Pictured: Dawn Clarke
A leading local block management agent is urging those who own
or rent an apartment in the county to review their current managing
agent's service, in light of evidence that shows too many are
receiving poor or inadequate care, or else paying well above the
odds for simple service.
Shropshire-based Nock Deighton claims that many property owners
are losing out by staying with their current management companies,
simply because they don't know that they have the right to go
elsewhere.
Dawn Clarke, Director and Head of Lettings and Property
Management at Nock Deighton, explained: "If you are the owner of an
apartment, you have the right to choose who manages your property,
and ultimately, where and how your service charges are being spent.
There is a common assumption that you are legally obliged to
maintain the existing relationship, but this simply is not the
case. People don't have to put up with poor service and there are
certainly ways to get out of a contract if you are dissatisfied
with the service you are receiving.
"Part of the problem with management companies is that they are
often based hundreds of miles from where the property is located,
which means that not only is it difficult for the owner to build up
a close relationship with the agent, but it can also often be
financially detrimental. There have been cases, for example, where
a property owner has been presented with a bill for as much as
£85 for something as straightforward as changing a light
bulb, simply because the management company used an external
contractor local to them, rather than the property.
"Residential block management is a complex area and, as the only
agent in Shropshire to be a member of the Association of
Residential Managing Agents (ARMA), we are committed to working to
stringent professional codes of practice which ensures that
situations like this do not occur. We offer a truly local service
that enables us to effectively respond to our client's needs,
whether conducting site visits to accompany contractors, overseeing
work, or inspecting any reported issues. Not only that, but we have
good relationships with local trades people so we can provide the
best service at the most cost-effective price.
"We believe that having a local managing agent is essential for
anyone who owns or rents a property within a shared building, and
we would recommend that individuals review their current provider
and consider if they are really getting the service they deserve.
We'd welcome anyone currently in this position to give us a call
for a free, absolutely no-obligation chat where we can help you
make the most of your property."
Founded in 1831, Nock Deighton is one of the Midlands' most
well-established and respected firms of estate agents, lettings
agents, chartered surveyors, block management agents, and
auctioneers. The company stands at the forefront of the modern
property sector by embracing up-to-the-minute technology and
industry best practice, and has a firm focus on achieving the very
best results through a full range of specialist property-related
services and dedicated staff.