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Contract administration is the term most often referred to when building surveyors are talking about major capital expenditure works such as external renovation projects or internal common parts refurbishments. Most property managers will be familiar with the term but there will be many RTM directors and freehold management company directors who are not and whom do not have a building, property or construction background. The term “contract administration” is rarely mentioned when a client is considering

When Frank Dobson and Nick Raynsford first proposed a statutory ‘right to manage’, the intention stated in their white paper was that leaseholders would be able to take over the management of their properties as a legal right ‘without the need to go through a tortuous and potentially expensive legal process’. Ten years on, however, it can still be difficult for genuine RTM claims to succeed. But thanks to the dogged determination of 39 elderly leaseholders of Regent Court, Plymouth things may be about t

It is apparent that with an increase in acquisitions and mergers in block management more buildings are being managed by national agents, without a traditional, physical, local office. This can only result in a reduction of quality in the services provided. The only way in which to effectively manage buildings is through close proximity and regular supervision of them. This could be achieved by an agent imposing a maximum travel time between its properties and its office of, say, 20 minutes. Also, in ord

Just in case you have missed it, the Tribunal Procedure (First-tier Tribunal) (Property Chamber) Rules 2013 came into force on July 1. The change follows on from the restructuring of the Courts and Tribunals services by the Tribunals, Courts and Enforcement Act 2007. That Act created a new judicial and legal framework bringing together many individual Tribunals into a new, unified structure. The old Rent Assessment Committee, Rent Tribunals, Leasehold Valuation Tribunals, Agricultural Tribunals and Adju

Winning a new management contract poses an exciting challenge, however there are a number of employment issues to consider. TUPE, the Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations 2006 has a reputation for according very little with common sense and for throwing up last minute obstacles. There is (regrettably) no magic wand to wave to simplify TUPE - there are procedures to be followed and rules to be adhered to – but those aside, there are also a couple of key practical points that we

JANUARY In January, a High Court decision in the case of Phillips v Francis caused widespread concern throughout the industry. The then Chancellor of the High Court, Sir Andrew Morritt, ruled that, without appropriate dispensation, all qualifying works in a building are subject to consultation in advance if they will cost any flat owner more than £250. Critics said this could lead to delays for leaseholders getting essential works done, as well as rising management fees, plus uncertainty for landlords on

Michael Laurie Magar Ltd (MLM) has been appointed managing agents for Chase New Homes and its forthcoming Royal Keys development in Berkhamstead. Royal Keys will be a collection of 54 private apartments and houses set in 4.8 acres of landscaped grounds along the River Bulbourne. Lawrence Marsh, Sales and Marketing Director at Chase New Homes said: “I have worked with MLM for a number of years and have always been impressed with their rare but remarkable approach to management. For us there was no simpler

Peverel Retirement has been chosen by the residents of Radbrook House, Shrewsbury, to be their new property management company. Residents made the decision after their contract with a previous management company expired. Liz Lowe, Head of Estates at Morris Property, said: “Peverel Retirement’s knowledge and experience comes through in each conversation. Their presentation to the residents was first-class and we look forward to working with them.” Radbrook House, a Morris Property development, comprises

Landlord Action is advising all landlords on what steps to take if a tenant is evicted but leaves behind their possessions. It follows a recent eviction, when a tenant never paid the £1,100 per month rent in full, and left behind all of her belongings and a trail of squalor that will cost the landlord in excess of £8,000 to put right. Landlord Action advises landlords to ensure there is a clear communication trail indicating you have done all you can to ask the tenant to remove the items, then have a thi

An innovative laundry and dry cleaning company that serves more than 13,000 apartments across premium buildings in London has been named as a finalist in a prestigious awards ceremony. Laundry Republic was shortlisted in the Innovation category at the second annual HP Smart Business Awards, held at the Serpentine Sackler Gallery in London on October 15. The awards recognise the contribution of small and medium sized businesses to the UK economy. LaundryRepublic is a 24/7 laundry and dry cleaning service

The Leasehold Reform (Amendment) Bill, aimed at abolishing the need for individual tenants to sign notices personally, has been given a second reading in Parliament. The bill would give solicitors or someone else duly authorised on a tenant’s behalf, such as an attorney the ability to sign the notices. John Midgley, Property Enfranchisement Partner of Seddons Solicitors and member of the advisory committee of The Association of Leasehold Enfranchisement Practitioners (ALEP) has been working with David Nu

The British Property Federation (BPF) has welcomed government proposals to speed up the judicial review process, including proposals to create a dedicated Land and Planning Chamber to review planning-related appeals. The new chamber would see judicial review decisions relating to major developments taken only by expert judges and would take advantage of a streamlined process so they are considered as quickly as possible. Developers have complained in the past that lengthy legal delays to projects have fo