Block Management
Services required and associated expenditure for the maintenance of communal areas within a residential Apartment/Housing Development can present real problems. There are legal and financial implications. CSM Estate Agents will act on behalf of the Owners to ensure the effective management of the development.
Owners of a development have equal shares and can cherry pick from a list of services required to maintain their site. Some services will be necessary as there will be a legal liability for owners to have in place, such as building insurance and lift insurance/maintenance. Our aim is, to leave the owners in full control without the day-to-day headache of management.
Services Provided
Some of the services that can be provided are listed below.
- Call and attend Annual General Meetings, take minutes and provide shareholders with copy on request.
- Collect all monies due in respect of Service Charge.
- Actively pursue all debtors up to and including small claims court.
- Act as Company Secretary and in that capacity arrange adequate block and public liability insurance for the entire development collect payments and process all claims.
- Developer/solicitor/company initiation
- Update accurate records on change of ownership.
- Where applicable act as officers of the Management Company, carrying out all relevant administrative tasks i.e. signing of deeds, shares certificates in the interim period before a shareholder is appointed.
- Supply information to solicitors with regard to past accounts, minutes, insurance, Memorandum and Articles of Association.
- Prepare detailed income & expenditure statements.
- Administer annual returns and financial statements to Companies Office.
- Prepare budgets and advise as to the appropriate level of service charge.
- Liaise with maintenance contractors, gardeners, window cleaners and cleaning companies.
- Arrange any miscellaneous repairs to common areas as requested, process invoices and settle payment from the Service Charge account.
- Organise external repainting or similar work in line with the terms and conditions of the property lease.
- Ensure that the terms of lease are enforced and adhered to.
- CSM also runs a successful lettings agency service and has a large portfolio of clients. This service provides a perfect backdrop to Property Management and can greatly facilitate the placement of suitable tenants not only in the developments we manage but in all our properties
- Be available for discussion with Directors (appointed representative) in respect of efficient management of development.
Resources
CSM Estate Agents have a large portfolio of both housing and apartment developments and have a proven track record in the field of residential block management. Our team of experienced staff provides the necessary expertise and resources which enables us to carry out our role effectively and efficiently.
- Quality contractor backup for maintenance and repairs. The quality of the contractor’s work is continually assessed.
- Competent emergency service cover by arrangements to have 24 hour out of hours cover with insurance company approved contractors.
- We have a bespoke software system which makes all the above run smoothly.
Sonia Millar is a member of the National Association of Estate Agents, The Ombudsman Scheme and National Approved Letting Scheme. The company is covered by the requisite Public Liability Insurance and Client Money Protection Bond (this protects any deposits, rents, service charge we hold) as per the NALS Scheme.
If you would like any references you may wish to contact one of the following people:
- Geda Construction (Tanya McCartan)
- Coogan & Co Architects (Kevin Coogan)
- PNB (Joe McIlldowney)
- Carville Group (Paul O’Rourke).
- CSM look after a large number of developments (housing and apartments), province wide and is currently in the process of expanding the business into the South of Ireland.
- A dedicated software system pertinent to block management provides transparent and up to date information for shareholders. The system also provides accurate information for the reapportionment of accounts when shareholders are selling their property which is invaluable to both the solicitor and Managing Agent.
What are the benefits of having CSM Estate Agents manage your development?
There can be many, but to summarise a few:
- Value for money - Because of the quantity of business we handle we are able to procure Insurance services at incredibly competitive rates.
- Network of reliable Professionals - Over time CSM Estate Agents has built up a core of hard working, trust worthy professionals. We are able to provide suppliers with regular business and in return they offer us the best service available.
- Balance - We recognise that residents have the right to know what is going on around their property and at the same time maintain an element of privacy. CSM Estate Agents strives to maintain a healthy balance of providing residents with information whilst remaining unobtrusive.
Need More Info?
If you'd like more detailed information please complete our contact form or call us on 028 9024 5999.
