Managing Agent for Share of Freehold Blocks

In a Share of Freehold block, the leaseholders jointly own the freehold of the building. The freehold is held by a company - usually limited by shares or guarantee - and each leaseholder owns a share. The freehold company is the landlord under each lease.

This gives leaseholders control over service charges, building works, insurance, lease extensions and ground rent. It also brings the legal and administrative responsibilities of being a landlord, which is why most Share of Freehold blocks appoint a professional managing agent.

Directors of a Share of Freehold company are company directors under the Companies Act and landlords under the relevant leases. Duties include keeping proper accounts, filing at Companies House, meeting health and safety and fire safety obligations, complying with the Building Safety Act for higher-risk buildings, and observing every leaseholder right - including consultation under Section 20. A managing agent provides the structure and reporting directors need to discharge these duties properly.

Fire Risk Assessments, EWS1 where relevant, communal electrical and lift testing, water hygiene, lightning protection, emergency lighting and Building Safety Act duties for higher-risk buildings - all tracked on a single compliance schedule with director sign-off.

Monthly arrears and expenditure reports, quarterly director meetings, independent year-end accounts and full disclosure of any third-party charges. Because we take no commissions on insurance, contractors or utilities, what you see is what the block actually pays.