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Summary of Leasehold Reform in 2024
Darren Bagnall from Manage Your Block, looks at the Leasehold Reform (Ground Rent) Act 2024 and also touches on significant 2024 court cases that have impacted leasehold disputes. Leasehold reform has taken centre stage in recent years and 2024 has been no exception. At the top of the list have been regulatory and legal updates…
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Right to Manage vs. Enfranchisement: Which is Best for Your Block of Flats?
Darren Bagnall from Manage Your Block explains what RTM and Enfranchisement entails and makes you aware of key factors that may factor into the decision-making process. Effective management is key to maintaining the value of your block and the standard of living for your fellow residents. When residents choose to take control of a block…
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Lift Maintenance and Insurance
Darren Bagnall from Manage Your Block outlines the steps you should be taking to ensure the safe use and longevity of your lift, as well as to potentially reduce your insurance premiums. Lifts are a vital facility for some residents and a welcome convenience for others. As well as ensuring compliance with insurance regulations, effective…
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The Role of Building Condition and Maintenance in Insurance Valuations
Darren Bagnall from Manage Your Block, explains what can be done to demonstrate to insurers that the buildings maintenance and inspections are in hand, and that any risks are being pointedly reduced, if not avoided, by block managers. Insurers don’t just evaluate the structure of the building when considering a suitable policy. The overall condition…
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How to Review and Challenge Service Charges
Darren Bagnall from Manage Your Block looks at Service Charges and how they work. Service charges are an integral element of buying a leasehold property. Becoming a leaseholder gives you ownership of your unit (flat) within a shared building for the length of the lease term. The building itself remains under the ownership on the…
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Emergency Preparedness in Blocks of Flats
Darren Bagnall from Manage Your Block looks at how being prepared can help to maintain order and reduce panic during an emergency. Block-living can provide a great sense of community, but with so many people living in close proximity, emergencies can unfortunately be disastrous. Emergencies usually happen without warning. Fires, floods, power outages and natural…
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Strategies for Preventing Loss and Damage in Listed Buildings
Darren Bagnall from Manage Your Block provides practical strategies for property owners and managers to safeguard their historic properties. Owning or managing a listed building involves not only the joy of preserving a piece of history but also the challenge of preventing loss and damage. These special, protected buildings can bring their owners and the…
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Cultivating a Sense of Community
Darren Bagnall from Manage Your Block looks at what block managers can do to maintain a sense of community in their buildings; tackling loneliness and mental health issues among residents in the process. Communication and community are at the forefront of the fight against mental health issues among block residents. Feeling isolated despite living wall-to-wall…
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Leasehold Reforms: What Longer Extensions Mean for Leaseholders
Darren Bagnall from Manage Your Block, explains the changes that have happened around the Leasehold and Freehold Reform Bill. With the Government’s Leasehold and Freehold Reform Bill making its way through parliament, there are many changes on the horizon. The Bill is set to shake up the leasehold sector, affecting everything from the transparency of service charges…
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A Guide to Maintaining Outdoor Spaces in Blocks of Flats and Apartments
Darren Bagnall, from Manage Your Block, looks at the importance of outdoor spaces, from planning through to annual maintenance. Living in a block of flats or apartments often means shared spaces and communal areas. One aspect that is commonly overlooked but plays a significant role in enhancing the overall living experience is the outdoor space.…
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Apartment Management at Your Fingertips
Darren Bagnall from Manage Your Block looks at how property technology is improving the block management process. Property management companies have been embracing property technology for some time now. Utilising specially designed software to maximise productivity, simplify processes and boost efficiency will not only make working lives easier, but it will no doubt boost the…
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Understanding FCA Guidelines: What Insurance Documents Need to Be Disclosed
Darren Bagnall from Manage Your Block discusses the FCA Guidelines and looks at what documents need to be disclosed. The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) released the Policy Statement and Final Rules on the 29th of September 2023 following review of multi-occupancy insurance with changes made effective from the 31st of December 2023. In the world…
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