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In the immediate aftermath of the Grenfell Tower tragedy, on 14 June 2017, the Department for Communities and Local Government (“DCLG”) issued initial written guidance on cladding testing. The initial tests, conducted at the British Research Establishment on behalf of the Department for Communities and Local Government, consisted of a screening test to identify which panels contained fillers (in the core of the panels), which were of limited combustibility (Category 1) and which did not (Category 2 or 3).

Noise, vibration, dirt, dust, scaffolding, parking spaces taken up with skips and trucks and equipment, increased traffic congestion; the upheaval of extensive periods of construction, refurbishment and remedial works on your block can be invasive and stressful, bringing with it disruption, frustration and misery. Often for months at a time. While there are no laws precluding it and it’s broadly accepted that general repair and remedial work is necessary, if it’s not managed correctly, what was a positive

We're living in a time when the fitness industry is booming. According to the International Health and Sports club association, the health industry has boomed by at least 3-4% each year, with no sign of slowing down any time soon. All the while, younger generations like millennials and Gen Z are demanding more opportunities to improve their health and wellbeing. We're even seeing a growing number of gyms within the workplace to boost employee engagement and satisfaction. So, what does all of this have to

Forward-thinking managing agents, M J Mapp made the strategic decision in 2018 to partner with Locale, equipping their UK portfolio with an unparalleled solution to support site management and provide an instant communication channel. ‘Bringing us closer than ever to our customers’ Robert Stark, Senior Executive Director, M J Mapp One of the key challenges faced by managing agents in today’s environment is occupier engagement, and user centricity is key. Property consumers, investors and occupiers expe

On 1 March 2019, the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government announced a number of measures aimed at further tackling homelessness, including funding to help potential new tenants with rental/first month rent payments. However, it was a different measure that dominated the headlines and could prove more controversial than intended. The Government has set its sights on tackling landlords and letting agents who (in its words) “potentially discriminate” against tenants who are on benefits. The

Award winning property manager, Abby Brealey MIRPM AssocRICS, has founded a new property management company - Metta Property Management, with a driving force to change the leasehold industry – for the better. Abby is passionate about the industry and has the intention to be a company of complete integrity based on her own personal values. She was recognised for her achievements when she was given the title of ‘Regional Property Manager of the Year’ at the 2017 – 2018 Property Management Awards.

The Association of Leasehold Enfranchisement Practitioners (ALEP) Spring Lecture titled ‘Up on the Roof – Developing Development Value’ has been deemed a great success by attendees.   Held at No.11 Cavendish Square, more than 200 professionals representing the leasehold enfranchisement sector joined together to discuss and debate how skyward development presents both opportunities and challenges for the sector.   The tone of the Lecture was set by the government’s recent technical consultation, Planning r

Whatever happened in property management during the early 1980s to lead to the implementation of section 20 of the Landlord & Tenant Act 1985? The answer is that there were many cases of abuse where houses were purchased, converted (often poorly) and sold on long leases (again often poorly drafted) and the landlords would continue to manage the development undertaking substandard repairs at inflated costs and not accounting properly for the costs incurred. It’s no wonder that statutory protection was requ

PM Legal (a division of law firm Keebles) has partnered with the IRPM to launch the Institute’s new Fast-track Associate Programme at PM Legal’s inaugural residential conference for property managers across March 29-31 in Oxford. Aimed at ambitious property managers who are seeking to raise standards in the residential property management sector, entry requirements for the pilot programme are a minimum of 1 year property management experience. The three day course will be facilitated in the inspiring conf

If your company has potential employees queuing around the block to work for you, then great! However, perhaps your industry is more niche, you’re after something specific or you could be spending your time more productively, instead of shortlisting and sorting through applications? Working within the block management industry, candidates can often be in short supply. We have spoken previously about how it can be hard to meet the demand for placing candidates that meet clients’ specific needs. TemplePM is

The latest RICS and Macdonald & Company Rewards and Attitudes Survey has found that the sectoral gender pay gap has closed during the past year, as more women are attracted to the industry and more attain senior positions. It also found that working in the real estate and built environment industry has many other appealing benefits for a better work/life balance. Last year’s gender pay gap figures (April 2018) showed that the UK’s biggest companies paid men an average of 18.4% more than women. Additionall

Leading managing agent Rendall & Rittner focuses heavily on investing in its employees and creating a company where individuals can flourish regardless of gender. To tie in with International Women’s Day today, female members of Rendall & Rittner’s senior management team comment on gender equality in the property management industry and encouraging women into the sector. Comments from: Catherine Riva – Director (CR), Catherine Orezzi – Head of HR (CO), Karen Gray – Area Director (KG), Joanna Biles – Area