Setting next year's service charge budget: a guide for resident directors and freeholders

Budget season is here. A practical, step-by-step way for resident directors, RTM companies and freeholders to build a realistic service charge budget and avoid balancing charges.

Joshua Prince2 November 2026Service charges, Budgets, Resident directors, Freeholders

Changing managing agent: how the handover works and when to start planning

Thinking of changing managing agent at year end? Here is how resident directors, RTM companies and freeholders can plan the notice, the handover checklist and the cut-over date, so nothing falls through the gaps.

Joshua Prince26 October 2026Managing agents, Handover, Resident directors, RTM companies

Damp and mould in blocks of flats: what resident directors and freeholders should do this winter

As the heating goes on and the windows stay shut, damp and mould reports rise. Here is how resident directors and freeholders can identify the cause, check who is responsible under the lease, and handle reports before they turn into disputes.

Joshua Prince19 October 2026Damp and mould, Maintenance, Resident directors, Freeholders

Planning next year's major works: a timeline for resident directors and freeholders

Major works take longer to deliver than most boards expect. Here is a realistic timeline, from survey to site start, covering specification, Section 20 consultation, funding and communication with leaseholders.

Joshua Prince12 October 2026Major works, Section 20, Resident directors, Service charges

Fire doors in blocks of flats: what resident directors and freeholders need to check

Fire doors are one of the most important safety features in a block of flats, and one of the most often neglected. Here is what the Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022 require, and the practical checks every board should have in place.

Joshua Prince5 October 2026Fire safety, Compliance, Resident directors, Building safety

Buildings insurance renewal: what resident directors and freeholders should check

Buildings insurance is often the largest single cost in a service charge budget. These are the checks to make before renewal so the block is properly covered and leaseholders can see what they are paying for.

Joshua Prince28 September 2026Insurance, Resident directors, Service charges, Compliance

The compliance checks resident directors should finish before winter

Joshua Prince21 September 2026

Autumn readiness for residential blocks: a practical checklist to prevent avoidable repair costs

Maira Kaleem14 September 2026

Residential Property Management: What Good Looks Like and How to Achieve It

Paul Potgieter18 August 2026

The Vital Importance of Transparency in Service Charge Accounting

Maira Kaleem27 July 2026

Mid-year governance check for resident directors: prepare for the next budget cycle

Maira Kaleem13 July 2026