Riyaz

Mar 23, 2024

Experts in Revenue Generation, Masters of Monetisation and Champions of Charging, Novices in Service Delivery and Section 20 Compliance

If you're seeking a property management company that has elevated revenue generation to an art form while treating actual service delivery and legal compliance as optional extras, Premier Block Management Ltd (PBM) is the answer to your prayers. I'd give them a zero-star rating if I could due to their appalling service, poor communication, slow response times, incomplete work, and extortionate costs, but I must acknowledge their relentless dedication to invoicing and their keen eye for money-making opportunities. Let's talk about PBM's failure to follow Section 20 protocols, a legal requirement designed to protect leaseholders from unnecessary costs and ensure transparency in major works. While they may not constantly disregard this obligation, even a single instance of non-compliance is a serious matter. It raises questions about their commitment to legal obligations and their respect for leaseholders' rights. If they can't be trusted to consistently follow such a crucial piece of legislation, how can we have faith in their ability to manage our properties effectively? PBM's greatest strength lies in their MD's unwavering commitment to personally promptly responding to negative reviews on Trustpilot and Google. PBM's mastery of health and safety legislation is truly remarkable, but only when it suits their agenda. They're always the first to jump on any new fire safety regulations, swiftly updating their newsletter and equipping their staff with the knowledge to check your fire doors. But don't expect the same level of zeal when it comes to addressing your concerns or completing repairs. That kind of efficiency is reserved for tasks that directly impact their bottom line. However, PBM's knowledge seems to falter when it comes to the New Building Safety Act 2022. They appear oblivious to the fact that certain items should be billed to the freeholder under this legislation. It's almost as if their expertise in building safety regulations is limited to matters that can generate income for them. Brace yourself for PBM's lightning-fast implementation of parking control services through Flashpark. They'll have those warning signs up and instructions on reporting parking violations circulated faster than you can say "revenue stream." It's almost impressive how quickly they can mobilise when there's money to be made. Speaking of money, let's talk about the electricity wastage that PBM seems content to ignore. Despite the expensive PIR sensors installed to improve energy efficiency, lights remain on 24/7, driving up costs for leaseholders. But don't worry, when new legislation on energy waste comes into play, PBM will undoubtedly be the first to fill their newsletter with advice on PIR sensors and the importance of switching off lights. The irony is palpable. Getting hold of PBM is like playing a game of cat and mouse. Their property managers are always "in meetings" or "unavailable," leaving you to chase them relentlessly for even the simplest of queries. And when you finally manage to get through, brace yourself for a marathon of excuses and deflections. If you're lucky enough to have work done on your property, prepare to be underwhelmed. PBM's contractors seem to have a knack for faulty, shoddy, and unfinished workmanship. But don't expect a swift resolution - you'll be chasing PBM for months to get the job done properly, if at all. Perhaps the high staff turnover at PBM should come as no surprise. One can only imagine the frustration of working for a company that prioritises revenue over service and legal compliance. Rumour has it that some of their employees are desperately seeking an exit, but with a three-month notice period, they're trapped in a purgatory of their own making. If you value your time, money, and sanity, I strongly advise against entrusting your property to PBM. The leasehold system desperately needs reform to protect leaseholders from companies that prioritise profit over service and fail to consistently adhere to legal requirements like Section 20. In the meantime, consider yourself warned: PBM's true expertise lies in generating revenue, not providing the quality management or legal compliance that leaseholders deserve. I'll be preparing a formal complaint with supporting information to be sent to the Coo some time in April, to see if there's any way to resolve the issues relating to pending items, unreasonable charges, un-justified charges, particularly their failure to follow Section 20 protocols. But I'm not holding my breath. Choose your property management wisely, fellow leaseholders - your wellbeing (and wallet) may depend on it.