Ever taken a walk down the communal hallway of your apartment building and wondered, Where are the fire extinguishers? If you’ve ever worked in a commercial office or stayed in a hotel, you’re probably used to seeing those heavy red canisters mounted on every wall. But in purpose-built residential blocks across London, they are conspicuously absent. It’s easy to assume this is down to lazy property management or cost-cutting. However, the truth is entirely different: it’s a d

Navigating the 5-Year EWS1 Deadline: What Leaseholders Need to Know For many flat owners, the EWS1 form has been a crucial key to selling or remortgaging their homes since its introduction in December 2019. However, as the earliest forms reach their five-year expiry dates, many leaseholders and building owners have been left wondering if they will face further hurdles. Thankfully, joint industry updates in 2025 has provided some much-needed clarity and relief. Why Did EWS1 Fo

In the realm of block management, the term "Major Works" is often met with trepidation. However, from a professional standpoint, these projects—governed by Section 20 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985—are a critical mechanism for preserving the structural integrity and capital value of your asset. At Gena, we approach these projects with a focus on legal precision and cost-efficiency. Here is a professional overview of the statutory process, our administrative role, and the

You've just moved into a sleek new flat. You go to put your bike in the hallway or a welcome mat outside your door, and within 24 hours, you get a sternly worded email from the management company telling you to clear it out. It feels overbearing. It's a residential building, right? It's your home. Actually, legally speaking, the moment you step out of your flat and into the corridor, you've left a "domestic" space and entered a "non-domestic" one. This weird legal quirk is en

For millions of leaseholders across the country, the arrival of the annual service charge demand can be a moment of genuine anxiety. Often accompanied by a significant increase from the previous year, this bill can feel opaque and overwhelming. You know you have to pay it, but what exactly are you paying for? While routine costs are expected, two major factors have caused service charges to spiral in recent years: enhanced fire safety regulations and soaring buildings insur

Your front door is the first thing you see when you come home and the last thing you secure when you leave. It’s a symbol of your personal space, your security, your sanctuary. But in a block of flats, your front door has another, far more critical role: it's a fire door. And understanding its importance, and your responsibility for it, has never been more vital. For years, the humble flat entrance door was often overlooked. As long as it locked, it was fine. However, in the