Tips on keeping warm this winter……
How to save on heating bills!
With the temperatures dropping, everyone immediately turns the thermostat up, but that means higher bills…
To avoid sky high heating bills this winter here are some simple no cost to low cost tips and tricks to help keep your home warm:
We were contacted by a director from a block of apartments where the residents had purchased the freehold. The had self-managed the site for several years but due to ill health and retirement they decided to look to appoint an agent to look after the running of the apartment blocks and grounds, freeing up their valuable time.
We initially asked to be sent the lease; this will establish if there are provisions to allow a managing agent to act on behalf of the company (the site).
Once we established the terms of the lease we arranged to meet the directors at the block, for us to see what is involved but also to introduce ourselves and pass over information on KT-Management and the services we provide and discuss the future plans of the site.
We received feedback from the directors after the meeting and we were told that they would like to use KT-Managements services.
Then we produced a contract between us and the directors (the site management company). The contract highlights what services are provided and the frequency. We also drew up specifications for gardeners and cleaners for each individual site and discuss these with the directors to make sure they are happy with the specifications put in place. The directors were able to give us their input on whether they wanted to continue using their current contractors or if they wanted us to obtain new quotes for new gardeners and window cleaners.
The final stages of the process was for us to set up new site bank accounts in line with the Landlords and Tenants Act and look at the accounts. Then we send out our welcome packs to residents with information of the handover along with contact numbers and our information. We also held a residents meeting so the residents could meet us and discuss the needs of the site where they live.
Some initial work and communication is needed when a site wants to appoint a managing agent like KT-Management but now the site in question are free from property management stress and they have more time to themselves whilst having the amount of involvement that they desire.
We are pleased to announce that KT-Management have been ARMA-Q accredited.
Posted by ARMA-
We’re proud to announce more successful members to achieve ARMA-Q accreditation.
Congratulations to:
These members have successfully demonstrated that they meet the best industry standards through ARMA-Q – a powerful quality assurance to their current and potential clients that will give them a competitive edge.
In the UK at present there is no statutory regulation for property management companies to follow, which can lead to lots of inconsistences. This is why we became members of ARMA (Association of Residential Managing Agents).
ARMA-Q is the new self-regulatory regime for ARMA members. The Q stands for quality. By signing up to ARMA-Q we have shown that we are committed to providing the best service when managing your estate.
http://arma.org.uk/regulation/arma-q
When you live in a leasehold apartment it’s important the communal areas are well managed, so that they are safe and clean. Not only can it cause stress if the area that you live is badly kept it can also prevent you from trying to sell your property if you choose to do so.
We are often approached by leaseholders who are unhappy with their current managing agent or from site’s who self manage who want to free up their time from management.
Here are some tips of what to look for in a managing agent-
Response Time- How long did it take for your initial enquiry to be responded too? If you feel you had to wait too long this can be a bad sign.
Communication- Is there a good level of communication, so that you understand the process and all of your questions are answered.
ARMA- Are the managing agent’s members of ARMA (Association of Residential Managing Agents), the industry is currently unregulated and companies who are members of ARMA are showing a commitment to high standards. ARMA vet all members and promote excellent standards.
Experience- What experience do the managing agents have? How long have they been operating and what types of developments do they have experience managing?
Arrange a meeting- Can you arrange a meeting to meet the managing agents. This is a great way to get to know the company, the staff and discuss the site needs.
References- Ask for references from residents living on sites the managing agent manage and discuss their experience with using the managing agent.
Visit a site- Visit a site the managing agents manage and see for yourself the standards.
Finding the right management company is vital for the future of your site and your current happiness. Here at KT-Management we know communication is key, working together for a nice, safe and clean environment to live.
If you feel KT-Management could help you contact Kailee
kailee.hurdiss@kt-management.co.uk
01384 573637
The services we provide to residents and owners is in a nutshell is making sure the communal areas are clean, tidy and in a good state of repair, helping to keep the estate a nice place to live. Communicating well with residents and managing cash flow for the best interests of the site for today and for the future.
We also work in accordance to the lease which can impact the services we provide. For example we have come across leases that state the owners themselves are to clean the windows and not the management company.
We like to take the proactive approach, here is some of what’s involved in property management;
Daily Management
Financial Management
Purchasing a property is often the biggest financial commitment we make and we work hard to make sure your investment is well looked after.
KT-Management have been looking after apartment sites for nearly 10 years. Our priority is for residents to be safe and happy within their homes.
Living in an apartment residents have to follow the terms of the lease, as do we at KT-Management. A lease will state that you are not permitted to store items in the communal area and there are various reasons why.
Safety– In the event of a fire we need to know all escape routes are clear for an easy exit
Hazardous– Items in the hall way can become a trip hazard.
Disabled access– Making sure there is amble room for disabled users to manoeuvre.
Unsightly– Not only can it make the area look unsightly but bikes can often mark the wall.
Emergency Access– knowing emergency services can access each apartment easily .
This also means no storing in communal electrical cupboards. If a fire was to break out the items could set alight making the fire more intense also releasing toxins.
As part of our property management our property manager visits sites regularly to ensure all communal areas are clutter free.
Thank you in advance for keeping your communal area clutter free
KT-Management working together to provide a nice, safe, clean environment to live
When buying a leasehold apartment you are agreeing to the terms of the lease. Within the lease and plans it will state which car parking space is for you to use.
It can be frustrating for residents when they come home to find their space is occupied by someone else.
Please all make sure you are using your correct car parking space, if you are a landlord please inform your agent/tenant and if you have visitors please inform them where to park.
KT-Management-Working together to provide a nice, clean and safe environment to live.
Without being a bah humbug with the run up to Christmas, its wise to keep in mind that burglary increases at this time of year. A combination of darker nights and the potential of gifts inside the property. Its a busy time of year but take a few moments to think of the security of your home.
Here are some tips to help keep your home safe this Christmas-