The Importance of Regular Maintenance for Fire Safety Equipment in Blocks of Flats We all hope that fire safety equipment will never be needed, but if a fire does occur, residents need to feel confident that fire doors will close correctly, emergency lighting will work and alarms or other safety systems will perform as intended.
Living in a Listed Building: What Every Flat Owner Should Know Living in a listed building can be a unique experience. From elegant Georgian conversions and Victorian mansion blocks to Art Deco apartments, historic buildings often offer character and architectural details that are difficult to find in modern developments. But owning a flat in a
When Premiums Rise in Blocks of Flats: How to Talk About It with Residents For many Resident Management Companies (RMCs), Right to Manage (RTM) companies, freeholders and managing agents, insurance renewal has become one of the most challenging conversations of the year. Across the UK, many blocks of flats have experienced a significant increase in
Future-Proofing Your Block: Using Major Works to Improve Sustainability For many leaseholders and Resident Management Companies (RMCs), major works are viewed as an unavoidable expense. It’s undeniable that roof repairs, external redecoration, window replacement and structural maintenance can result in significant costs and disruption. However, rather than simply replacing old components, major works can be
Right to Manage in the Era of Building‑Safety Reform Right to Manage (RTM) companies have always carried important responsibilities. However, since Grenfell, building and fire-safety reforms have transformed expectations around compliance, oversight and accountability in residential blocks. This means RTM companies are now practically responsible for ensuring the structure and common parts of the building are
Using Building Design and Policy to Support Wellbeing How a building is designed, maintained and managed has a direct impact on residents’ wellbeing. For Resident Management Companies (RMCs), there is a growing opportunity to move beyond basic maintenance and consider how policies and physical spaces can support a calmer, healthier environment. Simple decisions around noise,
Making the Most of Shared Outdoor Space: From Neglected Corners to Community Assets In many blocks of flats, shared outdoor areas are some of the most valuable spaces in the building. Courtyards, gardens, terraces and small landscaped areas can offer residents fresh air, relaxation and a sense of community. In practice, however, many of these
Digital Handover: What Managing Agents Need When Taking Over a Block Taking over management of a new block is a critical moment. The first few months set the tone for service standards, resident relationships and risk management for years to come. Yet too often, managing agents inherit partial files, missing certificates, unclear budgets and unresolved
Handling Neighbour Disputes: When Should the Managing Agent Step In? Close living, shared spaces and different lifestyles can all create friction in blocks of flats. Noise complaints, parking rows, refuse issues or disagreements over balcony use can quickly escalate. The difficulty is knowing when a dispute is a private matter between neighbours and when it
Balconies, External Walls and Lifestyle Risks Many blocks have invested heavily in cladding remediation, balcony replacement and improved fire-safety features recently. Triggered by the wave of legislation changes following the Grenfell fire, this trend has been perpetuated by the rise in home working (and therefore increased balcony use). Seemingly harmless behaviours can create risks that