Block management simply put is managing blocks of flats where the individual properties are owned by various leaseholders. As the managing agent, our main roles include; arranging for maintenance, collecting service charges, looking after the communal areas, and a number of important legal responsibilities.
Often, individual flats in the same block can have different lease terms. As manager, we need to know what each owner is permitted to do and what we’re required to do for them.
If any leaseholder breaches the terms of their lease – e.g. by sub-letting or making unauthorised alterations to the property – we’ve got to deal with the issue.
Each leaseholder’s service charge includes a contribution to buildings insurance for the whole block. We have to inform the insurer:-
This helps ensure we have the right cover for the block’s circumstances.
As manager, we are responsible for making sure the site always complies with health and safety law and that all maintenance works are carried out by approved contractors.
We are responsible for having a risk assessment carried out and must ensure the right fire safety measures are in place for the communal areas, including fire doors, alarms, extinguishers, etc. The best way to do this is have a professional fire safety representative visit to carry out the assessment and inform us of what needs doing.
We’ve got to schedule regular inspections of the communal areas, inside and outside the building, to make sure the property remains in good condition and nobody is violating any of the terms of their lease.
It’s our responsibility to keep clear, detailed records of all works, payments, inspections, etc.
Among other things, we are responsible for:
Making sure accounts are prepared correctly for the shareholders of the block.
This is complex but, if certain building works need to be carried out and the cost to each individual leaseholder will be more than £250, there is a three-stage consultation procedure that we need to follow. If it’s not done properly, we could be liable for any cost of the works, over and above £250 per leaseholder.
We must make sure we know about and understand all new legislation and amendments to existing laws that will affect the block and our management of it.
If you have any questions about right to manage, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our team hello@horizonmanagement.co.uk
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