Saturday June 1, 2019

Half way through 2019 and it seems every month I rail against tenant protection legislation that turns out badly when put into practice. Cynics in the lettings sector suggest this is a cunning plot to free up rental properties for the hard-pressed first-time buyer. But a three-storey mid terrace in Heaton is beyond the means […]

Friday March 1, 2019

As a residential block management specialist, I am often put in mind of my famous great grand uncle Rea il Magnifico. My uncle was a tightrope walker in northern Italy during the 1920’s. He wowed audiences with his amazing dexterity. As a block manager I feel I am preserving a family tradition. Walking a tightrope. […]

Friday February 1, 2019

Having spent most of 2018 railing against ill thought out legislation hitting the property rental sector, I was pleasantly surprised to find a Labour MP in a Westminster constituency had done something good for the rights of tenants. My surprise turned to delight when I discovered one of our Barristers, Justin Bates had drafted the […]

Tuesday April 10, 2018

I am proud of our Complaints Procedure. It is an escalation from “Can we sit down and talk about this?” to “call in the Ombudsman you poltroon”. Lavazza coffee and Italian biscuits solve most disputes. If an ACAS officer happens to read this, that is the answer right there. There are exceptions. You may complain […]

Thursday March 1, 2018

I am sure it is one of life’s nightmares to be told the tower block you live in has had cladding installed which is deemed unsafe by fire inspectors. Then presenting leaseholders with a bill of £2 million to solve the problem appears to add insult to injury, yet this is precisely what has happened […]