Featured Articles

Get the answers to your questions and stay up to date about apartment building management with our featured articles and NOTB guides, on topics such as service charges, right to manage, buying your freehold, major works, building insurance and other issues about blocks of flats.

Two senior property directors appointed at Principle Estate Management

Principle Estate Management has recruited two senior property directors with a total of nearly 20 years of experience in the sector between them. Polly Dyer joins Principle as property director from the HML Group, where she was regional head of property management for the last four years overseeing offices in Bolton, Knutsford, Birmingham, Aldershot, Luton and Whetstone. Ms Dyer, who once served with the RAF, had previously spent more than four years as senior property manager with the Residential Managem

15th housing minister since 2010 ousted in reshuffle

The revolving door of housing ministers in the UK continues, as Rachel Maclean becomes the 15th to be ousted since 2010. Described as a "totally embarrassing conveyor belt" by a Department of Levelling Up, Housing and Communities insider, Maclean's dismissal came as a surprise, especially on the eve of her introduction of the government's Renters Reform Bill. Maclean's departure was announced on social media, sparking frustration from her colleagues, including Housing Secretary Michael Gove and Cabinet Mi

Chancellor should provide targeted support to both landlords and tenants, says industry expert

When Chancellor Jeremy Hunt gets to his feet on Wednesday to deliver his Autumn Statement, he should consider offering support to both tenants and landlords, according to one PRS expert. While rising rents caused by supply shortages have hit tenants hard – especially those who rely on the Local Housing Allowance (LHA) – many landlords have in turn had to cope with increased interest charges on buy-to-let mortgages, which some claim have rendered their rental properties unviable. Neil Cobbold, managing dir

Hill and Powerday donate £20,000 and join forces in 'Spotacular' skip tour for Children in Need

Award-winning housebuilder The Hill Group and waste management and recycling business Powerday have teamed up to raise money for this year’s BBC Children in Need. A brightly coloured skip, decorated with Pudsey-themed spots, recently toured London to raise awareness in the run-up to the big event on Friday, 17th November. The family-owned companies have collectively contributed £20,000 to the appeal, with each donating £10,000. In keeping with this year’s BBC Children in Need theme, ‘Be Spotacular’, the l

How Property Managers Ensure They Remain Compliant with Legislation

The realm of property management is a multifaceted one, filled with both opportunities and challenges. In light of the PMA Awards, this article illuminates these challenges and unveils the award-winning strategies that have propelled property management companies to gain recognition and attain excellence in their field. Remaining Compliant in Health and Fire Safety Regular Health, Fire, and Safety Risk Assessments Legislation underscores the necessity for "regular" health, fire, and safety risk assess

Grosvenor Systems hires new Sales Director to oversee growth

Grosvenor Systems has today announced the appointment of Sales Director, Guy Wendon, as the leading property management software company continues to accelerate its growth plans. Guy joins from Neighbourly, a leading B-Corp and corporate giving programme, where he worked closely with major businesses such as Lidl, Aldi, Sainsbury’s, Co-op Food, First Rail and TSB Bank. He has over 18 years’ experience directing sales strategies across finance and SaaS industries. At Grosvenor Systems, Guy will focus on ne

ARMA Conference 2023 Roundup

The 2023 ARMA Annual Conference on Friday 6th October brought over 450 property managers, sponsors, partners and special guests together at 133 Houndsditch, London. The 26th in-person event was another key opportunity for the sector to discuss pressing challenges, with a focus on employee wellbeing, building safety, business management and resident engagement. A packed programme featured over 20 speakers across 6 keynote sessions and 6 breakouts, with plenty of networking opportunities during and after th

FPRA Annual Conference & AGM - now open to non-members!

Bookings for 1:1 sessions with our experts covering a range of subject areas including managing agents, fire safety, right to manage, committee procedures, leasehold reform, general legal matters, service charges and section 20 are available between 7.00 pm – 8.00 pm. You can download and view the full AGM notice on the link below.  Please get in touch to book your slot at info@fpra.org.uk.

Q&A - Fire Doors in Housing Association Apartments

QUESTION  I am concerned about my front door (fire door) in my apartment. I live in a housing association low rise block of flats. How often should a fire door be checked in my apartment building and who is responsible?   ANSWER Your apartment door must be appropriately fire-resistant to ensure a reliable means of escape during a fire. It is imperative that the door self-closes fully from any angle, facilitated by a door closer that operates automatically. Additionally, the door should be free from damage

Inventory Hive Awarded for Best Use of Technology in Build to Rent

The Build to Rent Awards 2023 have recognised Inventory Hive for their excellence in the build-to-rent sector. The multi-award winning proptech leaders have won the award for most effective use of technology in the sector. The awards ceremony, which was supported by the UKAA and hosted by Love to Rent, took place in Leicester Square in London in November and recognised disruptors and innovators within BTR. The Inventory Hive platform is used by build to rent operators, landlords, letting agents and invent

Levelling the playing field in the heavily rigged leasehold system

Alan Draper, Managing Director of Common Ground Estate & Property Management, attended last night’s All Party Parliamentary Group meeting for Commonhold and Leasehold Reform, where Housing Minister Rachel Maclean outlined the Government intentions as announced in the King’s Speech earlier that day. “In my view, the biggest potential for levelling the playing field in the heavily rigged leasehold system is scrapping the presumption for leaseholders to pay their freeholders’ legal costs when challenging p

Fixflo webinar explores record keeping requirements with building safety experts

The Building Safety Act has a variety of requirements when it comes to storing and communicating safety information. What needs to be shared? Who do you tell? And how often does it need to be updated? Repairs and maintenance specialist Fixflo is continuing its building safety series by answering these questions and more in a specialist look at record keeping. The webinar will see Nigel Glen, Non-Executive Director, Emeria, Dorian Lawrence, Managing Director, FR Consultants, and Shaun Lundy, Director of St

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