How to choose a block management company

The right managing agent makes a real difference to how a building is run, how much leaseholders pay, and how disputes are handled. Here's what to weigh up when comparing.

1. Accreditation and redress-scheme membership

At a minimum, a managing agent should belong to a government-approved redress scheme (such as The Property Ombudsman) so you have somewhere independent to escalate complaints. Membership of The Property Institute (TPI) — formerly ARMA/IRPM — signals professional standards. Every company in our directory is tagged with its TPO / TPI status.

2. Client money protection

Agents who hold leaseholders' money (service charges, reserve funds) must be part of a Client Money Protection (CMP) scheme, which safeguards funds if the agent fails. Ask which scheme they use and how client money is held — ideally in a designated client account.

3. Independent ratings — read both sources

Don't rely on a single number. We show Google and Trustpilot ratings side by side, because they often differ. A big gap between the two is a prompt to read the actual reviews before deciding — see how we handle this in our methodology.

Tip: Browse the top-rated managers or filter by your area to build a shortlist, then check each firm's profile for accreditation and reviews.

4. Relevant experience

Block management is a specialism. Look for experience that matches your situation: block size, mixed-use buildings, leasehold and Right to Manage (RTM) work, and major-works projects. A firm that mainly does lettings may not be the right fit for a complex block.

5. Transparency on fees

A good agent is clear about its management fee and what's included, plus any extra charges (company secretarial, out-of-hours, major-works supervision). Vague or bundled fees are a red flag. Ask for a written fee proposal and a sample service-charge budget.

6. Local presence vs national scale

National firms bring systems and resources; local firms bring on-the-ground knowledge and quicker site visits. Neither is automatically better — weigh responsiveness against scale for your building. Our profiles show each firm's scale (local, regional or national) and the areas it covers.

This guide is general information about leasehold in England & Wales, not legal advice. Rules differ in Scotland and Northern Ireland, and leasehold law is changing — check your lease and current guidance, or take professional advice, before acting.

Last updated June 2026.