Block Management
Block management is the process of managing the communal areas of residential properties through the service charge. Managing a block of flats requires a professional approach, time and dedication.
Block management involves constant communication with various contractors in respect of maintenance and repairs, insurance of the building and, in some cases, provision of central heating, lifts, porterage, estate staff, lighting and cleaning of common areas.
A managing agent maintain the building on behalf of the landlord, in accordance with the terms of the lease, current relevant legislation and codes of practice. The agent takes instruction from the landlord, not the leaseholders, but should constantly be aware of the leaseholder’s wishes and requirements. The agent will receive a fee which will usually be paid by leaseholders as part of the service charges. This may be based on a specified percentage of the day-to-day service charges, but good and common practice is for it to be a fixed fee per annum. Where major works are involved, the agent may charge an additional fee, which will normally be a percentage of the total cost of such works.
What are Service Charges
Service charges are payments by the leaseholder to the landlord for all the services the landlord provides. Details of what can (and cannot) be charged by the landlord and the proportion of the charge to be paid by the individual leaseholder will all be set out in the lease.
What Is Ground Rent
As a legal term, ground rent specifically refers to regular payments made by a holder of a leasehold property to the freeholder or a superior leaseholder, as required under a lease. In this sense, a ground rent is created when a freehold piece of land is sold on a long lease or leases.
Our Services
We offer a tailored, client centred management service based on your needs. Our standard block management service includes the following services.
- An initial visit and meeting with Lessees to discuss all current and future requirements,
- Taking notes of all Lessees’ details as required in order to undertake and maintain the provisions of the ruling Lease.
- Preparing the annual service charge budgets, together with the collection of ground rent payments and standard maintenance service charges as applicable.
- Administering the service charge accounts, including receiving, checking and paying contractor invoices.
- Accounting to Lessees on an annual basis, maintaining financial records and liaising with accountants as necessary.
- Attending Lessee Meetings as required, together with reasonable calls to the property.
- Managing the day-to-day requirements of the building together with advice on planning major works, to include instructing specialist technical advisors as necessary.
- Out of hours emergency maintenance contractors.
- Debt collection
In addition, we can provide the following services but do reserve the right to charge an additional fee as appropriate:-
Land Registry enquiries.
Any Planning related work.
Advice on leasehold legal matters.
Arranging Building Insurance Valuations.
Company Secretary duties, including completing company returns.
Our Fee:Our standard fee for the block management is £200 + VAT each unit.
