This month’s issue focusses on Major Works and Service Charges. Our contributors have covered everything from reviewing and challenging service charges to the impact of the Leasehold Reform on service charges and the importance of internal works in residential blocks.

In the News!

  • The Property Institute Annual Conference 2024 (formerly ARMA) brings together key decision-makers, government representatives, influential sector stakeholders, and leading industry figures to collaboratively shape the future of the residential leasehold sector.
  • Brady Solicitors are pleased to announce the arrival of Emma Wilson as the new Chief Commercial Officer and Jonathan Whittle as the new Technical Head of Arrears. Both Emma and Jonathan bring with them a wealth of experience within the property and legal industries respectively, with Emma having over 20 years’ experience within the property and consultancy sectors and Jonathan over 20 years in civil litigation.
  • B-hive Block Management Partners, part of the Vegner Group, who are specialists in the block and estate sector, are delighted to now be powering over 100 businesses.

Featured Articles

The team at 4Site Consulting discus the different types of Asbestos surveys available, when they should be utilised and why.

Diaz Richards-Riant, Property Manager at FirstPort Group, gives her insight into the key duties in the day-to-day work of a Property Manager and the value that she and her team add to resident-managed developments.

Colin Stokes, MD of adiuvo, shares a case study of a recent single emergency and what was involved in managing it.

The glitzy allure of external facades often overshadows the quieter, yet equally important, needs of internal redecoration. The team at Future Group looks at the importance of internal redecoration.

Navigating the landscape of leasehold properties can often feel like a daunting task, especially when it comes to understanding major works and the accompanying service charges. Read more in the article from Fraser Allen Estate Management.

Gareth Lomax from Ardent Lift Consultancy offers some expert advice on how to undertake a major works project of your lift.

The team at Earl Kendrick, explain how forward planning and expert help can take the pain out of major works.

Lauren Fernandes, Solicitor at Bishop & Sewell, looks in detail at what Service Charges are and how many leaseholders are experiencing substantial increases in the service charges demanded by their landlord.

Learn more about Section 20 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 in the article brought to you JB Leitch Solicitors.

Leasehold reform has been a significant topic of discussion in recent years. One notable area of discussion has been the potential impact of the Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act 2024 on service charges for leaseholders in the UK. Read more about this in the article from Residentsline Insurance.

The team at London Flats Insurance discuss what the Section 20 process entails, under what circumstances it can be avoided, and the consequences for non-compliant landlords.

The latest article from Block in a Box provides key tips on managing these aspects focusing on the importance of a sinking fund, insurance considerations, obtaining quotes and selecting contractors, legal obligations and communication with residents.

In their article, the team at Flat Living Insurance outlines the potential impact on insurance premiums, how to make sure you’re adequately covered during and after any major works, and how to handle the claims process effectively.

The team at Manage Your Block look at how to review and challenge Service Charges.

Belinda Bagnall, Managing Director of Residentsline explores the significance of Directors’ and Officers’ Liability Insurance for your Residents’ Management Company.

Read all of these articles and more, in the August edition of Flat Living Magazine.