The Challenge

When appointed to manage the RTM estate, it was apparent it had visibly declined after years of poor management and unpaid contractors. The blocks were dilapidated both inside and out, and leaseholders were disillusioned.

Key problems included:

• Internal condition: Marks and scuffs on communal walls from moving furniture, litter left in corridors, and smoke damage.

• External neglect: Overgrown lawns and hedges, no gardening schedule, and uneven car park surfaces creating hazards.

• Waste management issues: Dumped bulk items in bin stores, leading to health and safety risks.

• Parking and vehicles: Abandoned cars taking up spaces, no line or bay markings in place.

• Community standards: Some residents were disengaged, contributing to litter and neglect, while the RTM felt powerless to enforce standards.

Leaseholders had lost confidence that service charges were being used properly, and directors feared ongoing disputes if things did not improve.

Obstacles

• Deferred cyclical works had left the estate looking tired, requiring more than “quick fixes.”

• Non-payment of contractors meant services like gardening had stopped altogether.

• Resident disengagement caused misuse of communal areas and worsened the perception of neglect.

• Budget limitations meant works had to be phased, with essential upgrades prioritised.

Our Approach

• Lease Review: Identified obligations around cyclical redecorations, ensuring compliance with the lease.

• Budget & Quotes: Obtained competitive quotes for internal redecorations and planned for their inclusion in the next service charge budget, while initiating a Section 20 consultation early to avoid delays.

• Gardening & Grounds: Appointed new gardeners to address overgrowth and reintroduced a sustainable schedule within current budgets.

• Cleaning Standards: Worked with cleaners to deliver an annual carpet deep clean, cobweb removal, litter-picking, and placed weekly update notices on the board to reassure residents of action.

• Car Park & Safety: Sourced quotes for resurfacing, bay markings, and line painting to be incorporated in the next budget and consultation process.

• Estate Management & Compliance: Reported abandoned vehicles to the council for removal and installed “No Smoking” signs alongside updated noticeboards to set new behavioural standards.

• Resident Engagement: Kept leaseholders and RTM directors informed with regular updates, building transparency and trust.

The Outcome

Within months, the estate began to visibly recover. Overgrown gardens were cleared and maintained, communal cleaning improved, and leaseholders could see their concerns being addressed. Cyclical redecorations were scheduled lawfully under Section 20, and plans for car park resurfacing and safety improvements were underway.

More importantly, leaseholders felt that their voices were being heard. Regular communication rebuilt trust and gave the RTM confidence that both legal obligations and practical estate needs were finally being met.

What If We Hadn’t Stepped In?

Without intervention, the estate would have remained in decline:

• Communal neglect worsening year-on-year

• Higher costs from emergency repairs and ad-hoc contractor callouts

• Growing leaseholder disputes over service charge fairness

• Reduced property values due to poor estate presentation

Ready to turn your block around?

We specialise in restoring neglected estates; from cyclical works to everyday standards, and rebuilding trust between leaseholders and management. 

Speak to us today about renewing your development.