This month, we’re focusing on communal services in apartment blocks. Our contributors delve into various topics—from the evolving role of shared spaces in modern flats to sustainability efforts in leasehold developments.

In the News!

  • The Remediation Acceleration Plan (RAP), first published in December 2024, set out the government’s strategy to speed up the remediation of buildings with unsafe cladding and improve outcomes for residents. An update published on 17 July 2025 outlines the significant progress made so far and introduces new measures to fix buildings faster, identify at-risk 11m+ buildings, and ensure residents are supported throughout the process.
  • E3Cube, a specialist multi-disciplinary building surveying and property consultancy headquartered in Liverpool, has successfully completed a management buyout (MBO) as part of a strategic growth plan focused on expansion into new sectors and services.
  • On 4 July 2025, the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, in partnership with the Welsh Government, launched a wide-ranging consultation on the implementation of the Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act 2024 (LAFRA).
  • Watling Real Estate has been appointed in connection with five sites under the ownership of companies within Godwin Group, the distressed Birmingham-based property developer.
  • Principle Estate Management has been appointed to manage Ovington Court, a distinguished 38-unit mixed-use Art Deco building on Brompton Road in Knightsbridge.

Featured Articles

In her article, Claire Bates MScBS MTPI AssocRICS, Head of Growth and Partnerships at Strangford Management Ltd discusses how RMC Directors can safeguard their interests when changing Managing Agent.

As solar photovoltaic (PV) systems become standard across residential and commercial developments, the conversation is shifting from installation to long-term performance and compliance. Read more in the article by Future Group.

Jamie Curley, Head of Interior Design at Earl Kendrick looks at how communal spaces are changing in modern apartment living.

As a property manager, ensuring the safety and comfort of all residents is paramount. This means overseeing communal services, which refers to the shared amenities and areas that contribute significantly to the overall living experience. Learn more in the article brought to you by the team at FixFlo.

Sustainability is becoming a core consideration for leasehold developments across the UK. From rising energy prices to climate-conscious residents, there is a growing need for blocks of flats to embrace environmentally friendly solutions. For Residents’ Management Companies (RMCs), this means finding practical, affordable and visible ways to make communal areas “greener”. The team at Residentsline Flats Insurance explore how eco-friendly upgrades can benefit your building and how to make them happen.

In residential block management, ensuring communal services are delivered efficiently, safely, and to a high standard is essential, not just for maintaining buildings, but for creating homes where people feel safe, comfortable, and cared for. Learn more from Jodie Fraser in her article.

The team at Bishop & Sewell provide insights into the latest decisions from the Court of Appeal.

In their article, 4Site Consulting explain what is required of property managers in both a legal and practical sense when it comes to managing fire doors in a residential setting.

In a case of major industry significance, the Supreme Court recently confirmed the scope of the Building Safety Act 2022 and the Defective Premises Act 1972, and how each interacts with the Civil Liability (Contribution) Act 1978. The Legal team at specialist property solicitors JB Leitch provide a useful analysis.

In property management, delivering reliable heating and hot water is a fundamental part of what makes a building liveable. From keeping homes warm in winter, providing cooling in the summer, and ensuring reliable hot water year-round, the energy centres that generate and deliver these services must be effectively managed. Find out more in the article by FirstPort.

2017’s Grenfell Tower fire brought fire safety in residential buildings under intense scrutiny. For Residents’ Management Company (RMC) directors, the aftermath has been a wake-up call and a turning point, highlighting the critical importance of fire safety in shared spaces. In their article, the team at Manage Your Block explore what has changed, what remains essential and what RMCs must do to ensure they meet their duties under the evolving legal landscape.

The team at Flat Living Insurance provides an outline of the legal duties RMC directors take on when it comes to communal maintenance, lease obligations and leaseholder rights.

When managing a block of flats, it can be tempting to tackle problems as they arise. After all, why fix something that is not broken? But for Residents’ Management Company (RMC) directors, this reactive approach to building maintenance often ends up costing far more in the long run, as explained in the article from Block in a Box.

In their article, the team at London Flats Insurance explore the typical causes of service charge conflicts, explain the legal consultation requirements under UK leasehold law and share practical strategies for resolving disputes through communication, transparency and proper documentation.

Read all of these articles and more, in the latest edition of Flat Living Magazine.