Managing Agents

What is a Managing Agent?

A Managing Agent acts for the landlord to deal with the general management of the Apartment block.

Do all Apartments blocks have Managing Agents?

No, some older blocks of flats do not have any form of centralised management.

What guidelines to Managing Agents have to take account of?

They have to have regard for the current terms of the Lease and to relevant legislation and codes of practice. The Managing Agent should take account of the Leaseholder's wishes although essentially they are instructed by the Landlord. The Leaseholder may also be the Landlord.

Who pays for the Managing Agent?

The agent is paid a fee which is usually deducted from the Service Charge. If there is significant repair work or alterations needed there may be an additional fee.

What will Managing Agents normally do?

Their duties will vary but they will generally include the following:

They will deal with the buildings insurance
They will maintain the structure of the premises and any common parts (hallways etc), including external grounds
They will pay for lighting of the common parts and heating, if appropriate
If there are lifts in the building, they should be maintained by the Management Company
They will pay staff if need be.
They will maintain accounts of all the payments and they will also deal with any requirements of Companies House

If the Managing Agents are not doing their job properly can they be challenged?

Yes, under the law as it is, Managing Agents can be challenged and can be taken to a tribunal. In the event of a dispute they have to justify their position. In certain cases they can be dismissed and new Managing Agents are appointed.