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The Building Safety Act 2022 (the Act) places new more stringent building safety responsibilities on resident-led organisations (Right to Manage (RTM) and Resident Management Companies (RMCs)) which will be accountable persons for in-scope higher risk buildings. It is important to note that the resident led entity will be the Accountable Person and lay directors will not be Accountable Persons in their personal capacity. This, however, does not relieve resident-directors of personal liability if they are

In this article Charles Seifert a partner at SAY Property Consulting, considers some of the challenges around the Building Safety Act and to submitting successful applications for Government grant funding to the coming 11-18m Cladding Safety Scheme  For managing agents, landlords and directors of RTM companies, getting to grips with the requirements of the Building Safety Act (BSA), and more specifically the consequences of failing to do so, may feel overwhelming.  My advice to anyone who thinks that thei

Bishop & Sewell’s next legal webinar will provide Leaseholders, Freeholders and Agents with essential insights into the ramifications of the Duval* decision, which continues to impact what works can and cannot be done when making alterations to a residential leasehold property.     Delivered by Partners Mark Chick and Chris McCartney from the firm’s renowned Landlord and Tenant team, the free online webinar ‘Leasehold Question Time – Alterations and Duval’ will take place on Wednesday 28 June between 

The Building Safety Act 2022 was a significant outcome of 'Building a Safer Future' consultation by the government. It aimed to reform the UK's building safety system by improving control and transparency in fire safety and structural safety for new and existing buildings that are at least 18 metres tall. Managers and owners of existing and new buildings are approaching an important requirement outlined in the Building Safety Act 2022. With proper preparation and organisation, this process should be swift

EM React takes a methodical approach and attention to detail to ensure that we are the preferred emergency response team to any fire incident because we know fires can be fatal and preventable. We provide and adhere to up-to-date rules and legislation around protection before and after any fire incident. Our response teams use their expertise and professionalism to continuously improve the services we offer. EM react liaise with the emergency services by reacting and responding following a 4-stage procedu

Nearly six years from Grenfell, the landscape has certainly started to change.  The Government has introduced new statute, made amendments to existing statute, launched funds, brought responsible parties to the table and signed up nearly fifty of the largest developers to put right the wrongs of the past.  I could fill several pages providing commentary and advice on the multiple aspects of the fire safety landscape as it exists in 2023, but for the purposes of this editorial, I will consider just three a

A question often asked: How long will it take to get rid of the knotweed on my property or land? In this article, we answer this question because we know it’s an important factor when you first find out you have a problem with knotweed. But first let’s take a brief look at the options for the control or complete eradication of Japanese knotweed. There are typically two methods; herbicide application or excavation. Herbicide treatment Carried out in a series of planned treatments called a Knotweed Manage

The Building Safety Act 2022 is steadily coming into force, moving the responsibility of build and fire safety to the Health and Safety Executive and bringing new and detailed directives into effect in order to correct the previously poor regulation of the UK construction industry. For freeholders, landlords and others who might have a financial or ownership interest in an occupied residential higher-risk building, this means new obligations. Dorian Lawrence, Managing Director of RSK Group company FR Cons

Introduction: With regard to building safety, readers will no doubt be aware that the first few months of the year have introduced some notable updates to be aware of, and that will have a material impact for ensuring compliant property management under the new regime. In this article, Trainee Solicitor Katie Orr of specialist property solicitors JB Leitch, takes an in depth look at the topic of Remediation Orders and Remediation Contribution Orders as the first case law in this area begins to emerge. Rem

Earlier this year, News on the Block, Jen Lemen BSc Hons (FRICS) of Property Elite and Annie McGrandles, FIRPM MRICS, Head of Portfolio and Block Management of Property Management Recruitment, held a webinar for over 150 block managers on how to become RICS qualified. As a follow up to this webinar, we will be running a series of articles on how you can become qualified either as AssocRICS or MRICS.  In this article, running with the overall edition theme of health & safety, we will be taking a look at wh

In a move to promote energy efficiency and reduce environmental impact, the government has announced a ban on the sale of fluorescent lamps by the end of 2023. Fluorescent lamps, which have been commonly used in homes, offices, and public spaces for decades, have come under scrutiny due to their high energy consumption and hazardous waste. According to the Ministry of Energy, fluorescent lamps are responsible for a significant portion of electricity consumption in the country, contributing to high carbon

Block management isn't for everyone. The real estate industry faces unique challenges in hiring and retaining staff, resulting in an annual turnover of 27.8%. Nearly three in ten block managers will leave their jobs in the next year alone. And it's no surprise when many suffer from demanding workloads and low compensation. How can we combat this? We spoke to Nigel Glen, Non-Executive Director, Emeria, Shelley Jacobs, Operations Director, Michael Laurie Magar, and Martin Perry, Director, West of England Es