Property management comes with a lot of moving parts, but few things cause leaseholders more anxiety than major works. Whether it’s a full roof replacement, external redecoration, or structural repairs, these projects are expensive, time-consuming, and heavily regulated. At Gena, we do things a little differently than most managing agents. We believe in fairness and transparency, which is why we don’t charge extra fees for administering major works or handling Section 20 noti

If you’ve ever opened a service charge invoice from a brand-new managing agent only to see a bill for the entire year—even though they only took over the building last Tuesday—you’ve likely felt a surge of "billing whiplash." It feels counterintuitive. In almost every other walk of life, you pay the person who did the work for the time they did it. But property management operates on two different, and often clashing, timelines. Here is the breakdown of why your invoice looks

Managing a residential block is, in many ways, like running a small business. To keep the building safe, clean, and well-maintained, we need a clear financial roadmap. That roadmap is the Annual Budget . However, many leaseholders are surprised to learn that a budget isn't a fixed price list—it is a living document designed to protect both the building and your bank account. Here is a look at how we balance the books to ensure your home remains a solid investment. 1. The Budg

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

When something goes wrong in your building—whether it’s a flickering light in the hallway or a mysterious leak in the car park—your first instinct is likely to get it fixed as fast as possible. As your managing agent, our goal is exactly the same. However, the speed and success of a repair depend entirely on the quality of the information we receive. While it might seem helpful to add a little "weight" to a report to get attention, inaccurate details can inadvertently sabota

If you own a property—whether it’s a shiny new build, a buy-to-let investment, or just your own home—the paperwork can be overwhelming. You likely have a stack of policy documents that all sound vaguely similar. Do you really need boiler cover if you have buildings insurance? Does your new build warranty replace standard insurance? And whose job is it to insure the carpets? Here is a breakdown of the five main types of property protection, what they actually cover, and where

If you live in a leasehold flat, you probably know the drill. It’s 11 PM on a Tuesday, the bass is thumping from the floor above, and you are composing an angry email to your managing agent. You expect them to swoop in, enforce the lease, and silence the problem. Instead, you get a generic "reminder letter" sent to all residents. The noise continues. You complain again. The agent seems reluctant, tired, or even "listless" in their response. It’s easy to blame the agent for be

Every lease is different. It’s the most important, and sometimes most frustrating, principle of property ownership in England. Understanding what is your responsibility versus what is communal can save you a world of confusion, disputes, and unexpected costs down the line. The key to unlocking this puzzle lies in two fundamental concepts: the demised premises and the service charge . In simple terms, it's the difference between "what's yours" and "what's ours." The "Demised

For larger blocks, it is not uncommon to have parcels stolen. Many leaseholders opt to get CCTV installed in a bid to find the perpetrators. In practice, this is more difficult than it seems. The main reason is that data protection laws protect the identity of the suspects. When a theft occurs in a residential building, the presence of clear CCTV footage presents a legal dilemma. Despite capturing an incident, property managers are legally restricted from publicly displaying

When you own a property in the building, you typically become a member of the company, which gives you a say in how your building is managed. This guide is designed to help leaseholders and flat owners understand the key responsibilities involved in running a residents' management company (RMC) or freehold company. Your Company's Structure: Limited by Guarantee Most RMCs are set up as private companies limited by guarantee .[^1] This structure is designed for non-profit o