The role of a Managing Agent

The role of a managing agent today is a complex one and requires a professional approach. It requires knowledge of landlord and tenant law, building construction, health and safety regulations, basic accounting and more. There are benefits of professional block services which should be balanced against the fees which leaseholders will have to bear.

Benefits of using an Agent

• Professional managing agents will bring an organised approach to the administration and collection of service charges and reserve funds, planning timetables for redecoration and repairs as well as inspection and supervision of works.
• Our assessment of what must be done and when, will be independent of private interests and preferences and based solely upon our duty to keep the premises in good repair.
• The process of collecting funds and the responsibility for taking steps to recover unpaid charges will be removed from individual directors.
• A managing agent should be geared up to handle time-consuming administration more efficiently through better facilities for storage and retrieval of records, as well as the documentation essential for accounting purposes.
• Issues and disputes can be dealt with impartially and at an arm’s length to limit the animosity and division which could arise where personal issues become the business of neighbours and colleagues.
• An agent will distinguish between the needs and duties of the company under the Companies Acts and the needs and duties of the company in its separate role as Landlord and the relevant landlord and tenant legislation.
• Acquire competitive insurance rates to save the client money.
• Using an agent passes some of the responsibility for compliance with leases, laws and codes of practice to the agent BUT the directors of a RTM are responsible for setting policy and monitoring the work of the agent.

What qualifications should an agent have

Housemartins, we are members of the RICS (Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors) and accredited members of ARMA (Association of Residential Managing Agents). The advantages to our clients of us having membership of a recognised professional organisation are:

• members will have professional indemnity insurance to assist you if the agent has acted negligently;
• members will be checked on the way they hold monies collected on behalf of their clients, i.e. you; and
• members will be required to have a complaint handling procedure and access to an independent ombudsman service.

Why choose Housemartins Property Management

• Personal and friendly administration
• Professional standards
• Robust common sense
• Transparent charges
• Management and surveying expertise under one roof

Our commitment to you

We follow the Service Charge Residential Management Code issued by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, to ensure competence, integrity, fairness, transparency and peace of mind to our clients.

The distinct difference that separates us from other managing agents is that we provide a complete service including professional supervision of major works which is  often is outsourced by other managing agents.

We pride ourselves on being transparent and fair and we always maintain a neutral position between both appointed directors and leaseholders  alike.

Housemartins is very proud to have achieved an ARMA-Q accreditation together with being regulated by the RICS.

If you would like more information see our brochure here.

Why continue to accept poor service

Many Leaseholders are unhappy with their current block services and the service they are receiving.  When we ask why, we find that this is often due to excessive charges and poor communication.  Leaseholders often feel it is “better the devil you know” and fear that changing agent would be a massive upheaval.

The solution is easy – transfer to Housemartins

By instructing Housemartins as your managing agent we are confident that we can provide you with a seamless move and set you towards the high quality service you deserve at a fair cost.

Think you’ve heard this all before and still not sure which way to turn

We pride ourselves on being cost-effective, professional and transparent.  We can tailor our management service to meet your specific requirements and our in-house team of Surveyors can assist on all aspects of running and maintaining your building.

Why not get in touch and make a no obligation enquiry to find out how Housemartins can help you and your building. We look forward to your call.

All communications will be treated in the strictest confidence.