Management FAQs

Is it easy to change management agents?

Yes very easy – you would call us in the first instance for a quote and then once you’re happy contact your current agent to give notice.

How long does it take to transfer management?

Realistically anywhere from between 1-3 month depending on the quality of the information we receive from your current managing agent.

What’s you management fee and are there any upfront costs?

There are no upfront costs and the fee charged per unit will vary from block to block dependent upon size and the level of management required. We take no commission from any suppliers or contractors.

Will we be assigned a specific block manager?

Yes, you will be assigned a specific manager who will get to know your development in great detail enabling them to react quickly to any requirements.

Can I get hold of someone out of hours?

Yes, you will be given a 24 hour emergency contact number.

How many years have you been involved in property management?

As a group we have been involved in both block management and residential lettings since 1984

What kind of property do you manage?

We manage every type of development imaginable from historic listed conversions to new state of the art PRS developments.

How often will you inspect our block?

As standard we carry out quarterly inspections of each development providing a report highlighting any areas for concern.

Many units here are let to tenants who do not always care for the development in the same way owner occupiers do. How do you ensure that all tenants abide by the block rules?

We work very closely with landlords and agents to ensure tenants are aware from the day they move in of the rules and regulations in place for each development. In the first instance we will try and address any issues using dialogue but persistent offenders will be dealt with swiftly and we would request landlords serve the relevant notices to remove them from the development as soon as legally possible.

What areas do you cover?

We cover Lancashire, Greater Manchester & Merseyside

Maintenance FAQs

How do you ensure you select tried and tested trades people?

Having been in the business for over 30 years we have an exceptional network of tried and tested tradesmen, who combine high quality service with realistic rates and do not charge call out fees when quoting.

Can we retain the services of existing contractors?

If you have contractors that you currently use that you would like to continue using we are happy for that to continue based on them providing us with the necessary certification and PL insurances.

Do you add fees or surcharges to the cost of major works.

No we do not add any fees or commissions to any works carried out – section 20 consultations are included within the management fee.

Do you provide reports on outstanding jobs and scheduled maintenance?

When we take over your development you will be given a password enabling you to log in at any time to our Resident system allowing you to see real time updates on all outstanding or scheduled maintenance.

How do you ensure you get the best possible price on contracted services?

As part of Residents buying group we are able to get large discounts off all contracted services, based on other developments we have taken over the average saving is usually in the region of 15%-25% on services such as insurance and utilities.

Accounts/Legal FAQs

As a Director of an RMC/RTM will I get financial updates?

When we take over the management of your development you will be given a password that allows you to log into our Resident system giving you full access to the accounts and financial reports at anytime.

What procedures do you have in place to monitor expenditure against annual budgets?

Our Resident system allows us and you to closely monitor actual expenditure verses the budget and a monthly reconciliation.

How do you manage reserve funds?

Reserve funds are kept in a separate account to the main service charge account.

How do you deal with unpaid service charges?

We run an 8 stage process for arrears: first letter, second letter, solicitor instructed, LBA (letter before action), lender approached, proceedings issued, judgment obtained and settled. The first arrears letter will lead to a fee of £10, second arrears letter will lead to a fee of £30 and additional fees following legal action.

How do you deal with lessees in breach of their leases?

We always try and resolved any issues initially through dialogue to prevent unnecessary legal expenses but if this fails to work then the appropriate legal action will be taken via the First- tier tribunal.

How can I pay my service charge?

All payments are to be made by bank transfer.

What happens if I am struggling to pay my service charge?

If you are having difficulties due to unforeseen circumstances its crucial you let us know as soon as possible so that we can work with you to get things back on track.