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Block Management

Castle Estates Block Management Ltd is a privately owned Company that firmly believes in providing a service that is not only value for money, but also friendly and tailored to the individual needs of each Management Company.

We are an independent Company specialising in residential block management throughout Staffordshire, West Midlands and Cheshire.

The key to our success is understanding the client requirements and sharing a common interest of creating value by improving efficiencies and minimising costs through proactive asset management. We believe "Your home starts as you drive in to the Estate and not at the individual front door".

Castle Estates Block Management Ltd is owned by Chris and Liz Holdcroft with Co Director Steve Roulstone of Castle Estates Stafford. Chris has been involved in property management for a number of years and is also a qualified Accounting Technician and a member of the Association of Residential Letting Agents.

Castle Estates Block Management Ltd undertakes to comply with the current Code of Practice relating to service charges published by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors and The Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Act 2002 carries the latest legislation.

Contractual Duties

• We will agree, in writing, the terms of engagement to manage a client's property, in as detailed a form as is reasonably possible.
• We will make clear the fee structure and the categories of other services for which additional fees maybe charged.
• We will manage the client's property in compliance with all the current applicable legislation, terms of leases, contract documentation and good business practice.
• We will provide as cost effective a service as is reasonably possible within the constraints of prudent and planned maintenance and will enquire as to whether contractors preferred or selected by clients or lessees have suitable references, and where contracted to do so, that all final work is checked and signed off before funds are released.
• We will provide guidance to the client as to the insurance requirements under the lease terms and, where required by the client, will supply an appropriate level of insurance cover, based on an independent valuation, sufficient to meet the client's obligations.

Financial Duties

• We will ensure that clients' money is kept separate from office accounts at all times and that client accounts can be individually identified. Funds in any one-client account will not be used to finance another client's property. Funds will be held in a recognised bank or building society in a clearly designated 'Ltd Company Account'. Our Auditors can confirm our firm's compliance with these requirements.
• We will maintain a current insurance policy adequately indemnifying the firm against proven professional negligence claims.
• We will ensure that clients' money is properly and regularly accounted for and that any funds or monies required for specific future works are placed on deposit in an appropriate interest-bearing account to earn interest to the credit of that account, with the approval of Directors.
• We will keep detailed records of all transactions relating to the client's property with all expenditure made from the client's account suitably authorised.
• We will ensure that annual or other required periodic accounting is carried out promptly, ensuring adequate supporting information is provided or available for inspection.
• We will concertedly endeavour, where so required, to provide all the necessary information for the audit of any end-of period accounts so that the audit can be carried out with the minimum of delay.

Standards of Service which we agree to Offer Our Clients

• Provide a professional and courteous service to lessees and tenants. As far as is possible to ensure that, in all their dealings, there is no bias and that all are treated equally.
• To maintain adequate records of all leases and tenancies and deal promptly with enquiries, particularly where information is required to assist in a sale.
• To be aware, as far as is reasonably possible, of the terms of the leases and tenancies applicable to the property concerned and the effect of legislation and any other relevant documentation and deal with lessees and tenants both in the spirit of the legal requirements as well as in the letter of the law.
• To ensure that procedures are in place to deal with repairs within an appropriate time scale having regard to the urgency of the matter and the availability of funds.
• To regularly consult with Residents' Associations and to encourage them to become part of the decision making process.
• To consult and discuss with Residents' Associations where major works are contemplated, and to meet the statutory requirements.
• To have appropriate regard to views of representative groups of lessees and tenants, even where they are not a formally recognised Residents' Association.
• To manage the premises by enforcing covenants for the common good, fairly and without favour, where so instructed.
• To disclose in writing to relevant parties any existing conflict of interest or any circumstances, which are likely to give, rise to a conflict of interest.
• To declare any interest in any contractor or business employed to provide services at the property that may be associated with the managing agent.
• To ensure, where there is a change of managing agent that all pertinent information is handed over with the minimum of delay to the new agent.
• To place the fullest emphasis on any matter relating to health and safety and environmental legislation, bringing to the urgent attention of landlords and/or residents any areas of concern.
• To use all reasonable efforts, both in the interests of landlords and tenants, to settle disputes by mediating and negotiating with all relevant parties.

Castle Estates Franchising Ltd, Marston Road, Stafford, ST16 3BS
Tel: 01785 336 111 Fax: 01785 336508 Email: franchise@castle-estates.co.uk

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