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ARMA (the Association of Residential Managing Agents), the leading trade association for residential managing agents in England and Wales, has today (14th April 2020) launched a new membership category, with the aim of raising standards across a wider section of the industry. In its commitment to promote and maintain high standards of block management and in order to extend its influence and expertise within the property management sector, ARMA has designed ARMA Network as an opportunity for freeholders,

In a significant change to the rules on payment of Statutory Sick Pay (SSP), the Statutory Sick Pay (Coronavirus) (Suspension of Waiting Days and General Amendment) Regulations 2020 (SI 2020/374) have been passed and will have retrospective effect in relation to any COVID-19 related absences on or after 13 March 2020.   CAN STATUTORY SICK PAY BE PAID FROM DAY ONE? The new Regulations amend the previous rule that SSP was not payable for the first 3 qualifying days that someone was off sick and unable to wo

In our previous Insolvency update we indicated that there were proposed changes to the Insolvency Regime to help individuals and businesses in the current climate as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. However, there has been less guidance to assist professionals with respect to their existing insolvency matters – until now. The Lord Chancellor, the Right Honourable Robert Buckland MP, Secretary of State for Justice, has approved and signed a temporary Insolvency Practice Direction (IPD) which came into fo

CONFUSION? The government advice published on 26 March has caused some confusion leading some to believe “residential conveyancing has been cancelled”, but this is not the case. https://www.gov.uk/guidance/government-advice-on-home-moving-during-the-coronavirus-covid-19-outbreak The guidance is aimed at maintaining the lockdown principals of physical distancing to keep the public safe. Conveyancing transactions where the property is already vacant, and where the buyer does not need to move in, are fine to

Block Management UK Ltd have announced the signing of a five-year license with MRI Software to make available their powerful suite of property management software across all property management staff as well as client-facing portals available to residents and landlords. MRI Qube PM deals with all property management and client accounting requirements, and the MRI Engage portal delivers an astounding customer experience to leaseholders and residents, allowing for improved levels of online engagement.  Feat

Normal is no longer the norm. Our everyday life has been drastically affected by Covid-19; from restrictions on our movement and work to our weekly shop, no corner of life has been left untouched.  In these unprecedented times, it is important for us as a company, as a community and as a country to work together and try to establish ourselves back to normality as soon as possible. That means staying at home and adhering to Government advice, whilst also taking extra precautions as we go about our lives. 

As a result of the Coronavirus outbreak the Government have looked to relax the current laws surrounding the witnessing of wills.  Section 9 of the Wills Act 1987 requires the testator (individual making the will) to execute the will in the presence of two witnesses. The two witnesses must see both the testator and each other sign.  The coronavirus has created obvious and practical difficulties when it comes to executing a will.  It is unclear whether any change in law will be revoked once the coronavirus

The Master of the Rolls and the Lord Chancellor have signed a new Practice Direction 51ZA, which can be found here: - https://www.justice.gov.uk/courts/procedure-rules/civil/rules/practice-direction-51za-extension-of-time-limits-and-clarification-of-practice-direction-51y-coronavirus The Practice Direction is in force from 2nd April 2020 and will last until 30 October 2020. The main impact is that it allows parties to agree an extension of time for complying with procedural time limits in the CPR, Practic

Matthew Hollamby has joined the enfranchisement team at niche property law firm, Commonhold and Leasehold Experts Limited (CLE). Joining the team from a law firm in Brighton, Matthew advises freeholders and leaseholders on a range of transactional and litigious freehold, commonhold and leasehold ownership matters. In 2019, he was shortlisted for Young Professional of the Year at the Enfranchisement and Right to Manage Awards. CLE specialises in property law and advises clients across England and Wales. Ma

Preparing a Will can often sit on one’s ‘to-do-list’ for a long time before any action is taken; perhaps because of superstition, refusal to discuss the inevitable or simply a lack of understanding. In times of uncertainty however we are reminded just how important it is to have your affairs in order.  WHAT SHOULD BE INCLUDED IN YOUR WILL? Central to the making of wills is the distribution of assets on death; however, a will goes further and allows you to deal with a number of factors, including: 1. Appoi

With businesses being unable to operate, both landlords and tenants will be concerned about income and outgoings, and what can be done to ensure they can make it through the Covid-19 outbreak. SOME RELIEF FOR COMMERCIAL TENANTS? The Coronavirus Act 2020 has provided some relief for commercial tenants in that the landlord does not have a right of re-entry of forfeiture for non-payment of rent during the period 25 March 2020 – 30 June 2020 or such later date as specified.   This does not mean that tenants s

Elevate Property Group has unveiled its plans to bring a derelict site in Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter back to life in its latest project in the city. It has submitted plans for 14 townhouses, 42 apartments and 3,500 sq ft of commercial space in a development to be called Heaton House Lofts in Camden Street.  The residential accommodation will include three and four bedroom townhouses and one and two bedroom apartments, but what sets this project apart is the recreation of a part of Birmingham’s history