Recent industry news has once again highlighted the importance of competent, compliant and knowledgeable block and property management. Articles such as Property Industry Eye’s report on firms being expelled from The Property Ombudsman have understandably raised concerns among freeholders, leaseholders and residents alike.
While cases like these are concerning, they also serve as an important reminder of what good block management should look like — and why choosing the right managing agent genuinely matters.
Common Issues We See When Taking Over Blocks
We regularly take on blocks that have previously been managed elsewhere, and unfortunately, patterns do emerge. Often, the issues are not minor oversights but long-standing problems that have simply never been addressed.
Some of the most common challenges we encounter include:
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Lack of compliance with current legislation and regulatory requirements
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Poor understanding of the lease, leading to service charges being demanded incorrectly
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Incomplete or inaccurate service charge accounts, sometimes going back several years
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Severe maintenance issues that have been left unresolved for a decade or more
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Little to no forward planning, resulting in reactive rather than proactive management
In many cases, leaseholders have been paying service charges without seeing meaningful maintenance or improvements, simply because the block was not being managed with sufficient care or expertise.
The Importance of Understanding the Lease
One of the most critical aspects of block management is a clear and thorough understanding of the lease. Every block is different, and service charges, responsibilities and repair obligations must always align with what the lease allows.
When a managing agent does not fully understand the lease:
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Service charges may be demanded incorrectly
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Disputes between leaseholders and freeholders become more likely
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Trust in the managing agent quickly erodes
Getting this right from the outset protects everyone involved and helps maintain a well-run, transparent development.
Turning Around Poorly Managed Blocks
The positive news is that even blocks with long-standing issues can be turned around with the right approach.
When we take on a new block, our focus is on:
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Bringing the property back into compliance
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Reviewing the lease in detail and correcting any historic errors
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Creating a clear maintenance plan, rather than continuing a cycle of neglect
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Communicating openly with leaseholders so they understand what is happening and why
In many cases, residents tell us they feel reassured simply by having clarity and a proactive plan for the first time in years.
Raising Standards Across the Industry
Most property professionals work hard to do the right thing, and it’s important not to lose sight of that. However, stories of poor management and regulatory action remind us that standards must be upheld across the industry.
Good block management is not just about collecting service charges — it is about:
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Protecting the value of the property
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Ensuring buildings are safe, compliant and properly maintained
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Acting in the best interests of both freeholders and leaseholders
Final Thoughts
If you are a leaseholder or freeholder who has concerns about how your block is being managed, it is always worth asking questions and seeking a second opinion. A well-managed block should feel transparent, compliant and cared for — not confusing or neglected.
At its best, block management is a partnership built on knowledge, accountability and long-term planning — and when done properly, it makes a real difference to people’s homes and investments.
Feel free to get in touch if you have any concerns, we are more than happy to assist, check out our contact info here.