Is Your Current Block Management Company Still the Right Fit?
Property management should make life easier. Yet for many leaseholders, directors of Residents’ Management Companies, and Right to Manage (RTM) companies, the opposite is true.
Unanswered emails. Delayed maintenance. Poor communication. Rising service charge costs with little explanation.
Sound familiar?
If you’re considering whether it’s time to switch block management company, you’re certainly not alone. Across Kent and the South East, more property owners are taking a closer look at the service they’re receiving and asking an important question:
Could our building be managed better?
The answer is often yes.
The Warning Signs It’s Time for a Change
Not every issue means you need a new managing agent. However, recurring problems can indicate a wider issue with service delivery.
Common reasons clients decide to change my managing agent include:
- Poor communication and slow response times
- Lack of visibility over service charge spending
- Delays in arranging repairs and maintenance
- Contractors not being properly managed
- Compliance concerns and missed inspections
- Lack of strategic planning for major works
- Feeling like the block is simply not a priority
Your managing agent should be working proactively to protect your building, control costs and support residents. If they’re merely reacting to problems, it may be time to explore alternatives.
Can You Switch Block Management Company?
In most cases, yes.
Whether you’re a freeholder, Residents’ Management Company, Right to Manage (RTM) company or developers’ management company, there is usually a straightforward route to appointing a new managing agent.
The exact process depends on your ownership and management structure, but generally involves:
- Reviewing your current management agreement
- Checking notice requirements
- Obtaining proposals from alternative managing agents
- Approving the appointment through the appropriate board or member process
- Serving notice and arranging a smooth handover
The good news?
A professional managing agent should guide you through the process and manage much of the transition on your behalf.
The Rise of Right to Manage in Kent
We’ve seen growing interest in right to manage Kent schemes over recent years, as leaseholders seek greater control over how their buildings are run.
The Right to Manage allows qualifying leaseholders to take over the management responsibilities of their building without having to prove fault by the landlord.
However, taking control does not mean taking on the burden alone.
Many RTM companies appoint a professional managing agent to handle:
- Financial management
- Service charge administration
- Contractor procurement
- Compliance and health & safety
- Routine maintenance
- Resident communications
The result is often the best of both worlds: greater control for leaseholders, supported by experienced property professionals.
What Makes a Great Managing Agent?
Choosing a new managing agent should not just be about finding the lowest fee.
A great managing agent delivers value, not just administration.
Look for a company that provides:
Clear Communication
You should know who to contact, receive regular updates and never feel left in the dark.
Proactive Property Inspections
Regular site visits help identify issues before they become bigger problems.
Financial Transparency
Service charge budgets, expenditure and reserve funds should be clearly explained and easy to understand.
Local Knowledge
A local team brings stronger contractor networks, faster response times and a better understanding of the area’s property market.
Why Local Expertise Matters
If you’re searching for block management in Tunbridge Wells services, local knowledge can make a significant difference.
Every development is unique. Victorian conversions, purpose-built apartment blocks, mixed-use developments and private estates all bring different challenges.
A management company with strong roots in Kent understands local contractors, local regulations and local market expectations.
That means quicker decisions, better relationships and more effective management.
Why Clients Switch to Presence & Co.
At Presence & Co., we regularly speak with leaseholders, resident directors and freeholders who feel let down by their current managing agent.
Often, they aren’t looking for miracles. They’re looking for responsiveness, professionalism and a team that genuinely cares about their building.
As a trusted Kent property management company, our approach is built around proactive management, clear communication and practical solutions.
We believe clients should always know:
- What’s happening at their property
- Why decisions are being made
- How service charge funds are being spent
- What we are doing to protect and improve their asset
Clare Plowman on Making the Switch
Clare Plowman, Head of Block Management at Presence & Co., understands that changing managing agents can feel like a significant decision.
“Many clients come to us because they feel frustrated or ignored. Switching managing agents is far more straightforward than people think. Our role is to make the process seamless, protect continuity of service and ensure residents quickly start seeing the benefits of proactive, professional management. Good block management should provide confidence and reassurance, not constant stress.”
