CommonCouncil Blog
Running a better residential block
Practical, plain-English guides on leasehold, service charges, block management and keeping residents informed.
Block Management Software Alternatives Compared (2026)
Blocks Online, Blockman, MRI Software and INOX Living are built for agents and accountants. Here is how they compare — and the alternative for self-managed blocks.
Read articleAn INOX Living Alternative for Self-Managed Blocks
INOX Living is AI accounting and invoice software for managing agents. For a self-managed block, here is a communication-first alternative with no app to download.
6 July 2026 · 6 min readSoftwareAn MRI Software Alternative for Small UK Blocks
MRI Software is enterprise proptech for global portfolios. If you run a single UK block, here is why a lightweight alternative usually fits better.
5 July 2026 · 6 min readSoftwareA Blockman Alternative for Small Residential Blocks
Blockman is mature service charge accounting software for property managers. For a self-managed block that already has an accountant, here is a simpler alternative.
4 July 2026 · 6 min readSoftwareA Blocks Online Alternative for Self-Managed Blocks
Blocks Online is powerful accounting software built for managing agents. If you self-manage your block, here is a lighter, communication-first alternative.
3 July 2026 · 6 min readSoftwareLeasehold Block Management Platform: Built for UK Buildings, Not US HOAs
Most block management software is built for American homeowners associations. Here is what UK leasehold blocks actually need from a platform.
2 July 2026 · 6 min readSoftwareSelf-Managed Block Software: What You Need (and What You Can Skip)
Self-managing your block saves thousands a year. Here is the software stack that makes it work without enterprise complexity.
1 July 2026 · 6 min readSoftwareBlock Communication Software Compared: WhatsApp vs Email vs Dedicated Tools
Block managers compare communication options every year. Here is an honest side-by-side of what works, what fails, and when to upgrade.
30 June 2026 · 7 min readSoftwareDigital Block Management: A Guide for First-Time Block Managers
New to block management? Here is how to digitise communication, decisions and documents without overwhelming yourself or your residents.
29 June 2026 · 7 min readSoftwareAutomated Block Communication: Stop Retyping Contractor Emails
How block managers use automation and AI to turn inbound emails into resident updates — without losing control of what gets published.
28 June 2026 · 6 min readSoftwareBlock Management App That Works Without a Download
Why requiring residents to install an app kills adoption — and what browser-based block management looks like.
27 June 2026 · 5 min readSoftwareBlock Management Software for RMCs and RTM Companies
What resident management companies actually need from software — and why most enterprise tools are the wrong fit.
26 June 2026 · 7 min readSoftwareBest Block Management Software for UK Residential Blocks (2026)
A practical guide for block managers comparing software options — from free tools to enterprise platforms, and what actually matters for small blocks.
25 June 2026 · 8 min readSoftwareWhy CommonCouncil? How It Compares to WhatsApp, Email and Legacy Software
An honest comparison for block managers evaluating communication tools — what CommonCouncil does differently and who it is built for.
24 June 2026 · 8 min readSoftwareModern Block Management Solutions for UK Residential Blocks
Spreadsheets, WhatsApp and email chains are how most blocks muddle through. Here is what a modern block management solution looks like in 2026.
23 June 2026 · 7 min readSoftwareAI-Powered Block Management: What It Actually Means for Your Building
How AI helps block managers turn contractor emails into resident updates, cut admin time, and keep communication organised — without replacing human judgment.
22 June 2026 · 7 min readSoftwareReplace WhatsApp Groups for Your Residential Block
Why UK block directors are replacing WhatsApp groups with dedicated block management software — and how to switch without losing residents.
21 June 2026 · 6 min readBlock managementStill Using a Facebook Group for Your Block? Here Is a Better Option
Facebook groups for residential blocks feel convenient — until you need a proper record, a vote or a document library.
20 June 2026 · 6 min readBlock managementFree Block Management Software for UK Residential Blocks (2026)
What free tools exist for running a residential block — and what you actually need beyond spreadsheets and WhatsApp.
