Two aspects to consider on improving your building’s management

Firstly, if you have oversight of your building’s management provision, approach the managing agent directly and see if they can rectify their service failures. If they cannot, look at the contract provisions for switching managing agents. You can then look for new managing agents to go through a tender process and see if there is a better service offering.

However, suppose the freeholder is engaged in the running of your building and selecting managing agents. In that case, there is still a legal mechanism to enable more power to leaseholders to take on controlling matters. 

You can apply, with a two-thirds majority, for ‘Right to Manage’ under The Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Act 2002. This would involve you and other residents setting up a ‘Right to Manage’ company, and you could either directly manage the building or make your own selection of managing agent.

In terms of conversion properties, this regulation only applies if your building has four or more flats and the freeholder has not used one of the flats as their principal residence for the last 12 months. 

For more information on this regulation, please see this helpful website:  https://www.lease-advice.org/advice-guide/right-manage/

Joanna Koperska, Head of Property Management, comments: 

“We have taken over the management of several blocks in recent years, and the biggest gripe we hear of with residents, and ultimately why they changed agents, is communication.

“Communication over pro-active building maintenance issues and clarity over service charge expenditure are typically the biggest concerns to residents.”

If you would like to speak to Joanna about Go View London managing your building now or in the future, please get in touch.

Joanna Koperskajkoperska@goviewlondon.co.uk

Head of Property Management

Direct Dial: 020 8752 3169