What is Block Management?
Block management is the process of overseeing and coordinating the activities within a block of flats or other multi-unit residential property. A dedicated block manager oversees and coordinates a range of activities to uphold the overall functionality of the block. This includes managing residents, handling finances, overseeing repairs and maintenance, and ensuring compliance with leasehold and statutory regulations. Property block management services are designed to enhance communication between residents and the block manager, ensuring better financial management, efficient maintenance services, and increased safety and security for all residents. This contributes to a higher standard of living within the block.
Block management companies provide a comprehensive service that includes everything from financial and legal advice to on-site staff and maintenance teams. They can also offer bespoke services to meet the specific needs of their clients.
Why is block management important?
The importance of a proficient block manager becomes evident when considering the potential consequences of not having one. Without a skilled block manager, a block of flats or a multi-unit residential property could experience disorganization, neglect, and resident dissatisfaction. Therefore, having a block manager with qualities such as good communication, financial management skills, property maintenance experience, and legal understanding is crucial to the overall success of the block.
What does block management involve?
There are a number of activities that fall under the remit of block management, including:- managing residents;
- managing finances;
- repairing and maintaining the property;
- providing a point of contact for residents; and
- ensuring compliance with leasehold and statutory regulations.
What are the benefits of block management?
There are a number of benefits to using a block management company, including:- improved communication between residents and the block manager;
- better financial management of the block;
- more efficient repair and maintenance services;
- greater safety and security for residents; and a generally higher standard of living for residents.
Why do you need a block manager?
A block manager can be a valuable asset to any block of flats or other multi-unit residential property. They can help to ensure that the block is well-run and organised, and that all residents are happy and satisfied with the level of service they receive.
How do I fire my block management company?
If you are not happy with the service you are receiving from your block management company, you may be able to fire them. This is usually done by giving notice in writing, although the exact process will vary depending on your contract.
What happens if I don't have a block manager?
If you do not have a block manager, it is important to appoint someone to coordinate the activities of the block. This could be a resident representative or another member of staff. Without a block manager, there is a risk that the block could become disorganised and run down and that residents could become unhappy. Therefore, having a property management company and block manager with good communication, financial management skills, property maintenance experience, and legal understanding is crucial to the overall success of the block.
What makes a good block manager?
There are a number of qualities that make a good block manager, including:- good communication and interpersonal skills;
- strong financial management skills;
- experience in repairing and maintaining property; and
- a good understanding of the law.
What should I look for when choosing a block management company?
Choosing the right block property management company is a key decision for property owners. It is important to consider the following factors:- the level of experience and expertise of the company;
- the range of services offered by the company;
- the size and location of the company; and
- the reputation of the company.
How do you manage a block of flats?
The best way to manage a block of flats is to appoint a block manager. Block managers are responsible for overseeing and coordinating the activities within the block, including the management of residents, finances, repairs and maintenance.
Block management companies provide a comprehensive service that can include everything from financial and legal advice to on-site staff and maintenance teams. They can also offer bespoke services to meet the specific needs of their clients.
What is the difference between block management and property management?
The main difference between block management and property management is that block management is focused on the coordination of activities within a block of flats or other multi-unit residential property, while property management is focused on the day-to-day running of the property. Block managers are responsible for ensuring that all aspects of the block are running smoothly, while property managers are responsible for dealing with tenants, collecting rent and carrying out repairs and maintenance.
Client Benefits
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Client Benifits
A dedicated team: Our Property Managers work in pairs, so you have cover for holidays etc...
24 hours a day Call handling centre for out of hours emergencies
100% transparency: Budgets, real invoices, bank balances, arrears, compliance docs online 24/7.
Free banking No bank charges - as long as your account is in credit
Debt collection 100% of service charge debts collected or sent Legal within three months.
