This month’s issue focuses on the vibrant world of communal spaces and outdoor areas! Our incredible contributors explore everything from securing insurance for shared spaces to transforming them into inviting, high-value hubs that enhance both occupant experiences and property appeal.

In the News!

  • The Government abolishes two-year rule in further stage of Leasehold Reforms.

  • The Property Institute Annual Seminar 2025 is back and better than ever! With a brand-new look, this unifying event is your chance to gain valuable learning opportunities and connect with a growing community of driven industry professionals. The day promises to inspire, empower and motivate. Grab your early bird tickets today to be part of it!

Featured Articles

The team at Residentsline Flats Insurance discuss the scenarios that could lead to a claim and outlining the newly available policy Residentsline has created to ensure that you and your team are covered.

Communal areas are the arteries of your residential blocks: they’re the places that your residents and visitors see every day that represent the work you do for them. Making sure yours stay in good condition is key to keeping occupiers happy – learn more in the article brought to you by FixFlo.

The team at EarlKendrick Group discuss how proper management and design of communal and outdoor spaces extends beyond mere aesthetics, as they can impact the social dynamics of residents, enhance safety and accessibility, and contribute to the environmental sustainability of the property.

Understand more about your rights to common parts and shared areas in this article by Bishop & Sewell.

Communal areas, whether in residential buildings or community spaces, play a significant role in building a sense of belonging among residents. However, maintaining these spaces as safe and welcoming environments requires a collective effort – read more about this, brought to you by Fraser Allen Estate Management.

In their article, FirstPort explore the common challenges and solutions involved in communal property management and we highlight the work The FirstPort Group is doing to deliver a service that meets the needs of each development and its residents.

With much of this edition looking at exterior spaces, JB Leitch look at recent case law to examine the issues surrounding internal space – specifically, where an RTM Company claims right to manage, should roof voids which have not had flooring laid comprise part of the internal floor area calculation of non-residential parts for the purposes of Schedule 6 of the Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Act 2002?

The team at Ardent Lift Consultancy look at the importance of lift reliability in communal areas.

Learn more about what will go into your Building Assessment Certificate application, how to cover your fees and outlining the potential outcomes of your application from the team at 4Site Consulting.

Communal spaces include hallways, lifts, stairwells, gardens and car parks. These areas must be maintained and insured as well as being presented in line with health and safety regulations. In their article, the team at London Flats Insurance outline the duties of residential block owners and their managers.

The team at Manage Your Block provide some practical tips for season-proofing any external communal spaces, while also addressing the importance of appropriate insurance coverage.

For residential blocks that provide their residents with parking, the installation and management of EV chargers is an inevitability – learn more from the article by Block in a Box.

To ensure compliance with insurance regulations, reduce breakdowns and to avoid any resident dissatisfaction (or worse, injuries), effective maintenance is essential as highlighted by Flat Living Insurance in their article.

The team at Residentsline explain the importance of insurance; for the building of course, but also for RMC Directors and Officers volunteering their time to maintain the building.

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