Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What does a block management company actually do?

A block management company oversees the shared areas of residential or mixed-use buildings, covering cleaning, gardening, repairs, service charge collection, insurance and compliance with fire and building safety laws, including all obligations under the Building Safety Act. Temphis provides proactive financial planning, hands-on oversight and 24/7 emergency response.

Q2: Why do blocks need professional management?

Without a professional manager, buildings often face neglected maintenance, rising costs, disputes between leaseholders and legal risks if compliance is overlooked. A professional firm like Temphis ensures your block is well-run, compliant and financially sustainable, relieving directors or freeholders of daily burden.

Q3: What’s the difference between block management and property management?

Property management typically relates to rental properties managed for landlords. Block management refers to maintaining and managing communal parts of buildings, such as lifts, roofs, gardens, car parks, insurance and service charge funds shared by multiple leaseholders.

Q4: What makes Temphis different from other block management companies?

Temphis combines the professionalism of a national firm with the responsiveness of a boutique provider. We manage buildings across Central London, Greater London, the South East, the North West and North Wales, including complex and high-rise estates. Temphis is RICS‑accredited, directors are accredited by TPI and we specialise in Building Safety Act compliance, Section 20 consultations, transparent reporting through Blockman and MyBlockman, 24/7 in-house emergency response and a quality-over-quantity ethos.

Q5: How does Temphis ensure transparency for leaseholders and directors?

We provide dedicated NatWest client accounts for service and reserve funds. All transactions are processed via Wise and tracked in Blockman with full online audit trails. This ensures absolute financial transparency and prevents any misuse of funds.

Q6: Do you have experience with high‑rise and complex estates?

Yes. We manage estates such as Grange Gardens (SE1) and Princes Park Apartments (NW5) with on-site staff, concierge services, complex M&E systems and fire safety requirements. We apply this expertise across all regions, including Greater London, the South East, the North West and North Wales.

Q7: How does Temphis manage service charge money?

Funds are always held in separate, ring‑fenced NatWest accounts. Annual budgets are prepared, consulted on and reconciled at year‑end. Independent accountants verify accounts for clarity and transparency.

Q8: What happens if leaseholders fall into arrears?

We follow a fair but firm arrears recovery process. Early reminders are issued followed by legal escalation where required. For buildings governed by the Building Safety Act, arrears are managed in line with statutory protections and cost caps.

Q9: Can Temphis reduce service charge costs?

Yes. We frequently reduce costs by re‑tendering contracts, using smart meters for accurate billing and leveraging a vetted contractor network. Many buildings have seen utility and service savings of up to 20 percent.

Q10: Do you have your own contractors or use external firms?

We use a vetted panel of trusted external contractors to guarantee compliance, quality and competitive pricing.

Q11: How are repairs and emergencies handled?

Residents can report issues through MyBlockman, email or phone. Our 24/7 emergency line is staffed in‑house for fast, accountable response.

Q12: Can residents suggest their own contractors?

Yes. Directors and leaseholders may recommend contractors, provided they meet insurance, health and safety and compliance requirements.

Q13: How do you manage Building Safety Act obligations?

We set up dedicated BSA records and bank accounts for each affected building, maintain the Golden Thread of information, manage Section 20 consultations, administer leaseholder cost caps and liaise with councils, insurers and the First‑tier Tribunal as required.

Q14: Do you handle fire safety requirements?

Yes. We arrange fire door inspections, FRA reviews, EWS1 processes and coordinate with councils, insurers and remediation contractors. All updates are communicated clearly to leaseholders and directors.

Q15: What health and safety measures do you cover?

We oversee statutory testing including lifts, alarms, emergency lighting and Legionella compliance. Reports are uploaded to the online portal for easy access.

Q16: Do you manage RTM (Right‑to‑Manage) companies?

Yes. We support RTM directors with accounting, compliance, administration and operational control while directors retain overall authority.

Q17: Can Temphis take over from my current managing agent?

Yes. We follow a structured transition plan involving reviewing leases, re‑tendering services, transferring funds and records and addressing urgent issues within the first 90 days.

Q18: How do residents and directors communicate with you?

Residents can log issues via MyBlockman. Directors have direct phone and email access to their dedicated property manager and senior team.

Q19: Do you only work with leaseholder‑led buildings?

No. We work with freeholders, developers, housing associations, investors, RTMs and RMCs, tailoring reporting and communication to each client type.

Q20: Where does Temphis operate?

Temphis manages residential blocks across Central London, Greater London, the South East, the North West of England and North Wales.

Q21: How quickly can you start managing a new building?

Most contracts allow handover within three months. In urgent cases we can complete transitions in a few weeks depending on document availability.

Q22: How do I get a quote for my block?

Contact us via the website or email with details of your block. We will prepare a tailored proposal with a transparent fee structure.

Q23: Do you provide block management in Central London?

Yes. Temphis manages high‑rise, mixed‑use and complex buildings throughout Central London, including those requiring Building Safety Act oversight.

Q24: Do you provide block management in Greater London?

Yes. We manage buildings of all sizes across Greater London, from small residential blocks to large, complex estates with plant rooms and concierge services.

Q25: Do you provide block management in the North West or North Wales?

Yes. Temphis provides full block management services throughout the North West of England and North Wales, offering the same compliance‑focused, hands‑on management approach as in London.

Q26: What types of buildings do you manage?

Temphis manages apartment blocks, high‑rise developments, complex mixed‑use estates, buildings with heat networks or shared plant, BSA‑affected buildings, new‑build developments and buildings requiring operational turnaround.