The Biggest Pain Points in Managing Communal Areas in Blocks of Flats – And How to Solve Them

Someone writing complaint on a board.

Managing communal areas in block management is no small task. If you’re a block or estate manager, you’ll know exactly what I mean. It’s a constant balancing act—meeting resident expectations, ensuring contractor reliability, staying compliant, and managing budgets. One issue can quickly escalate, and before you know it, your inbox is overflowing with complaints. So, […]

Why We Choose Our Clients Carefully | Larchfield Asset Management

Building successful client relationships at Larchfield Asset Management.

Why We Choose Our Clients Carefully At Larchfield Asset Management, we believe that great working relationships are the cornerstone of success—for both our clients and our business. This is why we take a thoughtful and deliberate approach to choosing new clients. It’s not just about ensuring we’re the right fit for their needs; it’s also […]

Top 5 Legal Pitfalls in Block Management (and How to Avoid Them)

Legal pitfalls in block management

Block management is a crucial responsibility for property owners and managers, but it comes with a host of legal challenges. From navigating lease agreements to ensuring GDPR compliance, one misstep can lead to costly disputes or penalties. In this post, we’ll explore the top 5 legal pitfalls in block management and share practical tips (and […]

Outsourcing Work and Finding Solutions to Time-Consuming Roles

Outsourcing time-consuming block management tasks

When potential clients reach out to inquire about our services, a common question is, “How many members of staff do you have working with you?” This question reflects the importance of knowing that their property manager has the necessary support to manage workloads and, ultimately, their assets effectively. In my experience, a couple of tasks […]

Fire Doors within Blocks of Flats

Fire doors in blocks of flats

Understanding Fire Door Legislation in the UK Fire safety has always been a critical aspect of building regulations in the UK, and fire doors play a pivotal role in protecting lives and property in blocks of flats. As of 2024, fire door legislation in the UK continues to evolve, reflecting ongoing efforts to enhance safety […]

What’s the difference between a reserve fund and cyclical maintenance fund and why is it so important to have one?

Reserve fund and cyclical maintenance fund savings

The importance of maintaining and building a cyclical maintenance fund is crucial for several reasons: 1. Preservation of Property Value Regular maintenance ensures that the building and its facilities remain in good condition, which helps preserve, and potentially enhance, the property value over time. Without adequate maintenance, buildings can deteriorate, leading to significant devaluation. 2. […]

What is Section 20 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985?

Section 20 consultation under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985

A Section 20 Consultation is a legal consultation under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985. It is designed to ensure that leaseholders are properly informed and consulted about significant works or long-term agreements that will result in them being charged more than a certain amount. Here’s a breakdown of the process and its key elements: […]

Service charge money and the RICS Client Money Protection Scheme

Service charge money and client money protection

Service Charge Money in Property Management In the realm of block and estate management, service charge money is an essential financial component. It comprises funds collected from leaseholders (typically those residing in leasehold flats or apartments) and freeholders (often house owners within estates). The primary purpose of this money is to cover various costs associated […]