The management of residential blocks is often a thankless task and one which is likely to be particularly arduous when carried out by inexperienced "volunteers" on behalf of resident-managed blocks and Residents' Associations. Amongst the problems which commonly arise are the difficulties of balancing the need for essential repairs with the budget available, differentiating between repairs and improvements, ensuring that the works are properly carried out and value for money obtained, and in some cases, deciding who has the responsibility to execute or pay for the repairs.

Orpwood Associates can provide expert advice on such matters to both professional managing agents and Residents' Associations and have experience of dealing with blocks and estates of all sizes, ages and construction. In particular assistance can be given with the preparation of the annual maintenance budget, planned maintenance, and the specification and procurement of major repairs.

In both commercial and residential premises, tenants will from time to time want to carry out alterations to their part of the premises, and although they may have obtained the appropriate Planning and Building Regulation Approvals, they may be unaware that their lease requires them to obtain a 'Licence for Tenants Alterations' from their landlord. Orpwood Associates can assist both tenants and landlords in this situation, helping tenants to provide the right information to the landlord and negotiating the conditions of the licence, and on behalf of the landlord, we can vet the tenant's proposals to ensure that they are not of detriment to the building and other residents, and that the works are carried out in conformity with the Licence.