The property management sector is at a defining crossroads. As we navigate the evolving legislative landscape, we are seeing a powerful shift; one that brings the resident voice to the forefront of property ownership and stewardship.
At The FirstPort Group, we support over 1,700 Resident Management Companies (RMCs) nationwide and it is increasingly clear that today’s residents are quite rightly seeking not only greater control over their homes but also demanding reassurance that safety, transparency and service standards are non-negotiable.
The growing appetite for homeowners to collectively take ownership of their developments is a sign of deeper engagement, providing them with long-term security and influence over how their developments are managed.
The process, however, is not without its complexities. From understanding valuations to navigating statutory frameworks, the process requires careful guidance. That’s where managing agents like FirstPort play a crucial role, not just as service providers but as trusted advisors who support RMCs to build confidence, develop capabilities and create real value for their communities.
It is our job to work in partnership with RMCs to help them meet their developments’ objectives whilst complying with UK law.
For leaseholders, the Right to Manage (RTM) model offers an alternative route to resident-led management. We’ve seen a steady increase in RTM companies determined to shape their own service standards and establish greater autonomy.
But empowerment without support can be a double-edged sword. New Directors can often find themselves grappling with legal responsibilities, contractor management and the realities of rising resident expectations. Our role as managing agents is to demystify these responsibilities, offering governance tools, risk management guidance and long-term planning expertise to ensure their development thrives sustainably.
Few events have catalysed change in our industry like the tragedy of Grenfell. The introduction of the Building Safety Act and the responsibilities placed on Accountable Persons, RMC and RTMs in higher-risk buildings have transformed the operating landscape. The challenge is twofold, ensuring compliance while maintaining trust with fellow residents. This is no small task. From preparing Building Safety Cases and registering properties with the Building Safety Regulator, to transparently communicating risk and remediation work progress, Directors need robust professional support.
At FirstPort, we are continually investing in our building safety capability. We work alongside experienced building safety specialists to support RMCs to meet legal duties, helping them to ensure compliance without compromising the resident experience.
The developments we are seeing across the sector reflect a broader cultural shift. Residents are no longer passive recipients of property management; they are active stakeholders. As a sector, we must embrace this shift with a renewed commitment to partnership and collaboration.
Managing agents, developers, regulators and residents need to align not just around statutory compliance but around shared values; safety, service quality and respect for the resident voice.
At FirstPort, our vision for RMC Services is built on exactly that. We are not just managing homes, we are building trusted partnerships with Resident Directors – helping them shape the future of their communities. To learn more about our work with Resident Directors, click here.
Note: this article was originally published in News on the Block.
