fire Risk Assessments (FRAs) and Planned Preventative Maintenance (PPM) services can lead to delays.

The team at specialist property solicitors JB Leitch look at both legislative progress and notable case law in the sphere of building safety.

Principle Estate Management has been appointed by South Kensington Estates (SKE) to manage Empire House and Dalmeny House, two historic mixed-use buildings on Thurloe Place, London, , SW7, following a competitive tender.

Susan explores how evolving legislation, professional accountability, and everyday resident actions are shaping a safer future for those living in multi-occupancy buildings.

Fire safety in residential buildings has undergone a significant transformation with the release of BS 9991:2024.

The Statement of UK Finance on invalid or outdated EWS1 forms should have a major impact on unblocking the housing market for leaseholders in high rise buildings.

For property managers, managing the risk of Legionella is both a legal duty and a key part of keeping residents safe.

Our goal is simple yet vital: to ensure the ongoing safety of residents by proactively and collaboratively managing fire risks across all developments in our care.

Fire safety in residential blocks is built on several principles, with compartmentation considered one of the most important.

This guide will walk you through what RMC directors need to know – from risk assessments to fire door maintenance, as well as providing clear steps for safeguarding your residents and remaining compliant.

Fire safety signs are a legal requirement in most residential buildings, but they can be overlooked.

Health and safety compliance is vital for the comfort and safety of residents, but also for the legal protection of directors and officers

Property managers are responsible for ensuring that fire doors are checked and maintained

The ACE Awards 2025 will take place on Friday 20 June 2025 at the iconic Old Billingsgate in London.

Lone workers in the property sector encounter a range of hazards that can escalate quickly without support.

Principle Estate Management has announced the acquisition of the residential lettings and block management portfolio of Pennycuick Collins.

At Earl Kendrick, employee wellbeing isn’t just a policy—it’s a way of life.

Domestic abuse isn’t always behind closed doors. Sometimes, it spills out into stairwells, lifts, bin stores, and car parks, places we check every day.

The lift industry, like many other sectors, faces its own unique set of challenges when it comes to the mental well-being of its workforce.

The original Renters (Reform) Bill was intended to create a fairer, more secure, and higher quality private rented sector.

At FirstPort, our Development Managers do a fantastic job of creating an environment where everyone feels welcome.