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Recognising the Residents  To be effective, a residents’ association should be formally recognised particularly as legislation confers on recognised associations additional powers and rights.  Advantages of Recognition Recognised Residents’ Associations are entitled to:- Obtain information about service charge accounts; Be consulted about the landlord’s choice of appointing managing agents; Be notified by the landlord of proposed major works and receive copies of estimates etc. Su

Many lessees and certainly readers of News on the Block may have heard the term “enfranchisement” without really knowing what it means. Basically enfranchisement is a group or collective right for leaseholders of flats, subject to certain requirements and qualifications under current legislation, to buy the freehold of the building they live in, regardless of whether the landlord wants to sell.  Seeking a lease extension on the other hand, is an individual right for leaseholders to buy a new, extended lea

Most problems can be resolved quickly by talking or meeting with the tenant on site, but often the problem complained of is simply out of our control.  These are the more frustrating aspects of managing a block of flats well.   Here are some of the most common issues and the difficulties caused- Withholding keys for access this is probably the number one frustration as the operative has to buzz residents doors until they find someone who is in and who will allow access which annoys the ten

Winter is the time to start planning. It may appear that nothing is going on right, but you couldn’t be more wrong, plan ahead and you will reap the benefits. The garden has little appeal in winter, however a garden should now be looking structured, tidy and just showing those first signs of spring. Planning, preparation and a good maintenance programme are essential. Communal gardens in town provide a challenging environment, intensive planting means intensive problems, pests and diseases are more prev

The enfranchisement legislation is complex and mistakes can occur. As a consequence claims against professionals including solicitors, surveyors and barristers are relatively commonplace. Clients are often looking for someone to blame and from whom they can recover their losses. A professional owes a duty to its client and therefore professional negligence occurs where a professional fails to perform his responsibilities to the required standard. What can be claimed? A professional will enter into a

In most blocks the landlord instructs the managing agents. This lack of accountability by the paying leaseholders gives rogue agents the scope to exploit the situation through such misfeasance as (a) demanding service charges for substandard or non-existent services/works (b) imposing high administration charges and (c) requiring on account payments for works without carrying them out. Each leaseholder should review their service charge accounts annually and identify any unusual items of expenditure. Th

After pressure from tenants, two of the UK’s largest commercial landlords, Land Securities and British Land are trialing a reduction in service charges in response to the economic downturn.  The move has been welcomed by the British Property Federation.  Whether this trend will be mirrored by the residential side of the industry remains to be seen.

Over 10,000 homes in Hammersmith and Fulham are set to benefit from a new efficiency partnership designed to radically transform the lives of social housing tenants and local leaseholders.  About £4.7 million in efficiencies are predicted through refurbishment and repairs of homes, improvements in leaseholder management and customer services, and delivering sustainable efficiencies.

Chartered Surveyor Peter McEachran, a partner at Graham and Sibbald sees no improvement to conditions in the property market any time soon.  He says, “The Government should encourage the banks to improve credit facilities for secured lending purposes. In particular, only once there is a ready availability of 90-95% loans will we see a significant turnaround in the market".

Communal buildings, such as blocks of flats, are at risk from increased claims following a reported rise in crime as the recession bites.  Home Office and police statistics show a sharp rise in crime in the second half of 2008, particularly break-ins, burglaries and malicious damage.  One  major insurer, Zurich Municipal, is already urging landlords and freeholders to check their insurance policies and risk management processes in response.  Building owners need to be prepared for attacks on their

1. Review security assessments, take a fresh look at what is needed and make sure that adequate protection is in place. Ensure staff take even more care in securing the building when they leave and take precautions such as putting valuable items and portable IT equipment in a secure place in the building. 2. Regular inspections of empty buildings should be conducted; the frequency depending upon circumstances and whether there is a history of problems. The potential for liabili

Get the right agent: In a tight market, marketing your flat with the best agent is crucial.  Choose one with a track record of sales, ignore those who compete to outvalue your flat. Beyond the HIP:  Dazzle purchasers by having to hand a well-organised folder with all the relevant information concerning your flat including service charges, insurance, reserve funds, warranties, proof of works, and contractor agreements.  Tidy-up:  Remove all those personal po