Residential
Looking after you and your home
We know that a residential property is more than just a building: It’s a home. Which is why we’re committed to managing residential blocks with care and consideration, and dealing with any matters that arise promptly and professionally.
We offer a range of services and are committed to ensuring you pay reasonable costs for works and administrative fees; that you get value for money at all times; and you always receive a high-quality service from the Houston Lawrence team.
Our Services
Financial Planning
Financial Planning
Deciding what works need carrying out, the costs involved and, consequently, what the service charge should be, can be a challenge for any inexperienced block manager.
At Houston Lawrence, we work with RTMs, RMCs and freeholders to prepare an annual and five-year service charge plan budget based on our experience and our assessment of the works required – immediately and in the future. We make sure all supplier contracts are put out to tender to ensure you receive a competitive price for the services you receive.
Collection of Service Charges & Ground Rent
Collection of Service Charges & Ground Rent
It’s vital that service charge fees are collected regularly, so funds are available to carry out planned works throughout the year.
At Houston Lawrence, we manage every aspect of service charge collection, from sending out invoices and statements to chasing arrears. In addition to the collection of service charges, we also collect ground rent from leaseholders in accordance with the terms of your lease.
Company Secretary
Company Secretary
It’s your responsibility to ensure year-end accounts are prepared and certified but it’s a time consuming and stressful task if you choose to do it yourself.
Our company secretary service ensures your company complies with all legal and financial requirements, including filing your annual return on time, updating records regarding any change of company directors or officers, and acting as a service address for the company.
Insurance
Insurance
Having the correct buildings insurance in place ensures you meet the requirements of your lease, and, of course, gives you and the residents of the property peace of mind if the worst was to happen.
At Houston Lawrence, we appoint the services of a surveyor to assess the rebuild value of a property and to ensure your block is not under insured. Then we work with a number of insurance providers to offer you cost effective and comprehensive insurance cover that includes block cover, public liability and terrorism, as well as directors and officers insurance. If an insurance claim needs to be made, we’re on hand to provide advice and support throughout the process.
Health and Safety Compliance
Health and Safety Compliance
It’s important that your building is safe and secure for the people that live in it, and that it meets all the requirements of current health and safety legislation.
As part of the property management process, our experienced team reviews all health and safety, fire safety and compliance matters for your building. Then we advise on what actions need to be taken, if any, to make your building complaint.
Some of the reports we offer include:
- Health & Safety/Fire Risk Assessment Report
- Water Risk Assessments
- Asbestos Management and Control
- Emergency Evacuation Plans
Site Inspections and Reports
Site Inspections and Reports
It’s important to have regular scheduled site visits to ensure work is being carried out to the high standard we expect. This applies to everything from cleaning, gardening, ongoing maintenance and major works.
At Houston Lawrence, we have an in-house maintenance surveyor who carries out regular inspections of developments and assesses any health, safety and security risks too. These visits are followed by a detailed electronic report.
On-site Staff Management
On-site Staff Management
Very often, a large residential development will have numerous on-site staff, including a porter, a concierge, cleaning team, building manager and security staff.
We ensure the work of all on-site staff is monitored and managed, any issues are dealt with quickly, and regular performance reviews are held. Our aim is to ensure all on-site staff members work to a high level and deliver an exceptional service for residents.
Meetings Management
Meetings Management
Regular meetings are an important part of block and estate management and a meeting should be held by directors at least twice a year, with an annual general meeting of leaseholders/shareholders if appropriate. Even if the development is run by a freeholder, it’s still a good idea for residents to meet once a year to discuss the management of the block and raise any concerns.
It’s always useful to have a third party manage these meetings. If required, we can draw up an agenda, organise, attend and minute meetings, and ensure accurate records are kept and matters actioned.
Contractor Selection and Management
Contractor Selection and Management
When it comes to ongoing maintenance or major works, it’s crucial to choose the right contractors for the job.
At Houston Lawrence we have a comprehensive list of contractors we work with, who are all highly skilled, work to a high standard, and are up to date with their health and safety and insurance documentation. What’s more, because of the large amount of work we carry out, we can offer competitive prices across a range of services, from exterior decorating to lift maintenance.
Administration and Communication
Administration and Communication
Our commitment to transparent communication regarding issues, our personal and friendly approach to client service, a 24/7 emergency helpline, and also our detailed customer reports – including financial, maintenance and day-to-day management information – are what set Houston Lawrence apart from other property management firms.
In addition to the emergency helpline and online form, we respond to all telephone calls and emails within 24 hours and provide leaseholders and freeholders with copies of requested documentation within 48 hours.