Block and Estate Management
We manage block and estates of all sizes. Our team handles day-to-day operations, planned maintenance and long-term planning.
What we do
- Look after communal areas like gardens, lifts, and lighting
- Arrange buildings insurance and risk cover
- Carry out regular site inspections and safety checks
- Support residents, directors, and landlords with day-to-day queries
- Manage service charge budgets and payments
Maintenance of communal spaces and services
We look after shared areas like lifts, lighting, parking gardens and internal spaces. If something goes wrong, we act quickly. We also take a proactive approach to prevent issues before they happen.
Insurance and risk management
We arrange buildings insurance, directors’ and officers’ cover, engineering inspections, public liability, and any specialist policies required for your development. If a claim arises, we manage the process from start to finish.
Site inspections and compliance
We carry out regular site visits to stay on top of safety, maintenance, and regulatory checks. We monitor contractor performance and make sure your building meets current fire and building safety regulations.
Communication & support
We’re the link between residents, contractors, directors, and landlords. Whether it’s coordinating major works, explaining service charge budgets, or answering leaseholders queries, we make sure everyone feels informed and supported.
Financial administration
We manage service charge budgeting, reserve fund planning, invoicing, and payments. Our accounts team pays contractors promptly, keep records up to date, and gives leaseholders full visibility of how their money is used.
FAQ
What is block and estate management, and how does it differ from general property management?
Block and estate management focuses specifically on the communal areas, services, and legal obligations of leasehold and freehold residential developments. Unlike general property management, which may deal with individual rental properties, block management involves coordinating maintenance, ensuring compliance, managing service charges, and supporting Resident Management Companies (RMCs) and Right to Manage (RTM) groups
What responsibilities will JMJ take on under ‘block and estate management’?
As your managing agent, JMJ handles day-to-day management, property inspections, maintenance coordination, compliance with health and safety laws, and all aspects of service charge administration. We also act as a key point of contact for leaseholders and directors across developments in Cheltenham, Bristol, and surrounding areas.
What does the service charge cover, and how is it calculated?
The service charge is a financial contribution from leaseholders used to cover shared costs like cleaning, lighting, gardening, insurance, and maintenance of communal areas. At JMJ, we ensure transparent service charge budgeting and work closely with RMCs and landlords to ensure funds are spent responsibly.
What is a reserve fund, and why is it important for long-term maintenance?
A reserve fund (also known as a sinking fund) is a planned savings pot for future major works such as roof replacements or external redecorations. Effective reserve fund planning prevents unexpected financial pressure on leaseholders and is a key aspect of professional block management.
How do you ensure service charges are reasonable and transparent?
We prepare annual service charge budgets in consultation with directors and provide clear itemised statements to leaseholders. JMJ is committed to transparent property management services and adheres to best practices set out by The Property Institute.
How does JMJ collect and protect client money?
All service charge and reserve funds are held in trust in designated client accounts. We follow strict client money handling procedures in line with industry standards to ensure full protection and transparency.
How can residents report a maintenance issue, and what’s the usual response time?
Residents can report issues directly through our website via the “Report a Problem” form. For urgent issues, we offer an out-of-hours response. Our local knowledge of developments in Cheltenham, Bristol and Wiltshire, as well as the surrounding areas enables fast, efficient resolutions
What happens if there’s a disagreement between leaseholders and freeholders?
We act as an impartial managing agent and can help mediate disagreements, referring to the lease and current legislation. We work with RMCs and landlords to ensure all parties understand their responsibilities.
What role do you play in meeting fire safety and building safety compliance?
We organise fire risk assessments, maintain up-to-date compliance records, and ensure communal areas meet building safety standards. Fire safety management is a legal requirement and a priority across our estate management portfolio.
How does JMJ support Resident Management Companies (RMCs) and Right to Manage (RTM) groups?
We provide tailored support to RMC and RTM directors including financial reporting, AGM preparation, contractor management, and day-to-day guidance. JMJ’s service is designed to make residential block management clear and manageable for volunteer directors.