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Federation of Private Residents Associations (FPRA) Chairman, Bob Smytherman has written to the Secretary of State with responsibility for the private leasehold sector calling for an independent regulator for the industry, similar to the one that regulates Council Housing and Housing Associations. This fresh call comes following a recent meeting of Retirement Sector Leaseholders in Chichester, West Sussex which was organised by the campaign group CARLEX (Campaign Against Retirement Leasehold Exploitation)

The Prime Minister, Gordon Brown, has been petitioned “to create a body which will oversee and regulate the leasehold management industry, enforce a proper code of conduct offering protection to owners of leasehold properties from unreasonable service charges and poor quality of service”. Over 800 people have signed up in support of the petition, which can be found at: http://petitions.number10.gov.uk/flatownerhelp/

Ruth Emanuel, Managing Director of Stonedale Property Management has been awarded Fellowship of the Institute of Residential Property Managers (IRPM) for her contribution to the property management industry over the past 23 years. Ruth Emanuel said: “I am thrilled to have received this recognition. Underpinning my passion for the property management sector is a firm belief that customer service and clients come first.” Ruth was selected by the IRPM’s board of governors to join a roll call of the 50 proper

8 Home Security Tips for your flat 1.  Secure all Doors and if replacing locks, choose those that conform to British Standard 3621 or with a minimum of five levers.  2.  Install a chain or bar to your front and rear doors. 3 . Solid timber doors are the safest, as oppose to weak hollow-core doors. 4.  Lock all doors and windows when going out, if there is no forced entry, your flat insurer will be unlikely to pay out. 5.  Lock doors when you’re in the home, especially at night. 6.  Don’t leave keys in

The second annual Enfranchisement and Right to Manage Awards 2010 (ERMA’s) will take place on the evening of Wednesday 12th May 2010. The Awards are now open to entry by contacting News on the Block. The Association of Leasehold Enfranchisement Practitioners (ALEP) and CARLEX have been confirmed as Event Supporters. Please contact Vikki Morlang on 0207 625 0021 or vikki@newsontheblock.com for more information.

The banking system is the key to recovery in the housing market, Bank of England MPC member Andrew Sentance told the British Property Federation’s housing conference. Sentance said the housing market had “begun to recover, both in terms of activity and prices,” adding “if the pressures in the banking system ease over the next couple of years, there could be scope for a much stronger recovery in the housing market, especially if interest rates remain low and monetary conditions remain as relaxed as they ar

The Head of England and Wales’ Civil Justice System, Master of the rolls lord neuberger, and Hugh seaborn, CEO of the Cadogan Estate, will join speakers from the property professions at the forthcoming 2010 Leasehold Advisory Service (LEASE) Conference. The Conference takes place on 13th May 2010 in London. Meanwhile, Siobhan Mcgrath, the President of the Leasehold Valuation Tribunal will be addressing the highly interactive ALEP Spring Conference on 10th March 2010.

Payment of millions of pounds in service and administration charges may be lawfully avoided as managing agents are sending out invalid service charge demands.  By law in England, since 1st October 2007, every demand for payment of service charges (and since 30 September 2003 in respect of administration charges) must be accompanied by a Summary of Rights and Obligations. Failure to do so entitles the ¯at owner to withhold payment until this document, which explains a leaseholders rights in respect of the

PROPERTY MANAGEMENT AWARDS 2009 – THE WINNERS!  PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AWARD WINNER: SLC Solicitors HIGHLY COMMENDED: Brady Solicitors FINALISTS: Brethertons, Harris & Associates SLC Solicitors blend of 40 solicitors, legal executives and paralegals deal solely with service charge and property management issues nationwide. In this category the judges were looking for consistent levels of service and customer satisfaction from any organisation providing professional services to blocks of flats. The winner

A diligent woman from Cambridge has beaten off five male contenders to be named the first ever Porter of the Year at a dazzling ceremony in London. Isy Barrett from the Cambridge Belvedere apartments was presented with the honour at the News on the Block Property Management Awards. Her outstanding win has since received extensive media coverage, including the BBC and Cambridge News. Eight other prestigious honours were also presented to recognise excellence and professionalism of all specialists working

[image1]     [image2]Property Management – Options for Leaseholders Speaker: Mr Justin Bates Speaker biog: Justin is a Barrister at Arden Chambers, London, specialising in all aspects of housing and property law. He regularly appears in the LVT and Lands Tribunal and has appeared in a number of the most significant decisions concerning the powers of the LVT. He is recommended in Chambers and Partners (2009 and 2010) for his LVT work and is the editor of the LVT Bulletin. Description: This webinar looks

The current issue of News on the Block (Issue 48) contains news about the RPTS jurisdiction being extended to cover park homes cases.  After going to press, the expected transfer of a range of jurisdictions relating to park homes, which was due to take place (subject to Parliamentary approval) from the County Courts on 6 April 2010 - was delayed. However, we understand that it is the intention of the Communities and Local Government Department to introduce it at the earliest legislative opport