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RESI, the annual retreat of the residential property industry, was the backdrop for a high-level roundtable discussion session on the importance of branding in property management hosted by managing agents JJ Homes. Attended by some of the key influencers in the property management sector and facilitated by News on the Block, delegates concluded that there is significant opportunity for a business to create a strong, recognisable brand in the industry. Those managing agents who are widely known tend to ha

Grosvenor Systems will be hosting their latest Propman seminar in London on 17th October 2012, to showcase Propman X3, the latest version of their cutting edge property management software. Propman combines powerful accounting functionality with the day to day property management tools that all successful Block managers require. Since its first release in 1991, this simple, easy to use application has provided the ideal solution for Block Managers looking to manage their portfolios more effectively, and i

A recent ruling in the upper tribunal (lands chamber) has sent shockwaves throughout the insurance community, large freeholders and managing agents. The appeal between Denise Green and 180 Archway Road Management Co Ltd focused on whether insurance premiums are recoverable under a lease, which requires the policy to be issued in the joint names of the Lessor and the Lessee(s). When the original lease was granted, it was common practice for leases to require an insurance policy to be issued in joint names

Make sure the proposed work is permitted under the lease Undertaking work that is not deemed necessary under the terms of the lease, can leave the freeholder open to claims that lessees are being wrongly charged under service charge provisions. Before any work is commenced, consult the lease to ensure the proposed work is provided for, and complies with the lease terms - otherwise its cost may be unrecoverable. Have a detailed specification Often this stage is bypassed by going straight to con

NOTB What are the key goals for RICS Residential regarding residential leasehold property? Peter Bolton King One is making sure that we are in a position where we can communicate more effectively with our members. Then, are we offering what members want? Members make it very clear they want to know what they need to know, at the right time, in the right format, which enables them to help run their business more effectively. The third priority is whether the routes to membership are as straightforward

Exercising the right-to-manage can be a relatively inexpensive and quick, no-fault solution for resolving existing management issues/disputes within a building. This pull out and keep guide to right-to-manage introduces the key concepts and is written by independent industry practitioners.

On 1st May 2002 the Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Act 2002 received Royal Assent and with a few exceptions most of its provisions have since come into force. Flat owners made particular gains. The abolition of the residence requirement undoubtedly enabled more people to extend their leases or buy the freehold of the building in which their flat is located.  Right to Manage was introduced for the first time in the 2002 Act giving leaseholders of flats the chance to take over the running of the bu

When a landlord is notified of an intention to exercise the right to manage (‘RTM’) certain factors need to be considered, namely: whether the right should be admitted at all; existing contracts; contractor notices; duty to provide information; and transfer of funds Conditions for objecting:  Landlords should be aware they cannot resist the RTM if all relevant conditions are met.  Landlords may challenge the claim notice and issue a counternotice if there is evidence that: There are not enough “q

In order for the Right to Manage Company (RTM Co) to be effective in its purpose, at least 50% of the qualifying leaseholders in the building must become members. This will require a concerted and determined effort on behalf of one or more qualifying tenants in order to create a groundswell of support for the RTM Co. By law, all qualifying flat-owners must be invited to become members of the RTM Co (see Section 78 of CLARA 2002). There is a prescribed form of notice inviting participation which must be se

One particular right to manage problem is that the Commonhold & Leasehold Reform Act 2002 fails to make satisfactory provision for developments comprising more than one block; managed under one service charge scheme. Section 72(1) provides that the right to manage applies to premises “which are a self-contained building or part of a building, with or without appurtenant property”. The first question is whether “building” can be interpreted to mean “buildings”. Section 6 of the Interpretations Act

This piece aims to shed some light on the leaseholder’s statutory right which enables them to take charge of the management of their building by removing existing managing agents. The formal Right to Manage (RTM) procedure provides leaseholders with the power to collectively decide who they would like to manage their block. This can be exercised even if the existing managing agent is technically “not at fault”. So long as the right procedure is adopted the landlord has little say in objecting to the r

QUESTION Dear Sir I recently moved into a block of five flats and we have recently been asked recently to put ourselves forward as directors of the management company and to run it. Please tell me where I can get advice on this and if a personal tax return will need to be submitted to HMRC. Sarah Jane Whittingham QUESTION 2 Dear Sir I write as the Secretary to a small block of flats (6). We are a limited Company and a little while ago 5 of the residents got together to buy the fre