Riverbourne Court, Sittingbourne
Riverbourne Court Right to Manage Company
Riverbourne Court, located in Sittingbourne, Kent is a private leasehold retirement scheme with 64 apartments. Just over a year ago, the residents, unhappy with how their building was being managed, decided to set up a Right to Manage Company (RTMC) to address the problem.
Time for change
After having read an article about how a Right to Manage Federation (RTMF) had assisted a local scheme in gaining control of their building from the freeholder, one of the residents at Riverbourne Court decided to find out how the RTMF could assist them.
Based on this advice, the residents collectively decided to work with the RTMF to form their own RTMC and appoint a management company. From the three companies shortlisted, Grange demonstrated the highest quality of service, management style and level of communication and won the business.
Improving services
From the outset, Grange crafted services around the needs of the residents; from renewing contracts with service providers the residents wanted to keep, to presenting them with a choice of contractors for services on which they’d not previously been consulted. Grange also interviewed and appointed a resident scheme manager, who is popular with the residents and encourages them to socialise in the communal areas, engendering a greater sense of community and belonging.
Saving money
As well as cost savings stemming from adjustments to insurance premiums and alarm monitoring, Grange was also able to secure a large pay-out from a utility company following previously inaccurate meter readings and VAT rate. Not only did this result in a refund to residents, but it also enabled budgets for other essential services to be reviewed to the benefit of residents.
Here are some of the services we provide to the residents at Riverbourne Court:
- Ongoing communication with residents and the RTMC
- Scheme management, including site inspections and holding residents’ meetings
- Placing the grounds maintenance and housekeeping contracts
- Arranging Insurance
- Paying scheme utility bills
- Arranging reactive repairs
- Managing long-term reserve funds for major capital replacement or repairs
- Managing the bank account, collecting service charges, dealing with debtors and presenting end of year accounts
"We would certainly
recommend Grange to other
residents' committees and
management schemes. In fact, since
Grange have taken over the
management of the building, other
schemes have approached us to talk
about the RTM process and using
Grange.
With right to manage in place we are
far more in control, we feel safe and
secure financially and are reassured
that there are no nasty surprises
using Grange. There is a much more
consultative approach now and the
Regional Manager is available when
we have the need to discuss issues
with her. We are confident we are
being looked after well and have open
communication with our excellent
Scheme Manager, which means that
our input is taken seriously by Grange.
We have just had our first year end
accounts back and we are delighted
with the preparation of them, so
clear and informative with all the
information we require, these are the
best we have ever had."
