Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

 
 

Temphis is a London-based, RICS-accredited block management company providing expert management for residential and mixed-use estates. We focus on transparency, compliance, and hands-on service. Below we’ve answered the most common questions from freeholders, leaseholders, resident management companies (RMCs), right-to-manage (RTM) directors, and developers looking for reliable block management.

About Block Management

Q1: What does a block management company actually do?

A block management company oversees the shared areas of residential or mixed-use buildings – from cleaning, gardening, and repairs to service charge collection, insurance, and compliance with fire and building safety laws. At Temphis, we go further by offering 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 even legal risks if compliance is overlooked. A professional firm like Temphis ensures your block is well-run, compliant, and financially sustainable, while relieving directors or freeholders of the day-to-day burden.

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

Property management typically refers to managing rental properties for landlords. Block management relates to the communal elements of a building or estate – lifts, roofs, car parks, gardens, insurance, and service charge funds – shared by multiple leaseholders.

Why Choose Temphis

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 are:

  • RICS-accredited with directors also accredited by The Property Institute (TPI)

  • Experienced in Building Safety Act (BSA) compliance and Section 20 consultations

  • Transparent, using Blockman software and MyBlockman portals for live visibility

  • Available 24/7 for emergencies with in-house staff, not outsourced call centres

  • Focused on quality over quantity, meaning every block gets real attention

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

Every building has its own dedicated NatWest client accounts for service and reserve funds. All transactions are processed through Wise and tracked in Blockman, with full audit trails accessible online. This prevents the misuse of funds and gives clients confidence that their money is safe.

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, and multiple contractors. Our team is experienced in managing complex utilities, mixed-use arrangements, and fire safety compliance at scale.

Service Charges & Accounts

Q7: How does Temphis manage service charge money?

Funds are always held in separate, ring-fenced NatWest accounts – never co-mingled. Annual service charge budgets are carefully prepared, consulted on, and reconciled at year-end. Independent accountants verify accounts for transparency.

Q8: What happens if leaseholders fall into arrears?

We follow a fair but firm arrears recovery process. Early reminders are sent, followed by legal action if needed. For qualifying buildings under the Building Safety Act, we also manage arrears with sensitivity to statutory cost caps.

Q9: Can Temphis reduce service charge costs?

Yes – we regularly deliver savings by re-tendering contracts, introducing smart meters to improve billing accuracy, and leveraging our trusted contractor network. At several blocks we’ve cut utilities overspend by up to 20%.

Maintenance & Contractors

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

We use a vetted panel of trusted contractors, ensuring competitive pricing and quality.

Q11: How are repairs and emergencies handled?

Residents can log issues via the MyBlockman portal, email, or phone. Our 24/7 emergency line is answered by our own trained staff, not outsourced call centres. This ensures rapid response and accountability.

Q12: Can residents suggest their own contractors?

Yes, we welcome input from directors or leaseholders. All contractors must meet compliance standards (insurance, health & safety), but we are happy to use client-recommended suppliers where suitable.

Compliance & Building Safety

Q13: How do you manage Building Safety Act obligations?

We set up dedicated BSA records and bank accounts for each affected building, ensuring transparency. We maintain the “Golden Thread” of safety information, run Section 20 consultations, administer leaseholder cost caps, and liaise with the First-tier Tribunal if required.

Q14: Do you handle fire safety requirements?

Yes. We arrange fire door inspections, FRA reviews, and EWS1 processes, keeping directors and leaseholders informed at every stage. For high-rise buildings, we also coordinate with councils, insurers, and remediation contractors.

Q15: What health & safety measures do you cover?

We oversee statutory testing, including lifts, alarms, water systems (Legionella), and emergency lighting. All reports are uploaded to the online portal for easy access

Working With Temphis

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

Yes, we specialise in supporting RTM directors. We handle the admin, accounting, and compliance, while directors retain overall control. This balance gives RTMs confidence their building is managed correctly without the workload falling on volunteers.

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

Yes. We have a structured transition plan that includes reviewing the lease, re-tendering contracts, transferring funds, and ensuring a smooth handover of records. Our goal is to resolve issues quickly so residents feel the benefit within the first months.

Q18: How do residents and directors communicate with you?

Communication is a core strength. Residents can log issues via MyBlockman, and directors have direct phone and email access to their dedicated property manager and senior director team.

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

No. We manage blocks owned by freeholders, developers, housing associations, and investors, as well as RTMs and RMCs. Each client type benefits from tailored reporting and communication.

Coverage & New Business

Q20: Where does Temphis operate?

We are based in South Woodford, London, and manage blocks across London, Essex, Hertfordshire, Kent, and the wider Home Counties.

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

Depending on your current agent’s contract, we can usually begin within three months. In urgent cases, we have successfully completed handovers in just a few weeks.

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

You can contact us via our website, email, or phone with details of your block (number of units, location, and current challenges). We’ll prepare a tailored management proposal and transparent fee structure.