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.

SMS rent and arrears reminders are win-win for letting agents

Using text messages to remind tenants when rent is due and chase late payments provides a range of benefits for letting agents, according to PayProp. The leading rental payment processing system says communicating via text not only saves time and resources, but also meets the needs of modern tenants - many of whom prefer not to receive direct phone calls. Why is SMS an effective communication method? Communicating with consumers via text message has become popular with companies across all sectors since p

MRI Software Acquires CheckpointID, Adding ID Verification and Fraud Prevention to Multifamily Offering

MRI Software, a global leader in real estate software solutions, has acquired CheckpointID, LLC, a Carrolton, Texas-based provider of ID verification and fraud prevention technology solutions to the multifamily industry. The CheckpointID™ solution validates government-issued domestic and international IDs in real time to protect against rental fraud and increase safety in both guided and self-guided apartment tours. The solution allows leasing agents to quickly perform checks in person or online, and prov

Sigma expands its UK team with five new starters

Sigma Capital Group plc, the private rented sector (“PRS”), residential and urban regeneration specialist, has expanded its team with five new starters in London, Manchester and Edinburgh after growing its portfolio significantly along with the announcement of its London joint venture with EQT Real Estate to initially deliver c. 3,000 homes with a value in excess of £1bn. Dane Matthews joins from Touchstone Corporate Property Services as Asset Manager for London. Dane is passionate about placemaking and r

Home Truth: Lockdown caused 21% reduction in planning permission applications

New research from bridging loans broker Octagon Capital reveals that lockdown had a significant impact on the number of Brits applying for planning permission, with numbers from April, May and June 2020 down 21% on the same time period the year previously.  The research, which analysed gov.uk data, found that the decrease in planning permission applications during lockdown is far more significant than in 2019, where there was only a 5% decrease in applications during the second quarter of the year. In 201

JPC continues growth

Despite the challenges COVID-19 has brought, we are immensely proud to welcome three new solicitors to Team JPC.    IRINA APEKISHEVA, Dispute Resolution Team  Irina joins JPC’s Dispute Resolution Team and has experience in dealing with all aspects of commercial and properly litigation, including contract claims, injunctions, intellectual property matters, construction disputes, professional negligence and landlord and tenant disputes.  Irina understands the importance of resolving clients’ disputes in the

Plans submitted for landmark regeneration project in Poole

MHA has today announced that a planning application has been submitted for the development of Fisherman’s Dock, located adjacent to the Marina in the heart of Poole. A key vantage point along Poole’s historic Quay, the application looks to further enhance the iconic setting through a comprehensive regeneration project, which will see the construction of 228 apartments, a 118 bed boutique hotel, complete with rooftop restaurant and bar and commercial space.    With unprecedented views overlooking the harbo

Principle to manage apartments near historic road and opposite huge urban park

Leaseholders living near an historic road and opposite a huge urban park in the West Midlands have appointed Principle Estate Management to look after their apartments. The contract to manage the luxury properties on Ryknild Drive, just off Thornhill Road in Streetly, Sutton Coldfield, was awarded by the Ryknild RTM (Right to Manage) Co Ltd. The name Ryknild is an alternative spelling of the nearby Icknield Street, a roadway dating from Roman times, and the building is adjacent to Sutton Park, a 2,400-acr

The value of technology in the Build to Rent space

With the pandemic leading to falling rents across rental properties and radically changing preferences in home requirements among remote workers, more operators and investors in Build to Rent (BTR) sector are understandably looking to adapt their offering for the post-COVID era. As a result, many are turning to technology, recognising the necessity of more robust connectivity, simpler property management and a more sustainable offering for the coming months and years. In the wake of the pandemic, investme

The 5 ways Landlords can prepare for the most common rental issues as the pandemic looms

In the current COVID-19 climate, economic uncertainty is rampant, meaning issues between landlords and tenants may be unavoidable. While landlords are being urged to give their tenants leeway, tenants are still required to pay rent or at least as much as they can manage.  Richard Wayman, CIA Landlord’s Operation Manager reveals his 5 top tips on how to effectively manage the most common rental issues that may crop up, from defaulting tenants to rent adjustments to help landlords avoid liabilities and loss

Welcome to the club

Welcome to the club….inspired by big retailers’ loyalty schemes, Future Group has launched Club Future.   “The aim is to give something back to the clients on our books who have continued to work with us through the pandemic  - and to have a bit a fun in these troubled times,” says Group MD Jamie Willsdon.   Clients will receive an exclusive membership card that entitles them to priority service, quicker call-outs and entry into prize draws and other giveaways. It could mean a ticket to Ascot, a bottle of

The UKAA Festival of Build To Rent 2020

The UKAA have announced the launch of their virtual 'Festival of BTR' on Monday 16th - Friday 20th November 2020.  This is going to be big, it's going to be different - your most valuable on-line experience of 2020. Please join us for our virtual Festival of BTR - a week long programme bringing you the best in BTR knowledge and experience . We will have inspiring speakers and through provoking sessions, an excellent array of exhibitors showcasing the best in BTR, fun social activities and plenty of net

Sky Homes announces new Property Partnerships!

Sky Homes are pleased to announce that we are extending our Property Partnership opportunities to the Property Management and Services sector. Residents now expect more than ever from their property managers. Add value to your residential services by partnering with Sky to bring TV, Broadband and Talk service’s to residents- unlocking special offers, technical specifications and earning revenue at the same time. Revenue earned for introducing new Sky customers Special offers for your residents Dedicat

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