Using a managing agent
Appendix 3: checklist of possible questions to ask prospective managing agents
- Please provide all relevant company details including the names and qualifications of all directors and a list of proprietors if not a quoted company.
- How close are your offices to our property?
- How many years have you been in the property management business?
- How many staff in your company are involved with management?
- How many blocks do you manage, and how many units are there in each of those blocks?
- Please supply 3 references for blocks you manage. Ideally those blocks should be similar to our own property and in our area.
- Please supply name and telephone number of chair/secretary of the residents’ association or board of directors of those blocks.
- What is your fee structure?
- Will your fees carry VAT?
- How can you convince us that you can offer a quality service at a fair cost?
- How comprehensive a panel of contractors do you have?
- Do you charge a fee for contractor selection and/or a percentage of their charges:
- Contractors chosen by you?
- Contractors chosen by us?
- What selection criteria do you use for contractors on your panels?
- How often does a representative from your company visit blocks you manage and check on how your contractors fulfil their obligations?
- What IT facilities do you have and what information can you record and keep updated? Are you registered under the data protection laws?
- Where and how do you keep service charge monies, and how are they administered and who receives any interest?
- Can you supply an example of the format of financial information you will use for our block?
- How do you deal with unpaid service charges – what procedures are in place to deal with non-paying lessees?
- How do you deal with lessees in breach of their leases?
- How do you deal with complaints?
- Do you offer an out-of-office-hours service for emergencies? If so, please provide details.
- What length of notice period do you require?
- List all those of your staff we are likely to liaise with and their qualifications.
- List any professional or trade bodies to which your firm belongs.
- Provide full details of your professional indemnity insurance.
- Provide proof of your financial probity
- Provide a copy of any standard contract you use
- Last updated:
- 27 August 2021
- Next review:
- 12 December 2026
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