An overview of the structure and parameters of the Tribunals and pathways of escalation and appeal typically used by applicants and appellants in leasehold disputes.

In an increasingly digital world, customer feedback is vital to businesses now more than ever. Most potential customers have reviews at their fingertips, heavily influencing whether they choose to shop with you or your competitors. Earlier this year, full fibre…

Exploring how technology is transforming property management, with a focus on our innovative solution: Fire Safety Information (FSI) posters and resident engagement reporting through QR codes.

ARMA ANNUAL CONFERENCE 2023 Date/Time: Friday 6th October 2023, 09:15 – 17:00 Venue: 133 Houndsditch, EC3A 7BX, London The programme for the 2023 ARMA Annual Conference is out now! Book today – Discounted tickets for ARMA & IRPM members. Expect: View the full…

Lifts are an essential part of many residential blocks, providing access to upper floors for residents of all ages and abilities. However, lifts can also be a source of complaints and disputes, particularly when they are not properly maintained. Some…

This month I have been asked to discuss ‘disputes’ in the realm of landlord and tenant law. Simply put: where would you like to start?

Colin Stokes, the MD of adiuvo; looks at Customer Complaints and how it can be a positive process.

The FCA has confirmed new measures to support leaseholders in the multi-occupancy buildings insurance market. From the new year, insurance firms will be forced to act in leaseholders’ best interests, treat leaseholders as customers when designing products and will be…

Landlords have a legal obligation to keep their properties in a habitable condition, meaning they must repair any defects.

The team at London Flats Insurance explore common security concerns of residents in blocks of flats and the steps that you can take to create a secure living environment for leaseholders. Managing a block of flats brings with it a…

The owners of a collection of 39 premium apartments near to Kensington Gardens in central London have praised Principle Estate Management for its high-quality external refurbishment works. Principle’s project focused on timber repairs to rotten windows, redecoration of all windows,…

Exploring strategies for open communication, initiating feedback mechanisms, and improving overall resident-management interactions.

Flat Living Insurance team explores community activities for a positive living environment and less resident conflicts. When you’re managing a residential block of flats, you will inevitably need to mediate a neighbourly dispute or two. It’s almost inevitable, what with…

Exploring the importance of timely repairs in blocks of flats and how maintenance management plays a pivotal role in conflict prevention.

Valuable insights and practical advice from Residentsline on how flat owners can take proactive measures to prevent disputes. Prevention is always better than the cure. This old adage is absolutely correct when it comes to leasehold living. Neighbours living side…

RMCs are being urged to ensure fire risk assessments are carried out at their apartment blocks as new regulations come into force.

Odevo, the fast growing international property management group, strengthens its UK presence as The Vegner Group joins.

Advice on Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) The extent to which Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) is present in residential buildings and the risk levels presented is currently unclear, and we appreciate that media coverage, conflicting reports and misinformation may…

In the face of escalating climate change, governments worldwide are taking decisive steps to reduce carbon emissions and mitigate the impacts of global warming.

Niche Living, owner, and operator of Ireland’s first purpose built co-living development in Dun Laoghaire, South Dublin, has partnered with Spike to utilise its market-leading resident engagement portal, Spike Living.

A former Kidderminster office block named after Margaret Thatcher, with planning permission to be turned into homes and shops, is among the star lots in Bond Wolfe’s livestreamed auction on Thursday 14 September. Originally built in the late 1970s to…

A 71 bedroom apartment development in Redhill, Surrey, has come on to the market. This was after the company behind Furness House was placed into administration. Watling Real Estate and Csquared have been instructed by joint administrators Georgina Eason and…

A new survey by Go.Compare Home Insurance has revealed that the most important trait in a neighbour, according to 71% of Brits, is being quiet and peaceful.[] The insurance comparison site asked respondents what they believe makes a good neighbour, along with…

Exploring the circumstances under which an application for dispensation from consultation under Section 20 of the LTA 1985 can be considered suitable.

Earl Kendrick support’s DEBRA UK, The Butterfly Skin Charity, a national charity for people living with genetic skin blistering condition, epidermolysis bullosa (EB).

Belinda Bagnall explores the significance of Directors’ and Officers’ Liability Insurance for your Residents’ Management Company.

Using contractors may be very routine for your company, but this doesn’t mean that accidents and health and safety incidents cannot occur.

The specialist building safety team at JB Leitch provide an overview of the relationship between the process for undertaking major works and the new building safety regime… As readers will no doubt be aware, the main legislation relating to building…

Written by Gareth Lomax – Director of Ardent Lift Consultancy Further to our previous articles on major works, most notably the South London project we oversaw in 2022-23 (Flat Living article, Ardent Case Study), we wanted to identify the other…

Major works in leasehold flats can have a profound impact on the lives of residents, spanning from financial implications to emotional stress and the overall sense of community. These significant renovations or repairs, often involving the building’s structure, systems, or…

As every good property manager knows, you are managing people as much as bricks and mortar, therefore you need to be mindful of the fact that you’re turning leaseholders’ homes into a building site.

