Skip to main content

Want to take over the management of your building?

Our E-Learning platform has modules for leaseholders looking to manage their own building using a RTM company.

Find out more here

Message from LEASE Chair Roger Southam – June 2017

It is with a very heavy heart that I write this piece following the tragedy of the fire at Grenfell Tower.  Our thoughts and prayers are with all the victims, their families, the emergency services and all those affected.  It is impossible to overstate the importance of fire risk assessments, health and safety audits and understanding the fabric of a building.

It is never right to see any loss of life and it will deeply impact everyone involved as well as have wider implications on towers, building materials and responsibility.  Property management is always an unsung profession and it is a thankless task.  Now more than ever it should be recognised that there is a great need to have regulation of managing agents to achieve professionalism and delivery of quality service for all leaseholders and residents.  This is to cover all including local authorities.

LEASE is focussed on ensuring leaseholders get the best service and advice at all times, sometimes it needs more than that.  Now we need to be focussing on making sure everyone in the industry understands the responsibility they have and that it is people’s lives and homes we are dealing with.  Reassurance to the people is vital that everything that is done is done responsibly and professionally.

We thought there would be major changes following the Lakanal House tragedy but too quickly it was forgotten and recommendations not moved forward.  This cannot be allowed to happen this time.  Everyone involved in any way shape or form should work together to ensure our homes are safe.

We have to learn from Grenfell Tower and not let it be forgotten.  We have to ensure that developers, contractors, sub-contractors, managers, maintenance teams, everyone learns and uses the horrific experience for improving what is done and how it is done.

The country needs more homes and we must make them all fit for purpose.  There should never be an accusation that some buildings are more safe than others or that some in society are higher valued.  We are all people and all people deserve to know residential property professionals will not let anyone’s death have been in vain.

The good managers will be seeking and investigating methods of construction to reassure you.  You should make sure your building is up to date on fire risk assessment, health and safety reports along with actions arising.  Ask questions if you do not receive information from your managing agents.

 

 

LEASE is governed by a board, appointed as individuals by the Secretary of State for the Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities.