A lifeline for Leaseholders

by Mary-Anne Bowring

In response to the increasing pressure that leaseholders are coming under to comply with a growing amount of government legislation, one of London's top managing agents, The Ringley Group, has started a national campaign to solve leaseholder problems and throw them a lifeline.

This lifeline comes in the form of a new range of block management packages, that Ringley has released after two years in development. These packages are aimed at giving leaseholders the knowledge and tools needed for them to take and maintain control of their blocks without risking the penalties associated with improper management, which can range from fines to imprisonment.

The basic package, BlockCare 100 is been given away for free and includes advice on how to change managing agents, a guide on lease extensions and Right to Manage (RTM) and a new leaseholder forum. For those that want to save money and manage their blocks themselves, the Blockcare200 software is a virtual managing agent that allows leaseholders to run their blocks with a range of pro-formas and planning and budgeting tools.

Mary-Anne Bowring, Managing Director of the Ringley Group, comments: There has been over 35 separate pieces of legislation thrown at leaseholders since 2002 and the aim of our new range of software is to give them the help and guidance that they need to navigate the obstacles and pitfalls they face.

Common problems that leaseholders face include Companies House fines of up to £5,000 if accounts are not filed in time, or the threat of striking off the Freehold or Management Company if the Annual Return is not filed in time. Issues will also arise if service charges are demanded without the correct prescribed notes, or if three consultation notices are not served for works that cost more than £250 including vat per flat.

Mary-Anne concludes, Most managing agents don't like dealing with small blocks of less than eight or ten units because they take up a lot of time and are therefore less profitable and less desirable to work with. The feeling is generally mutual with leaseholders resenting the minimum fees levied by managing agents that makes the service charge higher than necessary.

With this in mind, I don't think small blocks need managing agents and hope our new Blockcare range will persuade some of the xx million leaseholder across the UK that they can easily do it themselves and save a small fortune!

Established in 2007, Ringley is a property management company that provides its private, commercial and industrial clients with a comprehensive range of property solutions, from surveying and valuation through to property and facilities management and sales and lettings.

For more information on the Blockcare range, please visit www.leaseholdersupport.co.uk or call Ringley on 020 7428 1976.