“The levying of service charges by landlords under leases of residential property in respect of their expenditure upon repairs and the provision of other services has for long been controversial.”

Enter B-hive Block Management Partners, a game-changing solution that offers a modern twist to the traditional business model

Colin Stokes, MD of adiuvo, looks at trends in out of hours Property Maintenance.  Insights from 2021 to 2022.

In this article, we delve into the significance of major works and service charges, what they entail, and how they impact residents.

Future Fuel EV Connected bridges the gap between new build developers and the Electric Vehicle chargers they are obligated to install, and the property managers and residents that inherit them. Future Group are firmly established as multi-manufacturer-approved EV specialists and…

Inclusivity extends beyond mere accommodation; it involves creating environments that allow all individuals, regardless of their abilities.

Andrew Bulmer, Appointed Help Champion Competence Across the Industry on Health and Safety Executive’s (HSE) New Committee.

When a block of flats requires significant maintenance work, property managers can swiftly find themselves overwhelmed with tasks. Such complex and unpredictable major projects often keep everyone on their toes. This makes it all too easy to forget to focus…

It’s important for residents and managers of leasehold blocks of flats to understand major works and the Section 20 procedure.

Carrying out substantial works on or in blocks of flats for the purposes of essential maintenance, large-scale improvements or safety compliance can be a complicated and time-consuming task. Following the right procedures according to the lease and the section 20…

Anyone managing a block of flats must be aware of the Work at Height Regulations of and their obligations re adhering to the regulations.

Communal cleaning companies can offer benefits to a community or shared living space, it is important that you employ for the right block.

The Block Recruit is delighted to introduce you all to our newest team member, Posy Spencer!

Belinda Bagnall details some claims that have been incepted on Directors and Officers Liability Insurance policies.

In this guide, we will delve into all things freehold, covering its definition, benefits, and other considerations.

By partnering with B-hive, you align your business with a company that understands the future and how to succeed in it.

If you and your fellow leaseholders have decided to take the plunge and collectively purchase the freehold of your building, your first question will likely be “how much will this cost?”. It’s a fair question, but not an easy one…

A credit controller at Principle Estate Management painted a total of five pictures for the company’s headquarters in Birmingham.

Much of the discussion around the Leasehold Reform (Ground Rent) Act 2022 has been focussed on the effects for current leaseholders. Obviously, the reforms have been brought in to increase protections for those living in leasehold properties (around 20% of…

Recent leasehold reform is making it simpler and more financially achievable for leaseholders to buy a share of their freehold. If you’re an existing leaseholder and would like to know more about what buying a share of the freehold of…

This article will explore the key duties and obligations that new freeholders must be aware of under the Building Safety Act 2022.

Multiple-occupancy buildings need varying cover depending on their construction, the number of flats and the amenities involved as well as the usual factors such as building age, current safety measures and location. Navigating the intricacies of this business is best…

JB Leitch were successful in a preliminary decision concerning a question which arises following the coming into force of new provisions in the Building Safety Act 2022.

It is important to understand that purchasing the freehold in the context of a block of flats is a collective action rather than an individual right. There are two main ways in which leaseholders can buy their freeholds, either in…

Exploring the concept of buying your freehold as a leaseholder, the advantages it brings, and the steps involved in this process.

When you hear the term ‘reinstatement cost assessment’ most people only consider underinsurance, but what about overinsurance?

Fraser Allen Estate Management, a leading innovator in Block Management, is thrilled to announce the launch of their brand-new website,

The long overdue opportunity to access funding for remediation projects targeting unsafe cladding in buildings ranging from 11 to 18 meters in height has finally arrived.

When looking at buying your Freehold, the building lift is probably not on your list of concerns, but it needs to be considered.

I have written about what steps can be taken to mitigate out of hours emergencies but in this piece we examine the numbers involved.

An increasingly popular option for leaseholders who want more control over the terms of their lease, their property, and how it is managed.

ALEP said a government report into homeowners’ attitudes to commonhold clearly shows the intended direction of travel for leasehold reform.

National law firm Irwin Mitchell is expanding its Real Estate Disputes Team with the recruitment of a new partner, William Scott.

On 21st June 2023, DLUHC published new guidance, relating to the legal criteria for determining whether a building is considered a higher-risk building under the Building Safety Act 2022 and the Higher-Risk Buildings (Descriptions and Supplementary Provisions) Regulations 2023, during…

We are committed to better protecting and empowering leaseholders by giving them more information on the things for which their charges pay.

