BLOCKmanagement
compliance that comes with their membership. Sadly, however, that membership is optional. I recently came across a good
illustration. Whilst I would never wish to be demeaning to those who provide cleaning services, it disturbs me to hear of examples of block management being undertaken by “competitively priced” cleaning companies. In its simplest form, managing a block might seem as though it is the activity required to keep it clean. Addressing the obligations that come with the codes and disciplines of our profession (let alone the instances of filing company accounts or the Section 20 requirements of the Landlord and Tenant Act) might not seem that important when the management of a building is centred on keeping it (physically) clean. Apart from demanding
professional standards, the regulation of property managers would establish the disciplines of disclosure and transparency that other professional service providers are required to adhere to. Many property managers compliant with the requirements of our trade association, ARMA, are also familiar with taking over management instructions from managing agents who have not practiced the “independent decision making” that service charge payers can rightfully expect. Regulation would also carry a
more precise definition of educational standards. We have inherited a number of unhappy clients from predecessors who may have misunderstood the complex requirements of this service and, justifiably, many clients don’t understand the requirements either. Philosophically speaking, it may
take some time to achieve the greater awareness. That should come more easily with the rapid communications of the internet age which should increasingly expose abusive practices. My belief is that such exposure of
abusive practices will, eventually, bring about the regulation of service providers within our industry, at least to the level of other professions.
Robert Plumb is CEO, HML Holdings plc
info@hmlholdings.com
58 MAY 2011 PROPERTYdrum A download
that answers a whole raft of questions.
Bristol management firm builds on success PORTFOLIO
Bristol based BNS Management Services celebrated its fifth birthday by signing up its 150th residential block. The landmark block joins
an impressive portfolio of properties including prestige city centre developments and upmarket waterfront apartments at Portishead Marina. BNS Managing Director Andrew Simmonds said in-depth knowledge of the Bristol area coupled with a growing reputation for reliable servicing had helped steer the company through choppy economic waters. “We launched back in
2006 so had to contend with the downturn in the property market almost from day one. It’s a real achievement to go from 15 to 150 residential blocks in five years, especially as property has been hardest hit of any sector. It proves businesses that provide good service at a fair price can thrive despite the downturn.” “We have built up our portfolio on the principle that managing costs does not mean neglect. It means finding the best value in everything we look at. Although we have seen rapid growth, we are also careful only to take on new blocks where we know we can do a good job with fast reactions.” BNS had already taken over prestige
apartment blocks in Portishead Marina from management agents Peverel – before the holding company behind Peverel went into administration. Andrew Simmonds said, “We have all read about the difficulties the holding company behind Peverel is in and can understand the concerns of residents across Bristol who have no idea who will end up running their apartment blocks. Our residents can rest assured we are at the end of the phone and can be out with them very quickly in case anything goes wrong.”
PUBLICATIONS
ARMA updates advice on leasehold flats
The Association of Residential
Managing Agents (ARMA) has recently updated its excellent leaflet, Living in Leasehold Flats. Published jointly with LEASE (The Leasehold Advisory Service) and ARHM (Association of Retirement Housing Managers), the guide, available as a PDF, is extremely useful and informative for
new owners of leasehold properties. In fact, it’s a good idea to give it to potential purchasers so that they know their rights – as well as their responsibilities, before they move in! Download from
www.arma.org.uk
INSURANCE
Keelan Westall launches ‘Agility’
Keelan Westall says that it is demonstrating its flexible approach with the launch of Agility, a new insurance product that has been specially developed for non-standard property risks that do not fit into increasingly stringent underwriting criteria. With premiums starting at £150 plus IPT and £60 plus IPT in respect of Landlords’ Contents, Agility offers comprehensive cover for a range of risks which include Blocks and Bedsits, Non Standard Construction, Risks with a High Loss Ratio, Asylum Seekers, DSS (Landlord and Council), Students, Holiday Homes, Single Flats (UK). Agility is also able to place buildings’ risks situated with Northern Ireland. Wayne Tonge, Keelan Westall’s Head of Business comments, “More people are being refused insurance because they are considered non-standard. This might apply where a property is one of five million homes in the UK located in a flood area or where the policyholder has criminal convictions. Agility has been purpose designed for these types of risks,” he continues. “It is also flexible enough to adapt to property owners’ changing circumstances.
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