What is Block Management? (And Why UK Leaseholders Should Care)

If you own or rent a flat in the UK, you’ve probably paid a service charge or seen the mysterious phrase “block management” on your paperwork. But what does it actually mean? And why does it matter so much?

Let’s break it down.

Block Management in Plain English

Block management is basically the behind-the-scenes running of your block of flats. Think of it as the job of keeping the building safe, legal, and liveable.

It covers things like:

• Keeping communal areas clean and well maintained (lifts, lobbies, gardens, roofs).

• Making sure fire safety checks, insurance, and repairs are sorted.

• Collecting service charges (and proving they’ve been spent properly).

• Dealing with contractors, paperwork, and the dreaded major works notices.

In short: block managers make sure your building doesn’t fall apart – and that the law is followed while doing it.

The Legal Stuff (Without the Legal Jargon)

Here’s where it gets important. Block management isn’t just about sweeping the hallway and calling plumbers. UK law has a lot to say about how flats are managed – mostly to protect leaseholders from unfair costs and bad management.

Landlord and Tenant Act 1985

Your service charges have to be “reasonable.” That means your manager can’t just order gold-plated door handles and bill you for them. They also have to show you proper accounts.

Landlord and Tenant Act 1987

If your landlord wants to sell the freehold, leaseholders get first refusal. It also gives you the right to push for a new manager if yours is doing a rubbish job.

Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Act 2002

This one introduced the Right to Manage (RTM). It gives leaseholders the legal power to kick out the managing agent and take control of the block themselves. No need to buy the freehold first.

Health & Safety Regulations

Managers must deal with fire safety, asbestos checks, and lift inspections. Think fire risk assessments, not “stick up a smoke alarm and hope for the best.”

Building Safety Act 2022

For tall buildings (over 18m/7 storeys), this act introduced an “Accountable Person” who must legally ensure safety – and involve residents in decisions.

So, Who Actually Does the Managing?

• Sometimes it’s the freeholder or landlord.

• Often it’s a professional block management company.

• In some cases, leaseholders form a Residents’ Management Company or exercise the Right to Manage.

The best managers are members of ARMA, IRPM, or RICS, which means they follow professional codes of practice. The worst ones… well, let’s just say they can make your service charge feel like daylight robbery.

Why Should You Care?

Because bad block management hits your pocket and your peace of mind.

• Poor maintenance = property values drop.

• Bad financial management = higher service charges.

• Ignoring safety = serious legal risks.

Good management, on the other hand, means fair costs, a safe home, and a building that holds its value.

The Bottom Line

Block management may not be the most exciting part of owning or living in a flat, but it’s one of the most important. A well-managed building isn’t just cleaner and safer — it protects the value of your home, keeps your costs transparent, and ensures your rights are respected under UK law.

On the flip side, poor block management can cost you money, peace of mind, and even put your safety at risk. That’s why knowing the rules, understanding your rights, and holding managers to account matters more than ever.

Whether you’re a leaseholder, a landlord, or part of a residents’ committee, remember this: block management isn’t just about bricks and mortar — it’s about protecting communities, homes, and futures.