Southside were appointed by a collection of Leaseholders in South East London to help establish a Right to Manage (RTM) Company and manage the transfer of responsibilities from the Freeholder.  Southside initially met with the group and explained the process in details, advising on their rights and obligations under current legislation, before preparing a detailed proposal for consideration.

Once accepted to manage the RTM process, we were able to administer what was to prove an amicable transfer, working alongside the Freeholder’s agents to ensure a smooth transition without any service interruption for leaseholders.

Following this process and our subsequent appointment as Managing Agents for the RTM Company, we undertook a review of the budget and works programmes, putting into place a proposal for a long awaited programme of major works (under S.20); to include the replacement of the entire roof coverings, external repairs & decorations and internal works to include decorations and Health & Safety driven upgrades.  Southside managed all aspects of the work, which included liaison with Local Authority Planning and Building Control teams,  meeting regularly with Directors of the RTM company and individual leaseholders / residents as required in order to complete the works with the minimum of delay and on budget.  The works were completed on time and within budget and naturally, our clients were very grateful for our efforts.

Southside were asked to provide a proposal for a small block (10 units), where the Freehold interest had been purchased by a RMC approximately ten years prior.  The members were not happy with the services of their exiting agents and Southside were appointed.  We immediately identified significant savings in maintenance and insurance provisions and shortly after appointment completed internal decorations and re-carpeting of communal parts on time and below budget.

Following the completion of these works and after further reviewing the longer term proposed works programme, Southside put together a new proposal for replacing windows and other high level items (soffits / fascias) in UPVC, thus improving energy performance and reducing longer term maintenance requirements.  Southside managed all aspect of these projects, from the initial planning application, through the tendering process and Project Management.  The works were completed over a three year period, thus minimising overall costs but spreading the cost of contributions from leaseholders, concluding in the design and installation of new gates and railings.

In addition to RTM & RMC clients, Southside also enjoy excellent client relationships with a number of Freeholders and Ground Rent investors.  Once such client continues to put their trust in our team, and has handed over in excess of 50 units over three separate sites in the past three years.  On each occasion, Southside have conducted a full review / audit of the property, removing any unnecessary costs and ensuring Lessor obligations are met in full.

In each case, we have worked closely with leaseholders and adopted an open communications policy to help maintain and develop the lessee and lessor relationship.  We now look forward to supporting this client and leaseholders further, through a series of major works programmes due over the next 12 months