CommonCouncil Blog
Running a better residential block
Practical, plain-English guides on leasehold, service charges, block management and keeping residents informed.
Dealing With Noise Complaints in a Block of Flats
Noise is the number one cause of neighbour disputes in flats. Here is how to handle complaints fairly and keep the peace.
Read articleLeaseholder vs Freeholder: Who Is Responsible for What?
A clear breakdown of the responsibilities of leaseholders and freeholders in a UK residential block, and where the lines blur.
8 June 2026 · 7 min readBlock managementThe Residential Block AGM Checklist
Running an Annual General Meeting for your block? Use this checklist to prepare, run and record a productive AGM.
6 June 2026 · 7 min readBlock managementTurn Contractor Emails Into Resident Updates Automatically
Stop copy-pasting contractor and managing agent emails into the group chat. Here is a faster way to keep residents informed.
4 June 2026 · 5 min readResident communicationHow to Reduce Noise in Your Block's Group Chat
Notification fatigue is real. Here is how to cut the noise in your residential block's communication without missing what matters.
2 June 2026 · 5 min readLeaseholdBuying Your First Leasehold Flat: Questions to Ask
Before you buy a leasehold flat, ask these questions about the block, the service charge and how it is run.
1 June 2026 · 7 min readResident communicationHow to Welcome a New Resident to Your Block
A good welcome makes a building feel like a community. Here is what to include in a new resident welcome pack and how to share it.
30 May 2026 · 5 min readBlock managementFire Safety Communication in Residential Blocks
Fire safety in flats is too important to leave in a group chat. Here is how to communicate it clearly and keep the right records.
28 May 2026 · 7 min readLeaseholdBuildings Insurance for Leasehold Flats: What You Need to Know
Who arranges buildings insurance for a leasehold flat, what it covers, and why every resident should be able to find the policy.
27 May 2026 · 6 min readBlock managementKeeping Communal Areas Maintained: A Practical Guide
Clean, safe communal areas make a block a nicer place to live and protect its value. Here is how to stay on top of maintenance.
25 May 2026 · 6 min readResident communicationWhy Every Block Needs an Online Noticeboard
The communal noticeboard has gone digital. Here is why an online noticeboard beats the cork board in the lobby and the group chat.
23 May 2026 · 5 min readBlock managementSelf-Managing Your Block Without a Managing Agent
Thinking of ditching the managing agent? Here is what self-management really involves and how to stay organised doing it.
20 May 2026 · 7 min readLeaseholdGround Rent and the Law: What Leaseholders Should Know
Recent reforms have changed the ground rent landscape for leaseholders. Here is a plain-English summary of where things stand.
18 May 2026 · 6 min readLeaseholdRight to Manage and RMCs: Taking Control of Your Block
What Right to Manage means, how a Resident Management Company works, and the communication tools you need to run a block yourselves.
16 May 2026 · 8 min readLeaseholdSection 20 Consultations: What Leaseholders and Directors Need to Know
A practical guide to the Section 20 consultation process for major works in residential blocks, and how to run it without chaos.
13 May 2026 · 7 min readBlock managementAvoiding Burnout as a Volunteer Block Director
Running a block on top of a full-time job is exhausting. Here is how volunteer directors can share the load and avoid burnout.
11 May 2026 · 6 min readLeaseholdService Charges Explained: A Plain-English Guide for Leaseholders
What a service charge actually covers, how it is calculated, and what rights you have as a leaseholder in England and Wales.
9 May 2026 · 8 min readDecisionsHow to Run a Fair Block Vote (and Keep a Record)
From repainting the hallway to approving major works, here is how to run a clear, fair vote in your residential block and keep a permanent record.
6 May 2026 · 6 min readLeaseholdReserve Funds and Sinking Funds: A Guide for Blocks
What a reserve or sinking fund is, why your block needs one, and how to manage it transparently.
4 May 2026 · 6 min readBlock managementThe Best WhatsApp Alternative for a Residential Block in 2026
WhatsApp groups are great for chat but terrible for running a building. Here are the calmer alternatives UK residential blocks are switching to.
2 May 2026 · 7 min read