Block management has grown in importance over the past few years, largely as a result of the steady increase in the number of apartment buildings in contemporary towns and cities.

A knowledgeable and committed strategy to residential block management is necessary to successfully manage a complex of apartments. It also necessitates having solid working knowledge of a wide variety of procedures, including, but not limited to, landlord and tenant law, facilities administration, health and safety regulations, and building safety.

In this guide we’ll look at what a block management company actually is and how to recognise a good one you can trust your properties with.

What is block management?

Block management is when a block property manager (or “managing agent”) looks after the communal areas of residential apartment buildings or apartment complexes on behalf of a landlord, developer, Residents Management Company (RMC), or Right to Manage Company. (RTM).

The block manager also serves as the point of contact for contractors and freeholders, ensuring that all building is completed without a hitch. An essential grasp of budgeting and pertinent legislation is required for the position. Depending on the job at hand, block managers may work both in the office and out in the field.

What are a block manager’s main responsibilities?

General maintenance

Block property managers handle regular common area upkeep tasks like painting, gardening, and decorating in addition to general cleaning. In addition to monthly compliance site inspections, facility maintenance may also include parking area, stairs, and pavement repairs.

Health and Safety

Block managers make sure that every element of the property complies with current UK building law based on the relevant legislation. All necessary routine safety inspections, including those for fire safety, asbestos testing, and lift upkeep, will be coordinated by the manager.

Administrative support

Additionally, block managers keep open lines of contact with all contractors working on the property, ensuring that they are all paid promptly and in full.

Facilitating meetings for property managers, accounting, and maintaining thorough records of inspections, contracts, and any on-site building plans are examples of additional administrative duties.

Budgeting

Block managers can reliably ensure the management account has the money it needs for any emergency repairs thanks to budgeting. The person in control of the budget also reviews any contracts for major work to make sure no supplemental fees are being added and that significant costs are being used effectively.

Insurance

Service charge payments, which go toward the property’s total building insurance, are gathered by block managers. Block managers will also give insurance companies the required details about the tenants of the building and any owner-occupied apartments.

What makes a good block management agent?

Block managers are responsible for a broad range of tasks, including accounting, maintenance, and repairs. A competent managing agent will be familiar with leasehold and tenancy law, financial budgeting, and all duties involved in supervising the maintenance of an entire building.

1.    Solid communication

Every day, leasehold block managers interact with a wide range of parties, including landlords, independent contractors, tenants, and other block management employees. Effective information sharing with these individuals requires good communication skills on the part of block managers. Strong verbal and written communication skills are crucial because they also serve as the main points of interaction for tenants and landlords.

2.    Knowledge of legislation

The main contacts for landlords and tenants with issues or complaints are leasehold administrators. Block managers are better prepared to deal with such problems if they are aware of the laws governing apartment buildings, such as housing laws and health and safety rules.

Legislation frequently changes, so block managers remain informed of the most recent changes and understand how they may affect tenants and landlords.

3.    Maintenance

Although block managers frequently use outside contractors for significant repairs and upkeep, they occasionally handle smaller jobs like replacing light bulbs or mending doors themselves.

Therefore, maintenance expertise aids block managers in keeping an apartment building in good functioning order. After inspections and site visits, block managers keep track of the maintenance and repairs that were carried out.

4.    Conflict resolution

Block managers interact with a variety of people, including displeased tenants and independent contractors. They can defuse situations like neighbourhood disputes with the aid of effective conflict mediation techniques.

Being a block or property manager requires a lot of patience because they deal with a variety of challenging circumstances every day.

How is block management different from property management?

While block managers take care of the common areas, shared amenities, and building maintenance in a block with numerous properties, property managers manage the day-to-day operations of a single tenancy.

Property managers will spend a lot of time speaking with block managers to resolve problems on behalf of their customers because some of their duties, like general maintenance, overlap.

Looking For an Expert Block Management Company?

All of a property manager’s duties are covered by the complete block management services provided by Scanlans Property Management. We have a group of capable and knowledgeable employees who are always accessible to address concerns or questions from tenants.

Our block management services cover everything from insurance and claims to repairs and maintenance, building surveying services, site visits, and more.

For more information about our services, or to get a quote, contact us today.

Block Manager FAQs

What makes a good block manager?

It’s crucial to communicate. An effective block manager must be able to communicate clearly with all parties involved. They ought to constantly update both you and the renters on any changes. They also need to be excellent listeners because they’ll be mediating any disputes between tenants.

What is a block manager?

The UK sector of the block management business refers to companies that offer management services to residential leasehold buildings. The management of residential flats or apartments is particularly referred to as block management.

What is the difference between property management and block management?

While a Block Management staff is in charge of managing a flat complex as a whole, Property Management concentrates on single-tenanted properties. Among the duties of block management are budgeting, accounting, maintenance, and the collection of service fees.