Cost of Block Management Services
across the UK

# Block Management Services Accreditation

Block management services in the UK are subject to oversight by several key regulatory bodies and trade associations. The most significant is the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), which sets professional standards for surveying and property management; RICS members must comply with strict codes of conduct and professional development requirements. Additionally, the Association of Residential Managing Agents (ARMA) provides accreditation specifically for managing agents handling residential properties, emphasizing competence, client care, and financial probity. Some block managers may also hold Insurance Institute qualifications or belong to the Federation of Master Builders if they undertake maintenance work alongside management. Understanding these credentials matters because they signal that a provider operates within a regulated framework with enforceable standards, professional indemnity insurance, and complaint resolution procedures.

Verifying a provider's accreditation is straightforward and essential before appointing them. You can check RICS membership directly through the RICS website by searching their register of chartered surveyors and firms; similarly, ARMA maintains a publicly searchable directory of accredited managing agents. Request confirmation of membership status and ask to see their certificate or registration details. It's worth checking whether their accreditation is current, what specific disciplines they're qualified in, and whether complaints have been made against them—both RICS and ARMA have published disciplinary records. This verification matters because it protects you from unqualified operators, provides recourse if standards slip, and often indicates the provider carries professional indemnity insurance to cover negligence or mismanagement of funds.

Accredited block managers typically charge 10 to 20 percent more than unaccredited alternatives, reflecting higher operating costs such as professional insurance, ongoing training, and compliance administration. While this premium might seem significant, it generally represents good value because accredited providers are bound by strict financial handling rules