Is your managing agent doing its job? A 10-point check

If you're a director of an RMC or RTM company, or a leaseholder, these ten questions will tell you quickly whether your managing agent is doing the basics. Tick each one you can answer yes to, and your score appears at the end.

The 10 questions

  1. Was the budget issued before the service charge year started, with each heading explained?

  2. Were the year-end service charge accounts produced on time?

  3. Can the agent tell you which client account holds your money, and what the balance is?

  4. Is the fire risk assessment in date, and have you seen the building's compliance calendar?

  5. Is the building inspected regularly, and do you receive inspection reports?

  6. Does the agent reply to queries within a stated time?

  7. Are Section 20 consultations for major works run properly, with notices, estimates and time for observations?

  8. Has the agent disclosed any insurance commission, in pounds?

  9. Do you have a named property manager who knows the building?

  10. Are contractors tendered, and are invoices available when you ask?

What your score means

  • 8 to 10: your agent is covering the basics. Keep checking each year.

  • 5 to 7: raise the gaps with your agent in writing and ask for a date to fix each one.

  • Under 5: it's time to compare managing agents.

What to do next

If your agent isn't measuring up, start by putting your concerns in writing and use the agent's complaints procedure. If things don't improve, read how to choose a managing agent and how to switch managing agent. To see what a fair fee looks like, read block management fees.

Request a free review of your building. We'll look at your current arrangements and tell you plainly what we find.