In UK social housing management, block management refers to the professional oversight and maintenance of residential buildings containing multiple dwellings (e.g., blocks of flats, apartment complexes). It focuses on shared or communal areas and services, ensuring compliance with legal obligations and enhancing residents’ quality of life.
Synonym: Leasehold management, estate management.
Definition:
Block management involves the administration of common areas (e.g., corridors, lifts, gardens) and shared infrastructure in multi-unit residential properties. Responsibilities include coordinating repairs, managing service charges, enforcing lease terms, and ensuring health and safety compliance. It often serves leaseholders, freeholders, and housing associations.
Key Features:
- Service Charge Management: Collecting and allocating funds for communal upkeep, such as cleaning, lighting, and grounds maintenance.
- Statutory Compliance: Adhering to UK regulations (e.g., Fire Safety Order 2005, Landlord and Tenant Act 1985) and conducting risk assessments.
- Retrofit Coordination: In social housing, block managers may oversee energy-efficient upgrades (e.g., insulation, heating systems) to meet decarbonisation targets.
Practical Example:
A London housing association employs a block management firm to retrofit a 1960s apartment block. The manager coordinates insulation installation, secures grant funding under the Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund, and liaises with residents to minimise disruption.
Relevance to UK Sectors:
- Social Housing: Ensures affordable housing meets Decent Homes Standards.
- Leasehold Reform: Addresses challenges like cladding remediation post-Grenfell Tower Inquiry