FAQs for Block Management

What is Block Management?
Block management is the process of overseeing and coordinating the activities within a block of flats or other multi-unit residential property. A dedicated block manager oversees and coordinates a range of activities to uphold the overall functionality of the block. This includes managing residents, handling finances, overseeing repairs and maintenance, and ensuring compliance with leasehold and statutory regulations. Property block management services are designed to enhance communication between residents and the block manager, ensuring better financial management, efficient maintenance services, and increased safety and security for all residents. This contributes to a higher standard of living within the block.
Block management companies provide a comprehensive service that includes everything from financial and legal advice to on-site staff and maintenance teams. They can also offer bespoke services to meet the specific needs of their clients.

Why is block management important?
The importance of a proficient block manager becomes evident when considering the potential consequences of not having one. Without a skilled block manager, a block of flats or a multi-unit residential property could experience disorganization, neglect, and resident dissatisfaction. Therefore, having a block manager with qualities such as good communication, financial management skills, property maintenance experience, and legal understanding is crucial to the overall success of the block.

What does block management involve?
There are a number of activities that fall under the remit of block management, including:

• managing residents;
• managing finances;
• repairing and maintaining the property;
• providing a point of contact for residents; and
• ensuring compliance with leasehold and statutory regulations.

What are the benefits of block management?
There are a number of benefits to using a block management company, including:

• improved communication between residents and the block manager;
• better financial management of the block;
• more efficient repair and maintenance services;
• greater safety and security for residents; and a generally higher standard of living for residents.

Why do you need a block manager?
A block manager can be a valuable asset to any block of flats or other multi-unit residential property. They can help to ensure that the block is well-run and organised, and that all residents are happy and satisfied with the level of service they receive.

How do I fire my block management company?
If you are not happy with the service you are receiving from your block management company, you may be able to fire them. This is usually done by giving notice in writing, although the exact process will vary depending on your contract.

What happens if I don't have a block manager?
If you do not have a block manager, it is important to appoint someone to coordinate the activities of the block. This could be a resident representative or another member of staff. Without a block manager, there is a risk that the block could become disorganised and run down and that residents could become unhappy. Therefore, having a property management company and block manager with good communication, financial management skills, property maintenance experience, and legal understanding is crucial to the overall success of the block.

What makes a good block manager?
There are a number of qualities that make a good block manager, including:

• good communication and interpersonal skills;
• strong financial management skills;
• experience in repairing and maintaining property; and
• a good understanding of the law.

What should I look for when choosing a block management company?
Choosing the right block property management company is a key decision for property owners. It is important to consider the following factors:

• the level of experience and expertise of the company;
• the range of services offered by the company;
• the size and location of the company; and
• the reputation of the company.

How do you manage a block of flats?
The best way to manage a block of flats is to appoint a block manager. Block managers are responsible for overseeing and coordinating the activities within the block, including the management of residents, finances, repairs and maintenance.
Block management companies provide a comprehensive service that can include everything from financial and legal advice to on-site staff and maintenance teams. They can also offer bespoke services to meet the specific needs of their clients.

What is the difference between block management and property management?
The main difference between block management and property management is that block management is focused on the coordination of activities within a block of flats or other multi-unit residential property, while property management is focused on the day-to-day running of the property. Block managers are responsible for ensuring that all aspects of the block are running smoothly, while property managers are responsible for dealing with tenants, collecting rent and carrying out repairs and maintenance.

Block finances explained

Propose a service charge budget to agree

Prepare a reserve fund with the future in mind

Collect service charges collected in the way the lease or transfer sets out

Appoint a Chartered Accountant to prepare the service charge accounts

Liaise with the Accounant to 'audit' or 'certify' the accounts

Add interest received to the money we hold for you

Protect your money, hold it in trust, in a RICS regulated Client account

Give you the benefit of the ‘RICS Clients Money Protection Scheme’

Send you a bank statement monthly, (if requested)

Building Safety

Inspections & Repairs on site: we will

Inspect the common parts at a frequency agreed with you

React and send contractors to effect block repairs

Re-tender cleaning, gardening, window cleaning and facilities contracts to deliver value for money

Negotiate contracts, repairs, long term qualifying agreements

Facilitate insurance claims to support owners

Insurance & Buildng Safety: We will:

Improve the environment by working with residents and the local crime prevention officers to enhance security and make you feel safe

Interpret fire risk assessments and plan with you what you need to do

Arrange insurance for buildings, Directors & Officers, plant and public liability

Legal Aspects

Legal aspects: We will:

Interpret leases, capital expenditure plans and case law

Signpost when we think you need specialist advice

Implement best practice

Mediate neighbour issues such as parking, noise and nuisance

Instruct Solicitors to deal with breach of lease and serious debt recovery

Maintain records of what we do and share these with you on the Ringley Gateway™ online

As Company Secretary: we will:

Arrange The Annual General meeting

Appoint a Company Secretary to maintain the statutory registers and file the annual return

Instruct a Chartered Accountant to prepare the company accounts

Mediate neighbour issues such as parking, noise and nuisance

Instruct Solicitors to deal with breach of lease and serious debt recovery

Maintain records of what we do and share these with you on the Ringley Gateway™ online
If you are wondering why we chose a list of verbs to describe what we do – it is because we are a results driven organisation and believe in getting things done. In fact, 15% of our team’s salaries are tied to key performance indicators.