Recruitment
indepth
Those within property management may also be aware of the great work ALRA carries out when it comes to publications, qualifications and certifications! Block Management is specialist and anyone coming over from lettings, for example, will need training and guidance from their employers. ALRA offers one-day courses enabling its attendees to learn and develop their skills and understanding of day to day tasks involved in block management. The team here at LMP Law is always on hand for ARLA, ARMA, managing agents, property recruiters and leaseholders themselves for help, advice and further questions. Teaching the basic skills to a new employee could save money and time in the long run as litigious disputes caused by inappropriate knowledge can be extremely costly. GROUND RENT & SERVICE CHARGES Of course there are stepping stones to higher diplomas in property, however without basic knowledge for newbies there can be catastrophic consequences if leases are overlooked and the managing agents haven’t Laura Severn urges recruitment and law professionals to support each other
addressed the fundamental budgeting of service charge and ground rent collections. Service charges are one of the main areas for disputes between leaseholders and landlords. Leaseholders should be helped by ensuring they are aware of organisations such as The Leasehold Advisory Service. ACAS ACAS has the very best website with rolling updates on employment law training, research and commentary, together with templates, conferences, helpline and much more. DISPUTES Property lawyers’ work includes helping with arrears recovery and disputes. The disputes that we handle are mainly breach of contract or complaints that we try and resolve and/or mediate. Some breaches or problems that cause the initial dispute can sometimes stem from lack of efficient employment law basic knowledge with the managing agent employees or contractors. How we all protect our colleagues, tenants or agents is something we could all do better… probably! The property industry, as a whole, is relatively a place of great communication, excellent back up and support, education and legislation. Lawyers work together, albeit different areas, in ensuring there is balance, education, advice and adherence to best practice, protocol and legislation. Work together and support each other!
It goes to show that training is essential and taking steps through educational resources and institutions can save time later – from a dispute resolution perspective. Description Being a property manager is a demanding job. On any given day you can be required to demonstrate a variety of skills and knowledge. In this interactive legal workshop, we’ll explore some of the common legal challenges that you might face and how to deal with them. This workshop will be based around a fictional block and a copy of its specimen lease and Articles of Association will be provided to all delegates for ‘pre-reading’. Content • Understanding the decision making powers of management companies (including RTM and RMCs) on the appointment of agents. • New development action points: What you need to be looking out for in the lease and articles of association so you can add to your building ‘manual’. • Airbnb subletting: Is it a breach and what can you do? • Alterations: How to handle the request and deal with the paperwork. • Arrears recovery: Looking at the lifecycle of a typical arrears case so you can manage your client’s expectations. • Assignment of a lease: What needs to happen and how do you do it. • Preparing for your evening AGM: Understanding management companies, including decision making, appointment (and retirement) of directors, record keeping, etc.
Laura Severn is a director at LMP Law
23 ISSUE 106
www.newsontheblock.com
Made with FlippingBook - Online catalogs