Energy procurement in block management often looks straightforward. In reality, it rarely works that way.
Residential developments bring a level of complexity that does not fit standard supplier models. Communal supplies, leasehold structures and multiple legal entities all play a part.
For managing agents, this leads to recurring issues. These include incorrect billing, delays in account setup and contracts that do not reflect how a building operates. While cost matters, accuracy is what protects both the building and its residents.
Without a clear understanding of block management, energy arrangements quickly become inefficient. This increases risk and creates extra administrative work. A more informed, specialist approach is essential.

Intrusive building surveys have become increasingly common under post‑Grenfell fire safety legislation. This article explores why they happen, how insurance and risk perception influence decision‑making, and the real impact on buildings and leaseholders when investigations confirm no remedial works are required.

Commonhold for existing blocks is often discussed but rarely explained clearly. This article sets out what it really means in practice for leaseholders, RMCs and RTMs.

When a resident board stops working, it can feel frustrating and uncertain. This guide explores practical steps RMC and RTM directors can take to restore structure, trust and momentum.

Managing differences on a resident board is normal. This guide helps RMC and RTM directors handle disagreement constructively and make balanced decisions for the benefit of the building.

When you live in a residential block, it’s easy to judge what you can see. But much of block management happens quietly in the background. From planning works and managing risk to balancing budgets, compliance and resident expectations, this article lifts the lid on what really goes on behind the scenes.

The Right to Manage gives leaseholders a legal way to take control of how their building is managed, without changing ownership or lease terms. This guide explains what RTM is, why leaseholders choose it, and what the process involves.

The Leasehold and Commonhold Reform Bill marks another significant step in reshaping how residential buildings may be owned and managed. For leaseholders and resident directors, the proposals signal a shift towards greater transparency, stronger governance and more accessible pathways to ownership. Understanding the direction of travel helps boards prepare sensibly for change rather than react to it.

Leasehold reform has brought renewed attention to how flats are owned, managed and valued across England and Wales. While the legislation aims to improve fairness and transparency, property value is still shaped by everyday factors such as lease length, building condition and the strength of financial management. Buyers are increasingly focused on how well a building is run, whether service charges are clear and whether long‑term planning is in place. For RMC and RTM Directors, good governance remains essential. Effective budgeting, responsible procurement and clear communication continue to play a central role in protecting both the building and the value of the homes within it.

Spring is the ideal moment for RMC and RTM Directors to pause, take stock and approach procurement with clarity. Winter often exposes hidden issues in residential blocks, and as the weather improves, inspections, contractor availability and resident engagement all become easier. Good procurement is not just about finding the right contractor. It is about managing risk, protecting leaseholder funds and demonstrating strong governance.
This spring checklist provides a practical framework to help directors plan ahead, compare quotes confidently, meet legal obligations and maintain trust within their block.

Building insurance is one of the most important safeguards for any residential block, yet for many leaseholders it only appears once a year when the service charge budget is issued. At JMJ Asset Management, we want building insurance to feel clear, understood and properly overseen, not something that becomes stressful only when a claim occurs.
To bring practical perspective, we have collaborated with Rob Mayo of Insurety, specialist brokers who support RMCs, RTMs and managing agents across the UK. Throughout our full guide, Rob provides expert insight on the issues that matter most to directors and residents.
Our aim is simple: to help directors feel confident in their responsibilities and to reassure leaseholders that their building is protected. From understanding reinstatement values to knowing what the policy actually covers, asking the right questions reduces risk, improves transparency and strengthens governance across the development.

Section 20 consultation is one of the most important yet misunderstood duties for RMC and RTM directors. When handled well, it supports transparency, fair decision‑making and stronger governance. When overlooked, it can limit recoverable service charges and create unnecessary conflict. This guide explains when Section 20 applies, what the process involves and how resident‑led boards can approach it with clarity and confidence.

A well‑planned reserve fund is essential for financial stability in any residential block. For RMCs and RTMs, it provides clarity, reduces unexpected costs and supports confident long‑term decision‑making. This article explains what reserve funds are, why they matter, and how strategic planning helps protect buildings, budgets and leaseholder confidence.

Ground rent reform is set to take a significant step forward under the Government’s draft Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Bill. The proposals introduce a statutory cap of £250 per year for existing long residential leases, followed by a reduction to a peppercorn after 40 years. Although the reforms are not yet law, they mark a clear shift toward greater fairness, transparency and long‑term confidence in leasehold ownership.
For RMCs and RTMs, the changes offer increased predictability, reduced friction with residents and improved mortgageability within their blocks. They also highlight the need for directors to understand how evolving legislation may affect governance and communication. JMJ Asset Management supports resident‑led companies by explaining reforms clearly and helping them prepare for what lies ahead.

