Cheryl – Dedicated Property Manager

Cheryl is one of our dedicated Property Manager’s; spending her time looking after her sites, residents and owners, as well as forming a key member of our team

Cheryl helps KT Management in the service provided to residents and owners; ensure all the communal areas are clean and tidy whilst being maintained to a good standard, helping to keep the estate a nice place to live and visit. Here at KT Management we like to keep it straightforward, whilst adhering to the obligations in the Leases/Transfers

Communal grounds – Looking good even in the rain!

Control and prevent damp… Condensation is your enemy! Here’s how to reduce it!

One of the most common causes of damp – is;

Poor ventilation!

However, it may be caused by other factors… such as poor insulation, the use of bottled gas fires and paraffin heaters – which can bring large amounts of water vapour into the air. Leaving empty homes closed up and unheated also attracts damp.

But you can avoid this by;

– Properly ventilating your home by ensuring that air bricks are not papered over internally or being blocked up outside. A simple look around should determine whether this is the problem and can be easily resolved by fitting a decorative grill!

-Giving your home the proper insulation it needs by injecting cavity wall insulation or using thin polystyrene lining that can be put up like wallpaper and then papered over! Preventing the walls from going cold and stops condensation forming is key!

-Extractor fans in the kitchen and bathroom can also increase ventilation and lessen excess moisture. Dehumidifiers can also be used if you want to go that extra mile during the winter months!

-Try to air your clothes outside after washing… as this stops any excess moisture from being trapped when you air them inside!

-When cooking food make sure you open a window and keep the kitchen door closed, the moisture from your steaming pots can build up moisture in cooler rooms causing condensation when it touches a cold window for example! The same goes for taking a shower and putting the kettle on… so keep your doors closed and windows open!

Theresa May has now formally triggered Article 50 and the countdown to leave the EU has started.

When you hear the term service charge most will associate this with leasehold apartments. The fee paid to maintain communal corridors, the grounds maintenance, buildings insurance and the long term plan for the apartment block.

KT-Management have found construction companies are using our services more for new housing developments. This is because Local Authorities don’t always adopt the areas of private land around a new build housing development. Dependant on the site requirements we manage private roads, grass verges, any greenery, street lighting, water pumping stations, walls and much more. We prepare an annual budget to cover these costs and all (or part dependant on the terms and site)of the freeholders contribute a small amount to cover these works. Terms will be found in the deeds when purchasing the freehold property.

Here at KT-Management we also prepare a long term plan and each homeowner puts aside a small amount into a reserve fund, this then covers any wear and tear that may occur on sites and prevents owners receiving a large bill if major repairs are needed.

We work hard to make freehold site management affordable with the best interest of the site and residents in mind, so you can enjoy your new home with piece of mind that the surrounding areas are well looked after.

If you require our services please contact Kailee on 01384 573637 or kailee.hurdiss@kt-management.co.uk

We are members of the Black Country Chamber of Commerce and they have published our recent accreditation on their website. Please click the link to read-

BCCC News

Here’s a great example of improvements on site.

A site in Tipton has had its bin store updated, giving the area a much greater appearance.

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

We were pleased to be appointed as the management company for an apartment site in Stourbridge today. The owners who own the freehold wanted to free up their time from managing the site.

If you are a leaseholder managing the apartment site where you live and want to free up your time please be in contact for a free, no obligation consultation.

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

• Communication with residents informing of site visits and AGMs
• Manage suppliers and contractors
• Make sure appropriate insurance is in place
• Regular site visits with a 30 point check list
• Annual fire and health and safety risk assessments
• Site meetings

Financial Management

• Produce budgets for the year ahead for the sites needs
• Lease reviews to make sure our service is compliant
• Work with an independent professionals to prepare a long term maintenance plan
• In addition to a current client account we set up a second account for the reserve fund
• We collect and hold service charges in clients accounts in accordance with section 42 of the Landlord and Tenants Act 1987
• We can also collect ground rent
• We secure all records in accordance to data protection
• We prepare financial accounts each year to ensure every penny is accounted for

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