The terms block management and property management are often used interchangeably, but they’re not quite the same. For leaseholders, landlords, developers, and Resident Management Company (RMC) directors, understanding the difference is key to getting the right support.
At JMJ Asset Management, we specialise in block and estate management, a specific type of property management focused on communal areas and leasehold responsibilities. Our directors have worked with RMCs, RTMs, and freeholders across Cheltenham, Bristol, and beyond, helping them get clarity on what they need, and where they’ve previously been let down.
So, what’s the difference?
What is Property Management?
Property management is a broad term that usually refers to the management of individual rented homes or commercial units. A property manager might collect rent, find tenants, carry out inspections, and arrange repairs for a landlord. Their role is often focused on tenant relationships and the upkeep of individual properties.
For example, if you own a portfolio of buy-to-let flats, your property manager might oversee each tenancy agreement, organise boiler checks in each flat, and chase rent arrears if they arise. Their responsibilities are tailored to individual tenancies rather than shared responsibilities.
What is Block Management?
Block management is a specialist form of property management that deals with the communal elements of a residential block, estate, or shared building. It focuses on services that benefit all leaseholders in a development, not just one unit.
This includes:
- Managing service charges and reserve funds
- Overseeing repairs and maintenance to communal areas
- Coordinating cleaning, landscaping, and safety checks
- Managing insurance, compliance, and legal obligations
- Liaising with RMCs, RTMs, freeholders, and residents
Block management requires not only operational organisation but also a clear understanding of leasehold law, service charge administration, and regulatory compliance. It’s about ensuring every part of the shared environment is safe, compliant, and functioning well, for everyone who lives there.
Why the difference matters
If you’re a leaseholder or director in a residential block, you’ll need a managing agent with experience in leasehold law, fire safety requirements, building regulations, and communal budgeting, not just tenancy issues.
For example, one RMC our director worked with had been using a general letting agent to manage their block. Service charge accounts were not reconciled correctly, compliance reports were out of date, and no reserve fund had been planned for future major works.
Our director stepped in, reviewed their lease, built a new budget with clear service charge allocations, arranged up-to-date fire risk and asbestos reports, and restructured their financial reporting.
Within six months, communication had improved, arrears had reduced, and the directors had full confidence in their block’s financial health.
Block management requires a different skillset, greater regulatory awareness, and often, more complex financial management. It’s not just about managing property, it’s about managing shared responsibility.
At JMJ, we understand the unique challenges of residential blocks and estates. Our calm, professional approach ensures your property is well managed, compliant, and financially secure.
