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.

Implications & Considerations for Managing Property During the Crisis

With the continuing escalation of COVID-19 and the announcement on Sunday (29th March) that the current levels of disruption may endure for up to 6 months, there is little doubt that society is learning to adapt to a new paradigm around the way we live, work and interact. Across the country, businesses of all complexions are seeking further clarity and reassurance from the government on the level of support they will receive and guidance on the operational parameters we must collectively adhere to. With t

New customer portal gives Principle leading edge in technology for clients

Principle Estate Management has launched a customer portal to speed up its communications and services by giving clients direct access to their up-to-date accounts. The new portal uses the latest technology for customers to see detailed account histories, statements, invoices and other useful documents, allowing them to pay any outstanding balances online by card. The portal, which is hosted by Principle’s MRI property management software, also notifies customers of important information relating to their

Block Management UK Ltd expands amidst a challenging environment

In a show of confidence at this uncertain time within the property management industry, Block Management UK Ltd has expanded its team with the addition of a highly experienced new business development professional. Block Management UK Ltd announces the appointment of our latest member of staff, business Development Executive, Richard Andrews.  Richard joined the property industry in 2004 and brings a vast knowledge of the leasehold and estate management sector.  He understands the needs and requirem

COVID-19 and Possession Claims

In the wake of the COVID-19 outbreak, many tenants are anxious that they will be unable to pay their rent and face eviction. Equally, many landlords will be anxious about defaulting tenants. Many possession cases are still listed for hearing and it has been unclear whether the hearings will be taking place given that the court system is slowing down with the country now in lockdown. However, there is now clarity from the government which will be welcome news for tenants but not such good news for landlo

Service Charge Arrears: Can and should you take steps to recover unpaid charges in light of Coronavirus?

Last week, legislative changes – the Corona Virus Act 2020 and Practice Direction 51Z Civil Procedure Rules – came into effect.  How do these affect those responsible for managing developments and, specifically, do they prevent you from recovering service charges due now?  The changes provide little protection for property owners (usually leaseholders) who pay service charges.  Accordingly, service charges that should have been paid and which are required to run developments, can still be recovered now. 

Help For Agents: Free Webinar from Industry Leaders on Considerations Stemming from COVID-19

The ongoing pandemic has put many aspects of life on hold. Apart from the essential services permitted by Government, our streets seem to be void of activities as the country hunkers down for a battle against the invisible enemy. While most property managers are adapting to remote working, some may struggle to work at home. What about those things that require in-person attendance and impact both on the quality of life, and quite possibly the safety of residents across the UK? A raft of government guid

First Tier Tribunal: Guidance for users during the COVID-19 pandemic

On 19th March 2020 the Senior President of Tribunals published two Emergency Practice Directions.  The First Tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) has also published specific guidance for users on how the tribunal will operate during the COVID-19 pandemic. Some of the key points for First Tier Tribunal user is as follows:  HEARINGS:  - No oral hearings or mediation will be conducted until further notice but at least to 29th May 2020;  - Hearings and/or mediations that do convene will be carried out remotely; 

Jackson Sims Recruitment - Covid 19 statement

Has our industry adapted to a new normal?   Our world has been disrupted. COVID-19 has meant that businesses have had to quickly adapt to Skype interviews and limit face to face interaction which, was once seen as the most important element of recruitment. At JSR, we have been working with firms who are now hiring online as well as sending laptops, phones and company literature all to candidates’ homes and once successful, allowing them to start work from home while, most importantly, remaining safe. In a

Adiuvo: Covid 19 statement

During the current situation (that seems to be the popular euphemism) Adiuvo, like many of our peers and clients have had to adapt to a new way of thinking & working.  We have received some plaudits for being up and running seemingly early and without issue however, that was not actually the case. As most people know we are based in Southern Ireland and work / socialising restrictions here came into force some 2 weeks prior to the UK. In that time we moved to remote working but with several mishaps and IT

IRPM Annual Seminar 2020

It's time to know exactly what is happening in the sector! This year will be pivotal for all property managers and companies that are involved in the residential property management sector. We are on a more certain path and with some brilliant steps in the right direction, toward a more accountable, ethical and sustainable sector; there is no better time to come together with your peers to understand exactly what 'is' and what 'will' be happening in the industry. Date: 23rd September 2020 Venue: Queen Eli

BBIS commercial heating Covid 19 statement

COVID-19 is affecting everyone. BBIS commercial heating would like to assure all of our customers that we are committed to your heating and hot water requirements during this difficult time. We are taking extra precautions to protect our customers and our engineers during this Covid-19 outbreak. Our primary concern is the safety of our staff and clients. We are open 24/7 for the foreseeable future, and we are determined to safely meet all of our client’s and customer’s needs. Based in London and Hertford

How would the government's proposals to prevent tenants from being evicted alter the existing legal position?

The Coronavirus Act 2020 received Royal Assent and came into force on 25 March 2020.  It is worth reminding ourselves of the previous position briefly, which is now being altered by the new legislation.  1. Common law tenancies – any tenancy not falling within the assured tenancy regime under the Housing Act 1988 (“the Act”), such as where the annual rent exceeds £100,000 or the tenant is not occupying the property as their only or main home, including if they are a company which is incapable of occupying

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