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RICS has launched a consultation to tackle problems about current risk and pricing in professional indemnity insurance (PII) in the UK valuation sector that are creating market dysfunction. The quantity and cost of handling alleged negligence claims is having a significant impact on the cost of PII, not just for firms who have received claims but for the market as a whole. These structural problems could reduce client protection, limit competition within the market and lead to market failure. RICS has

Managing agent, Mainstay, is on a mission to continue its rapid growth over the next five years. The executive team have placed customer service firmly at the heart of Mainstay’s strategy and know that to be successful, they need to hire people who support the strategy and have the right skills and values. In an effort to reduce the risk of costly recruitment errors, Mainstay has engaged with Midlands-based firm, Williams. Williams have worked with Mainstay to develop a bespoke, efficient recruitment proc

Most legal advisers and many leaseholders are familiar with the right to be provided with a summary of relevant service charge costs under Section 21 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985. However, a little-known legal right passes great numbers of leaseholders by every year owing to its relative obscurity. Under Section 84 of the Housing Act 1996, residential long leaseholders who have formed a recognised tenants’ association have the right to appoint a surveyor to advise them on matters relating to

During the mid 1980’s  the way in which flats in England and Wales were being built and sold began to change. Why? Because developers began to realise that legislation being proposed and enacted by the government of the time was granting leaseholders more and more rights/powers in respect of consultation requirements, management audits and flat management generally. Developers know the balance of power was beginning to shift and consequently being a freeholder was no longer an attractive prospect. What

Mice have been a problem in flats throughout the UK for hundreds of years. They can spread disease, damage buildings and cause distress for many people, so it is important any infestations are eradicated quickly. This can be achieved by using poisons but also requires the client to carry out specific advice from pest controllers to ensure the problem is eradicated in the long run. Rodents often retreat indoors to find sufficient food and nesting materials. They have large curved incisors in both jaws, wh

One of the most common complaints managing agents are accused of is ‘lack of communication’. Communication across all levels is key to the success of any good managing agent and is a fundamental aspect in developing, securing and maintaining long client relationships. Good communication increases both trust and faith and is the most important contributing factor to the success of effective management. Communication is fundamental in keeping clients and contractors informed of current events surrounding t

The Leasehold Advisory Service (LEASE) and the Residential Property Tribunal Service are amongst 180 “quangos” which are under threat of government cuts, according to a document leaked to the Daily Telegraph and BBC.  The Leasehold Valuation Tribunal is part of the RPTS and may be merged into the wider Tribunals Service system.  By contrast, the future of LEASE is itself under review as government austerity measures are introduced. What do you think?

Grant Shapps, the Housing Minister, will not be introducing the long-awaited accounting regulations which would have afforded protection to flat owners service charge money. The announcement follows Shapps decision earlier this year not to introduce formal regulation of the property management sector. Managing agents are dismayed.  Brett Williams, Chairman of ARMA said, “….we are given to understand [Shapps] reason is to reduce the regulatory burden. On whom? The very rogues who do not handle lessee mon

Funding has been secured and a global search launched for a PhD student to carry out pioneering research to help the property industry better understand the link between customer service and property performance. Sponsorship for the three-year project will come from the Lord Samuel of Wych Cross Memorial Trust Award, together with industry contributions from RealService Ltd and the RealService Best Practice Group (RSBPG). The Trust was set up in 1989 to remember Lord Samuel of Wych Cross, founder of L

RICS has launched a consultation to tackle problems about current risk and pricing in professional indemnity insurance (PII) in the UK valuation sector that are creating market dysfunction. The quantity and cost of handling alleged negligence claims is having a significant impact on the cost of PII, not just for firms who have received claims but for the market as a whole. These structural problems could reduce client protection, limit competition within the market and lead to market failure. RICS has

A new fund is being launched to help leaseholders, (particularly those who may be vulnerable and/or elderly), afford legal assistance to advise them on matters such as the LVT process, escalating service charges and exit fees. Called LKPaid, the fund is the brainchild of Melissa Briggs who rose to prominence for her campaigning work leading Carlex and its demands for leasehold reform. “Having exposed malpractice in the property management industry over the past few years, I set up the Leasehold Knowledg

Members of the House of Lords have called for the law commission to simplify leasehold law. Baroness, Lady Butler-Sloss and Baroness Williams urged the Conservative Minister, Baroness Hanham to consider the Government’s position during a Parliamentary debate on consolidating all landlord and tenant legislation. Baroness Hanham admitted that, “... leasehold law in particular can be complex and people find it difficult to understand” but refused to commit to a Law Commission consultation. The Federation of