Four staff who started at Principle Estate Management back in 2021 have graduated with flying colours from their apprenticeship programmes.

The thrill of getting a new client is always rewarding, and building on the initial introduction to our business is a priority for the team.

A developer has bought an impressive former Victorian factory in Birmingham , The Jewellery Quarter. Planning permission welcomes 29 luxury apartments, in a deal sealed by Siddall Jones. The leading Birmingham commercial property agency arranged the purchase. The Grade II*…

As the theme of this months publication is Relationships: Customer Service, Communication and Wellbeing we thought it may be useful to get some tips from our staff here at adiuvo on dealing with customers who call (like they mostly do…

The wellbeing survey reveals the challenges Property Managers face on a daily basis, many of which are impacting on their mental health. 

Why should organisations invest in the wellbeing of their people? And Encore’s approach to workplace wellbeing.

Will artificial intelligence be intuitive enough to provide emotional intelligence in the way we interact with each other.

Working as a building surveyor gives you some fascinating insights into how people live and what makes them tick. We’re often in and out of people’s homes, after all, and we’re trained to be observant! But perhaps there’s no aspect…

As a property management agent, your top priority is ensuring your leaseholders and homeowners are safe, satisfied, and happy with their living conditions. But what about your own team?

To develop a trusting relationship between service providers and clients, a strong working relationship must be developed from the start, beginning with the foundations which all comes from knowing the client and their needs.

PMBs commitment to excellence doesn’t stop at managing properties. They go above and beyond to prioritise the well-being of their team.

Cassandra, founder of boutique law firm Property Management Legal Services, won the prestigious Honorary Industry Award from the Association of Residential Managing Agents’ (ARMA) ACE awards ceremony. This plaudit recognises people who have made a ‘significant contribution’ or devoted their…

Now is the moment for the property management industry to champion employee wellbeing, creating a supportive environment is essential.

Cat Orezzi, Rendall & Rittner’s HR Director, explains how Rendall & Rittner supports the wellbeing of its employees.

Rhian Radia suggests that businesses should keep policies up to date and adopt zero-tolerance on all allegations of bullying and harassment.

Block management professionals play a crucial role in creating an environment that enhances the overall quality of life for residents.

In today’s competitive business landscape, cultivating strong and lasting customer relationships is integral to achieving new clients, winning new business and sustainable growth. However, the demands of managing back-office operations and ensuring regulatory compliance can often take valuable time and…

Navigating the Underwriting Process: Finding the Right Policy for Our Customers, ensuring that their policies meet their needs and budget.

Property Managers, Residents Management Companies, Right to Manage Companies and Resident Associations have one thing in common. Direct contact with leaseholders who expect a high level of service. With service charges running high, great service could mean the difference between…

Harmonious communal living requires everyone involved to actively nurture healthy relationships. Great property managers will treat this as a priority. Living in close proximity with others increases the likelihood of conflict between you and your neighbours- and leasehold ownership means…

Manage Your Block discusses routes to take to resolve conflict in your block and the support to seek to help avoid costly court battles.

In this article, we will explore some of the best practices that RMC’s can adopt to engage with external service providers more effectively.

Earl Kendrick Project & Building Consultancy would like to announce that it has recruited IStructE Chartered Structural Engineer Azzahra Mahmud to its London team. With this new addition, Earl Kendrick will now be able to offer a range of in-house…

The winners of the ACE Awards were revealed at a glittering ceremony at Old Billingsgate in the heart of London on Friday 16th June 2023.  

Common mistakes landlords can make and what landlords can do to avoid these errors and reduce the risk of conflict with tenants.

4site: Register Your Tall Buildings With The Health And Safety Executive As Part Of The Building Safety Act 2022.

At Earl Kendrick (West), we are seeing an increased interest in historic buildings to understand their energy use and how it can be improved.

Crucial things that Fire Risk Advisors look for when carrying out a Fire Risk Assessment on residential blocks.

ARMA and IRPM have today published their 2023 Wellbeing Survey report which has been shaped by responses from over 700 property professionals working across the United Kingdom. Now in its third year, the report reveals that property managers continue to…

What you need to know about the Right to Manage process and how leaseholders can take control of the way their building is managed.

As readers will no doubt be aware, there has been considerable focus in recent months on the rights, responsibilities and liabilities for landlords, managing agents and leaseholders under then new building safety regime.

Whether you are a member of or deal with a Residents’ Management Company or Right To Manage company, there will be a point in the lifespan of your lift where planned major works will need to be undertaken to prevent a significant breakdown causing a prolonged period of lift outage.

Airspace development is becoming a trend in urban areas as property owners maximise the potential of their buildings by developing unused rooftop space.

With the global shift to digital and the lasting impact of the Covid pandemic, reliable, super-fast broadband is an essential asset to every property and something that tenants rightly expect.