JMJ Asset Management takes the pressure off RMC and RTM directors by professionally managing the entire AGM process. From preparing notices and AGM packs to facilitating the meeting and ensuring post‑AGM follow‑through, JMJ provides structure, compliance and clarity. Directors stay in control of decisions while JMJ handles the administration, helping meetings run smoothly, transparently and with reduced risk for everyone involved.

Antisocial behaviour in a block of flats can be stressful for residents and challenging for directors. This guide explains what counts as ASB, what managing agents can (and can’t) do, and how RMC/RTM directors should approach issues fairly and legally. Clear steps, practical advice, and the boundaries everyone needs to know.

Heat networks have long been a source of confusion for leaseholders who often felt trapped by unclear billing, slow resolutions and limited rights. New statutory regulation and the introduction of Ofgem as the heat network regulator bring real consumer protection for the first time. Leaseholders, RMC directors and RTM companies now have clearer standards, transparent processes and access to the Energy Ombudsman when things go wrong. This marks a meaningful shift toward fairness, accountability and better managed buildings.

Older residential blocks offer character and longevity, but they also carry quiet risks that develop over time. These aren’t caused by failure, but by ageing buildings, changing standards and misunderstood responsibilities. With clear communication and proactive management, these risks can be identified early and managed collaboratively.

In the leasehold sector, price has always mattered. Directors have a responsibility to be cost conscious, and leaseholders rightly expect reassurance that their money is being spent carefully. But as regulation tightens and responsibilities increase, one truth is becoming increasingly clear. The cheapest managing agent is rarely the safest option.
Managing agent fees do not exist in isolation. When costs are pushed too low, something else usually gives way, whether that is time, experience or oversight. In a post Building Safety Act landscape, residential block management is no longer a light touch administrative role. It is a risk led, accountable function, and choosing a managing agent purely on price can often increase exposure rather than reduce it

End-of-year accounts shouldn’t feel overwhelming. They’re simply a snapshot of how your building has been looked after over the past twelve months. The most important thing is that the numbers make sense and the story behind them is clear. Good management shows up in steady decision-making, open communication, and the confidence that nothing has been hidden or delayed. When accounts are transparent and easy to follow, leaseholders feel included rather than kept at arm’s length.

If you’re considering a leasehold property, it’s worth understanding how the building is managed and what the lease expects from you. This guide breaks down the key points, from service charges to long-term maintenance and your own responsibilities so the process feels less overwhelming and far more transparent. With the right insight, buying leasehold becomes a much clearer and more reassuring experience.

Taking control of a building can feel empowering, but it isn’t always the simplest or most effective route. We break down what resident control really involves and why a collaborative approach often creates a more stable, well-run development.

A lease shouldn’t feel intimidating, but many do. Behind the long sentences and legal language are simple rules about how your home is maintained, what you’re responsible for, and how your building is meant to function. In this guide, we unpack the most common lease clauses in plain English so you can understand the essentials without the jargon. When residents feel confident about what their lease actually says, everything from service charges to repairs becomes clearer, calmer and far easier to navigate.

Service charge budgets shouldn’t feel like a mystery. At JMJ, we believe they should be clear, fair, and rooted in reality, not optimism or guesswork. That means starting with what your block or estate truly needs, explaining costs in plain language, and planning for the long term.
Transparent budgets protect residents from surprises, prevent arrears, and keep developments running smoothly. When RMC Directors and managing agents collaborate, budgets stop being a source of conflict and become a tool for stability. Our goal is simple: budgets that make sense to everyone.

Being a Resident Management Company (RMC) Director can feel like a big responsibility, but it’s also one of the most important roles in keeping a building or estate running smoothly. In this blog, we break down what the role actually involves, why it matters, and how good communication with your managing agent can make all the difference.

Estate charges aren’t a duplicate tax or a way for agents to profit. They exist because councils increasingly choose not to adopt roads, lighting, drains, and green spaces on new developments. When these areas remain private, homeowners collectively own them – and someone must maintain them.
The service charge funds actual upkeep: landscaping, lighting, repairs, insurance, and contractors. It does not go into the agent’s pocket; the agent earns a separate management fee for coordinating services.