The Team
The key to our success is our people
Richard
Cardiff Office
Head of Block Management - Wales & West
Nick
London Office
Block Management - National Head of Site Staff
Block Management Reviews
"Our Junior Property Manager is to be highly commended in her outstanding professional manner in handling the various property issues that has affected me. The first involved her tactfully contacting me to navigate my husbands car that he bought and was waiting to refurbish for many months, but now the management had received complaints as it was considered an abandoned car. Instead of the heavy handiness I would have expected from management to remove the car, she instead showed sensitivity and allowed sufficient time for the car to be removed. In showing a respectful and courteous approach to my situation, the matter was handled a lot quicker than normal and with very little stress. Also, I asked her to install a door stopper in my hallway as my neighbours children kept banging the door and causing damage on the wall. She attended to the matter very quickly and again was extremely friendly and kept me informed of when it would be installed. Dilara is one of the best assistant property managers I have dealt with in 20 years of living at the Maltings flats. She has a sensible attitude, a respectful attitude to the tenants and she can earn your trust quickly because she gets property issues handled quickly. "
CW |
Christine Wright | Romford |
"One of the best assistant property managers I have dealt with in 20 years of living at the Maltings flats. She has a sensible attitude, a respectful attitude to the tenants and she can earn your trust quickly because she gets property issues handled quickly."
CT |
Christine Torres | Romford |
"In 2020-22 we, AMC, undertook works consisting of: fire alarm upgrades, compartmental upgrades, integration and upgrades to the Automatic opening vents and the fire doors to meet required safety standards. The cost of these works was £467,276 During the delivery of this specific project he developed additional project management skills and worked with the AMC director team to successfully deliver a timely result. His continued efforts resulted in re-imbursement of the funding, in full, from the original developer. We, at AMC, look forward to working with him in his capacity as our tenant/owner point of contact (working alongside an extended Ringley Engineering Team) in the replacement of existing cladding to achieve an EWS1 Certificate."
SL |
Stuart Lee | Kingston upon Thames |
"We hire friendly people and empower them to delight."
Block and Estate Management involves:
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Financial aspects of Block Management: we will:
Propose a service charge budget to agree Prepare a reserve fund with the future in mind Collect service charges collected in the way the lease or transfer sets out Appoint a Chartered Accountant to prepare the service charge accounts Liaise with the Accounant to 'audit' or 'certify' the accounts Add interest received to the money we hold for you Protect your money, hold it in trust, in a RICS regulated Client account Give you the benefit of the ‘RICS Clients Money Protection Scheme’ Send you a bank statement monthly, (if requested) -
Inspections & Repairs on site: we will
Inspect the common parts at a frequency agreed with you React and send contractors to effect block repairs Re-tender cleaning, gardening, window cleaning and facilities contracts to deliver value for money Negotiate contracts, repairs, long term qualifying agreements Facilitate insurance claims to support owners -
Insurance & Buildng Safety: We will:
Improve the environment by working with residents and the local crime prevention officers to enhance security and make you feel safe Interpret fire risk assessments and plan with you what you need to do Arrange insurance for buildings, Directors & Officers, plant and public liability -
Legal aspects: We will:
Interpret leases, capital expenditure plans and case law Signpost when we think you need specialist advice Implement best practice Mediate neighbour issues such as parking, noise and nuisance Instruct Solicitors to deal with breach of lease and serious debt recovery Maintain records of what we do and share these with you on the Ringley Gateway™ online -
As Company Secretary: we will:
Arrange The Annual General meeting Appoint a Company Secretary to maintain the statutory registers and file the annual return Instruct a Chartered Accountant to prepare the company accounts Mediate neighbour issues such as parking, noise and nuisance Instruct Solicitors to deal with breach of lease and serious debt recovery Maintain records of what we do and share these with you on the Ringley Gateway™ online If you are wondering why we chose a list of verbs to describe what we do – it is because we are a results driven organisation and believe in getting things done. In fact, 15% of our team’s salaries are tied to key performance indicators.