Glossary of Block Management Terms (UK)
This glossary explains common terms used in UK residential block management, including leasehold law, property management practice, and building safety.
A
Accounting Period
The 12‑month period over which service charge income and expenditure are recorded and reported.
AGM (Annual General Meeting)
A yearly meeting of members or shareholders (often of a Residents’ Management Company) to review accounts, appoint directors, and discuss key matters.
Alterations
Changes made to a leasehold property. Most leases require the freeholder’s written consent (Licence to Alter) before works are carried out.
Appurtenances
Rights or privileges attached to a property, such as parking spaces, storage areas, or rights of way.
B
Balancing Charge / Credit
An adjustment made after year‑end accounts to reconcile estimated service charges with actual expenditure.
Block Management
The professional management of a residential building containing multiple flats, including maintenance, finances, legal compliance, and resident liaison.
Building Safety Act 2022
UK legislation aimed at improving building safety, particularly for higher‑risk residential buildings, with new duties for accountable persons and managing agents.
C
Caretaker / Concierge
On‑site staff responsible for cleaning, security, minor maintenance, or resident services.
Common Parts
Areas of a building used by all residents, such as hallways, stairs, lifts, roofs, and gardens.
Consultation (Section 20)
A statutory consultation process required when major works or long‑term agreements will cost leaseholders above set thresholds.
D
Defects Liability Period
A period after completion of building works during which the contractor must rectify defects at no extra cost.
Demised Premises
An area demised to either the freeholder or the leaseholder, as defined in the lease.
Directors (RMC/RTM)
Individuals appointed to run a Residents’ Management Company and make decisions on behalf of leaseholders.
E
EWS1 Form
A form used to assess external wall fire safety, often required for mortgage lending on certain residential buildings.
Excess (Insurance)
The amount payable by the policyholder before an insurance claim is covered.
F
Fire Risk Assessment (FRA)
A legal assessment identifying fire risks within a building and recommending safety measures.
Freeholder
The owner of the land and building who grants leases to leaseholders.
G
Ground Rent
A rent payable by the leaseholder to the freeholder under the terms of the lease.
H
Health & Safety File
Documentation containing information needed to safely manage and maintain a building.
Higher‑Risk Building
Under the Building Safety Act, a residential building that is at least 18 metres or 7 storeys high and contains at least two residential units.
I
Insurance Schedule
A document outlining the details of a building’s insurance policy, including sums insured and risks covered.
Interim Service Charge
Service charge payments made in advance, usually based on a budget.
L
Landlord
The party that grants a lease (often the freeholder or head lessor).
Lease
A legal contract setting out the rights and obligations of the leaseholder and landlord.
Licence to Alter
Formal permission from the landlord allowing a leaseholder to carry out alterations.
M
Major Works
Significant repair or improvement works, often requiring Section 20 consultation.
Managing Agent
A professional firm appointed to manage a residential block on behalf of the freeholder or RMC.
O
Ombudsman (Property Redress Scheme)
An independent body that resolves disputes between managing agents and leaseholders.
R
Reserve Fund / Sinking Fund
Money collected over time to pay for future major works.
Residents’ Management Company (RMC)
A company formed by leaseholders to manage the building, either directly or via a managing agent.
Right to Manage (RTM)
A legal right allowing leaseholders to take over management without purchasing the freehold.
S
Service Charge
Contributions paid by leaseholders for the maintenance, repair, and management of the building.
Service Charge Budget
An estimate of anticipated expenditure for the coming accounting period.
Section 20
Statutory consultation requirements under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985.
T
Tribunal (First‑tier Tribunal – Property Chamber)
A body that resolves disputes relating to service charges, lease terms, and management issues.
W
Warranty (Building)
Insurance or guarantee covering defects in construction, such as NHBC or similar schemes.
This glossary is intended as a general guide to UK block management terminology and does not constitute legal advice.