19 June 2026 · 7 min readBlock managementBlock WhatsApp Admin Burnout: How to Hand Over Without Losing Control
Being the block WhatsApp admin is a thankless job. Here is how to step back without the building falling apart.
18 June 2026 · 5 min readDecisionsWhy Block Votes Fail (And How to Fix Low Leaseholder Turnout)
You opened a vote and only four people responded. Here is why leaseholders ignore block decisions — and what actually improves turnout.
17 June 2026 · 6 min readDecisionsHow to Run Your RMC AGM Online (And Actually Get a Quorum)
Low turnout kills AGMs. Here is how to run a hybrid or fully online AGM that residents will actually participate in.
16 June 2026 · 7 min readBlock managementEmergency Block Communication: What to Do When Something Goes Wrong
Floods, fire alarms, power cuts and security incidents — how to communicate with every resident quickly and calmly.
15 June 2026 · 6 min readLeaseholdHow to Communicate the Service Charge Budget (Without Starting a Row)
Sharing the annual budget with leaseholders is a legal requirement and a trust exercise. Here is how to do it clearly.
14 June 2026 · 6 min readDecisionsHow to Record Block Decisions Properly (So They Hold Up Later)
Informal agreements in chat groups do not count. Here is how to document block decisions so they stand up to scrutiny.
13 June 2026 · 6 min readBlock managementGDPR and Block WhatsApp Groups: What Directors Need to Know
Phone numbers, message history and data retention — the GDPR basics every block WhatsApp admin should understand.
12 June 2026 · 7 min readBlock managementBlock Communication Plan: A Simple Template for RMC Directors
Who gets told what, when, and how — a one-page communication plan every residential block should have.
11 June 2026 · 6 min readBlock managementManaging Agent Not Responding? How Directors Can Keep Residents Informed
When your managing agent goes quiet, residents still expect answers. Here is how RMC directors can bridge the gap without taking on everything themselves.
10 June 2026 · 6 min readCommunityDealing 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.
9 June 2026 · 6 min readBlock managementWhy Your Block Needs Its Own Email Address (And How to Use It)
Give your block a dedicated inbound email so contractor updates, agent letters and insurance renewals become announcements — automatically.
9 June 2026 · 6 min readLeaseholdLeaseholder 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 managementHow to Run a Small Block (Under 30 Flats) Without a Managing Agent
Self-managing a small residential block is doable — if you have the right systems. A practical guide for blocks of 20–30 flats.
8 June 2026 · 8 min readDecisionsHow to Approve a Contractor Quote in Your Block (Step by Step)
From getting three quotes to recording the decision — a clear process for approving block works without endless email chains.
7 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 managementLift Breakdown? How to Communicate With Residents Fast (Without a Group Chat Meltdown)
When the lift stops working, residents need clear information immediately. Here is how to communicate breakdowns, repairs and timelines properly.
6 June 2026 · 5 min readBlock managementHow to Onboard New Flat Owners to Your Block in 24 Hours
New leaseholders should not have to piece together how the building works from scattered neighbours. Here is a smooth onboarding process.
5 June 2026 · 6 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 readDecisionsWhatsApp Polls vs Recorded Block Votes: Why the Difference Matters
A thumbs-up emoji is not a legal record. Here is why residential blocks need proper recorded votes — and how to run them in minutes.
4 June 2026 · 5 min readBlock managementHow to Set Up a Block Document Library (So Nothing Gets Lost Again)
Insurance certificates, AGM minutes, leases and contractor quotes — how to organise block documents so every resident can find them.
3 June 2026 · 6 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 readBlock managementRMC Director Responsibilities: A Practical Checklist for Volunteer Directors
What resident management company directors are actually responsible for — and the tools that stop volunteer block management becoming a second job.
2 June 2026 · 8 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 readBlock managementHow to Move Your Block Off WhatsApp (Without Upsetting Anyone)
A step-by-step plan for switching your residential block from a WhatsApp group to something calmer — without losing residents along the way.
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