When managing multiple investment properties, portfolio landlords must decide whether to opt for block management or property management. While both services ensure properties are well-maintained and legally compliant, they cater to different landlord needs. Choosing the right service depends on the type of assets within the portfolio and the level of involvement a landlord wants to maintain.
This guide breaks down the differences between block management and property management, helping landlords determine which is best suited for their investments.
What is Property Management?
Property management covers the day-to-day management of individual rental properties within a landlord’s portfolio. Services typically include:
- Tenant sourcing and vetting – Finding suitable tenants and conducting reference checks.
- Rent collection and arrears management – Ensuring timely payments and handling overdue rent.
- Property maintenance and repairs – Arranging for routine maintenance and emergency repairs.
- -Compliance and legal responsibilities – Ensuring the property meets EPC, gas safety, and deposit protection regulations.
- End-of-tenancy management – Handling tenant move-outs, property inspections, and deposit returns.
Property management is ideal for portfolio landlords who own multiple single-let houses, apartments, or HMOs and require a structured approach to managing tenancies and maintenance.
What is Block Management?
Block management, also known as estate or leasehold management, focuses on the maintenance of communal areas and shared services within multi-unit residential buildings. Key responsibilities include:
- Managing service charges and ground rent collection.
- Organising communal area cleaning, security, and maintenance.
- Arranging fire safety compliance and health & safety assessments.
- Overseeing repairs and large-scale maintenance projects.
- Acting as a liaison between leaseholders and the freeholder or Residents' Management Company (RMC).
Block management is essential for landlords who own flats within a larger residential block or those involved in freehold investments where communal areas must be maintained.
Key Differences Between Block and Property Management
To help clarify the distinctions, here’s a breakdown of how each service differs:
Scope of Service:
Property Management: Focuses on individual rental units and tenancies.
Block Management: Covers the entire building, including shared spaces and communal responsibilities.
Who It Benefits:
Property Management: Ideal for landlords with single-let properties, HMOs, or small portfolios.
Block Management: Suited for freeholders, leaseholders, and RMCs responsible for maintaining communal areas.
Maintenance Focus:
Property Management: Handles tenant-related maintenance within individual units.
Block Management: Oversees external upkeep, communal repairs, and major structural work.
Financial Oversight:
Property Management: Involves rent collection, rental income reports, and financial tracking for landlords.
Block Management: Manages service charge budgets, reserve funds, and large-scale maintenance costs.
Legal Compliance:
Property Management: Ensures compliance with landlord-tenant laws, deposit protection, and tenancy regulations.
Block Management: Focuses on leasehold compliance, fire safety, health and safety regulations, and insurance obligations.
Which Service is Right for Portfolio Landlords?
You Need Property Management If:
- You own multiple single-let properties or HMOs.
- You require tenant management, rent collection, and ongoing maintenance.
- You want to reduce hands-on involvement while ensuring compliance.
You Need Block Management If:
- You own flats within leasehold buildings.
- You are part of or own the freehold of a residential block.
- You need to manage service charges, communal areas, and building-wide compliance.
Can Portfolio Landlords Benefit from Both Services?
Yes! Many landlords require a combination of property and block management. For example, a landlord who owns multiple flats within a building may need property management for tenancies and block management for the overall maintenance of the building.
Why Choose Northmode Properties?
At Northmode Properties, we specialize in both block and property management, offering tailored solutions to portfolio landlords in Manchester and the Northwest. Our expertise ensures:
- Efficient property maintenance to keep assets in top condition.
- Transparent service charge and rental income management.
- Legal compliance and risk mitigation to protect investments.
- Comprehensive support for landlords with mixed-asset portfolios.
If you’re a portfolio landlord unsure about the best management approach, contact Northmode Properties today to discuss how we can help you optimize your investments.