FAQs

Connect UK Nationwide LTD *

Frequently asked questions

Managing a residential block brings more than just bricks and mortar. You need clarity on who does what, how the costs add up and what you’re responsible for. At Connect UK Group, we specialise in block management that’s transparent, reliable and built around your property’s long-term value. Below are answers to the questions we hear most often, if you don’t see yours, just get in touch.
FAQs
arma block management
We handle everything related to the communal parts of your building: insurance, cleaning, lighting, lifts, repair coordination, health & safety checks, contractor oversight and annual budgeting so that the building remains safe, well-kept and financially sound.
The service charge is the amount each leaseholder or unit owner contributes toward shared services and maintenance for the block, covering items like cleaning, gardening, communal lighting, general repairs, buildings insurance and managing agent fees.
If it’s inside your own flat and only serving your unit (for example your internal boiler or window glass) then the responsibility is likely yours. If it’s a communal area or part of the building structure (e.g., roof, exterior walls, hallways), the block manager or freeholder usually handles it, and costs are shared via the service charge. Always check your lease to confirm.
Where large-scale works are needed (e.g., external redecoration, lift replacement), the block manager will prepare a budget, consult leaseholders where required (for example under Section 20 of the Landlord & Tenant Act) and outline projected costs. Transparent proposals and a clear process ensure you know what’s happening and why.

What is a freeholder? The freeholder owns the land on which the property is built. When the freeholder leases out the property, they are considered the landlord of the property.

If you are unsatisfied with the management of your block, find out how you can switch managing agents as the freeholder. 

What is a leaseholder? The leaseholder rents the building from the freeholder for a specified amount of time, typically a lease lasts for 99 or 125 years, but can be longer and can be extended.

If you are unsatisfied with the management of your block, find out how you can switch managing agents as a leaseholder. 

We carry out regular site visits throughout the year to ensure standards are maintained and any issues are dealt with quickly. The frequency depends on the size and needs of your building, but we’ll always keep you updated with inspection reports and follow-up actions.

What is a service charge? A service charge is an amount payable by a leaseholder or tenant, that contributes towards repairs, service, maintenance, general improvement, insurance, and management costs overseen by the freeholder, or managing agent.

If you are unsatisfied with the service charge you are paying, get in touch for advice.

Non-payment of service charges can delay maintenance for the whole block. If charges remain unpaid, legal steps may follow, including recovery actions. Ensuring everyone pays helps protect the building’s condition, amenity and value.

Yes, changing your managing agent is possible. The procedure typically involves reviewing your current contract, giving notice as per its terms and selecting a replacement. It’s important to check any exit costs and ensure the transition is smooth for residents.
We provide clear annual accounts, detailed service charge estimates, accessible financial reports and regular updates about maintenance, compliance, contractor work and building-wide notices. Good communication means fewer surprises.

What is the Right-To-Manage? RTM grants qualifying leaseholders the ability to take over the management of their property if they feel the current management arrangement is insufficient.

RTM was first introduced through the Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Act 2002 and is a significant right for leaseholders and can be exercised by long leaseholders.

Using the right to manage requires a special RTM company and there are complex criteria and qualifying rules. As such it is recommended that if you are thinking about the right to manage, you should seek advice beforehand.

If you’d like some more information about the Right-To-Manage, read the Leasehold Advisory Service guide.

What is the point of a reserve fund? A property with a healthy reserve fund is ultimately preferable to both occupants and the managing party.

This is because, in the event that major works are required in the property, a large portion, if not the entirety of the cost will be absorbed by the reserve fund.

This means that no additional service charge needs to be paid by the occupants.

A good reserve fund balance will also increase the value of the property, giving it an advantage over blocks and estates without one in place.

Monies collected for service charges and reserves are held in separate designated bank accounts in accordance with current regulations. We ensure money is managed properly and only used for the agreed purposes of maintaining your block.

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Our Blocks

Recent success stories

Fully Managed Block

Richmond House
The last agent poorly managed this block which left it in financial difficulty (over £18,000 worth of debt). Connect UK rejuvenated this commercial block and brought the debt up to date. Connect UK also budgeted for a reserve fund for this block so any maintenance issues that arise can be dealt with swiftly.

Fully Managed Block

The Greenview
This unit of flats had been running at a loss for the last two years and maintenance jobs were delayed due to no funds available. Connect UK brought the arrears up to date, put a reserve fund in place and started to work on the outstanding maintenance to make the block more modern and up to date.

Fully Managed Block

Broadfield Barton
We took over this mixed precinct of commercial and residential units due to poor management. The previous agent over spent and budgeted poorly, missing out vital maintenance. We corrected the budget and are now saving on the maintenance issues that arise by using local contractors.
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* Our Block Management services are operated by a separate entity, Connect UK Nationwide Ltd (Company No. 08336643), a company within the Connect UK Group.