Guides
Running your block
The day-to-day and yearly jobs once you're in charge: budgets and service charges, bills to leaseholders, reserve funds, major works, insurance, fire safety and arrears.
- Your first 90 days running the blockA checklist for new directors after any takeover (RTM, freehold, developer handover or leaving an agent): insurance, bank, records, safety, first bill.Reviewed 22 October 2026 · 4 min read
- How to set a service charge budget for your blockSetting a service charge budget step by step: what the lease allows, the usual headings, splitting costs between flats, instalments and year end.Reviewed 22 October 2026 · 3 min read
- What a service charge demand must containWhat a service charge demand must contain in England: landlord's name and address, an address for notices, the summary of rights, and the lease terms.Reviewed 22 October 2026 · 3 min read
- Reserve funds and sinking funds for blocks of flatsHow a reserve or sinking fund works for a block of flats: when the lease allows one, how much to collect, how to hold it as trust money, and spending it.Reviewed 22 October 2026 · 2 min read
- Section 20 consultation: a step-by-step guide for self-managed blocksWhen Section 20 consultation applies to major works and long contracts, the thresholds, each notice and deadline, and what happens if you don't consult.Reviewed 22 October 2026 · 3 min read
- The 18-month rule for service charges (Section 20B)How the 18-month rule works: when costs count as incurred, the section 20B(2) warning notice, where blocks get caught out and how to stay safe.Reviewed 22 October 2026 · 2 min read
- Buildings insurance for a self-managed block of flatsWho insures a block of flats, the cover you need, rebuild valuations, commissions, leaseholders' rights to insurance details and directors' insurance.Reviewed 22 October 2026 · 3 min read
- Fire safety duties for a block of flatsFire safety for self-managed blocks: who the responsible person is, the fire risk assessment, what residents must be told, fire doors and records.Reviewed 22 October 2026 · 3 min read
- Collecting unpaid service charges (arrears)What a self-managed block can do when a leaseholder doesn't pay: check the demand, remind, agree a plan, the pre-action letter, Breathing Space and court.Reviewed 22 October 2026 · 3 min read
- Managing agent or self-manage? When to hire helpSelf-manage your block or hire a managing agent? What agents do, the hybrid option, choosing an agent, contracts, and how to change agent.Reviewed 22 October 2026 · 3 min read