© 2025 News On The Block. All rights reserved.
News on the Block is a trading name of Premier Property Media Ltd.
© 2025 News On The Block. All rights reserved.
News on the Block is a trading name of Premier Property Media Ltd.
Leisure facilities are becoming commonplace in private residential developments and can be run safely and efficiently providing there is an effective management plan in place. Failure to manage properly could result in the managing agent or property owner being liable for injury caused by break down or malfunction of equipment in addition to the potential for the managing agent to be responsible for accidents or incidents if the equipment is not maintained properly.
Residential gyms are commonly un-staffed and so cost effective to run with regards to service charge fees. A comprehensive risk assessment is key to understanding general management and equipment maintenance requirements of the facility. Specialist contractors often play a crucial role in facilitating an effective management plan.
In addition, advice should be sought from insurers to achieve the full benefits and to minimise any risks. Under the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 and the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 a risk assessment for the use of the facility must be carried out and regularly reviewed.
Managing agents should consider inductions by a competent company /person who is Reps (Register of Exercise Professionals) Level 3 qualified or equivalent, covered by a valid first aid qualification and public liability insurance, for all users as should this not take place, the management company and / or freeholder may be liable for a claim. Records of any such inductions should be kept meeting insurance and data protection requirements.
It may not always be possible to make inductions a requirement. As an alternative induction packs should be supplied and ‘Terms of Use’ posters displayed with signage indicating people who use the facility without induction do so at their own risk. Additionally, a definition of any prohibited use, whilst using equipment should be explained and displayed. A first aid kit should be provided and where possible an emergency call point should be present; either an alarm connected to the on-site staff or a telephone solely for ‘999’ calls. A explanatory notice should be displayed next to the alarm or telephone. Equipment should be subject to regular visual inspections and these may be carried out by the managing agent if they are competent to do so and a stringent testing and servicing regime by a professional company should be implemented. Correct signage should be installed that is applicable to each piece of gym equipment.
Proactive management should involve controlling access in and out of the facility and at all times security should be paramount; only permitted users should have access as far as possible and opening and closing times should be monitored.
When run in accordance with a professional management plan, residential leisure facilities should be a benefit not a burden to the development.
Helen Christie is an experienced residential property management technical consultant.