By Laura Street, Associate Director, Pure Block Management (York)
For leaseholders of properties in shared accommodation blocks, having a block management company which provides an effective, efficient service – and good value for money – is essential.
With the right management in place, leaseholders can have complete peace of mind that everything is being taken care of, from financial and legal compliance to budgeting for repairs and major refurbishments.
At Pure Block Management, we are often contacted by leaseholders of residential developments who have become frustrated with the management companies at their complex.
These are often companies who have been appointed by the freeholders to manage it in their best interests, rather than in the interests of the leaseholders.
In such a situation it’s common to see a gradual decline in standards, a lack of investment, and ultimately, an impact on the value of the overall property, and the individual leaseholds.
Given we have a track-record of taking over the management of properties on behalf of leaseholders, we know it is a process many leaseholders wrongly assume will be complicated, take too long, and not worth the hassle.
Here are some of the most common questions we are asked – with answers to hopefully put minds at ease, and encourage leaseholders to take action should standards not be to the highest order.
Can leaseholders choose to change the management company of their block, even though they don’t have the freehold?
Yes leaseholders can choose to change the management.
The approach taken depends upon the current structure of management, as if as leaseholders have a Residents' Management Company (RMC) or a Right to Manage (RTM) company already in place, the process will be very simple.
In that scenario, all that is needed is a directors’ or members’ meeting to vote to change the managing agent, with a majority vote required to set the wheels in motion.
Is it expensive to change and appoint new managing agents?
No – there’s no cost to switch managing agent unless your current contract has early exit fees.
When leaseholders come to us at Pure Block Management asking for help, or looking to instruct us to become the new block managers, this is the first thing we review and provide advice on. In most cases there is no cost at all.
What if our current agent is uncooperative about handing over management?
There are legal and procedural methods to handle difficult transitions. This is something our team can guide leaseholders on should they face issues with an uncooperative agent.
Is it complicated to set up a Right to Manage company, and will it take long?
Whilst it may seem a complicated process to leaseholders, for specialists who are highly-experienced in the process, it is a simple, well-established legal route.
Over the past 12 months, our teams, based in Hull and York, have taken over the running of a number of complexes across East Yorkshire and North Yorkshire, adding more than 400 units to the hundreds we already manage.
The process usually takes between three to six months from start to finish. Our team guides and leads leaseholders through every step of the process, which includes checking eligibility, setting up the RTM company, inviting all leaseholders to join the new management company and also serving notice on the freeholder of the intention to take over.
Essentially, we ensure all legal requirements are met to avoid any objection, or delay, allowing leaseholders to begin to benefit from greater control.
How do we choose a new company to manage our residential block?
It’s important to search for experienced, regulated and reputable block managers with a history and track-record of successfully managing complexes.
Obviously, it is advisable to speak to a number of block management companies to secure proposals for their services and costs, and it is worth taking advice from a company with specialist experience in the RTM process, to ensure it runs smoothly.
Locality is important, with a management company which has its team close to your property obviously bringing advantages over nationally run businesses, which may not be as reactive or responsive to leaseholder needs.
Can the management of a residential block be changed even when individual properties are up for sale?
Yes it can. The fact that properties are up for sale, or undergoing any renovation, doesn't directly determine whether or not you can change the management.
Our team commonly faces this situation and we work closely with both the outgoing agent and solicitors to ensure a smooth transition, ensuring there are no delays to ongoing sales.
If a leasehold property is in the process of being sold, the new buyers will simply inherit the management in place at the time the sale is completed.
Do we have to wait until the end of the financial year to change management?
No the switch can be made at any point. At Pure Block Management our team handles pro-rata accounting and year-end reconciliation as needed in this scenario.
Can we keep the same contractors after the switch?
Yes, unless contractors are tied to the outgoing agent. The change however does offer an ideal opportunity to review existing arrangements, retain those offering good value, and retender where needed.
Will residents be informed and supported during the handover?
A good block management company will make communication a priority. We send welcome communications, update contact details, and ensure everyone knows who to contact and how the change affects them (usually very little).
What happens to the money already paid into the service charge account?
Your existing managing agent is required to transfer these funds to the new agent.
They remain ring-fenced for the building and are not lost.
Will repairs or services stop during the handover?
They shouldn’t. We always plan ahead to make sure services (cleaning, maintenance, etc.) continue uninterrupted.
What if leaseholders are on a payment plan or in dispute with the old agent?
In this situation the new block management company should look to honour existing payment plans where the client agrees, and work collaboratively to resolve any outstanding issues fairly and transparently.
Will service charge or ground rent increase because of the change?
Not because of the change alone. Service charges reflect the cost of maintaining your building.
In buildings we have taken over the management of, we have identified savings and cost-efficiencies, and also identified necessary investment — all transparently explained.
Our seven step process
At Pure Block Management, we specialise in seamless transitions.
Whether you're a Residents’ Management Company, Right To Manage Company, or a Freeholder, we will guide you through every step with professionalism, compliance, and clarity with our dedicated seven step process;
- Free Site Visit & Review – We meet you, inspect the development, and review the current arrangement.
- Tailored Proposal – You receive a written management proposal based on your needs.
- Management Agreement Signed – Once you're happy to proceed, we formalise the arrangement to protect all parties.
- Notice to Current Agent – We support you in serving compliant notice to your existing agent.
- Handover Checklist Sent – We liaise with your current agent and use our structured checklist to secure all funds, records, and keys.
- Compliance & Setup – We open new client accounts, notify suppliers, and ensure legal compliance including TUPE where applicable.
- Management Begins – We introduce ourselves to leaseholders and take on active responsibility from day one.
If you’re unhappy with any aspect of the way your building is managed, or if you just want more control over decisions that affect your property, contact our team today.
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