Seasonal reminders, safety guidance & important festive updates from your Habitare team.
Welcome to the December Newsletter
As a professional UK block management and property management company, Habitare provides regular updates and guidance to support residents, directors, and leaseholders living in managed buildings.
This December update focuses on building safety, seasonal property care, regulatory compliance, and important Christmas period information, helping ensure residential blocks remain safe, compliant, and well managed over the festive season.
Festive & Winter Readiness – Small Actions That Make a Big Difference
Winter brings increased risks for residential buildings, from frozen pipes to higher electrical loads and reduced occupancy. As experienced managing agents, we recommend the following winter readiness steps for leaseholders and residents:
- Maintain low background heating when flats are unoccupied
- Secure windows and doors before travelling
- Avoid overloading electrical sockets with festive lighting
- Report leaks, heating failures, or communal defects promptly
Early reporting helps managing agents address issues before they escalate into costly damage affecting the wider building.
Legal Watch: Building Safety Act Update – Resident Contact Verification
Under the Building Safety Act, managing agents are required to hold accurate and up-to-date contact details for all residents.
Habitare periodically verifies resident contact information to ensure:
- Urgent safety notices can be issued quickly
- Fire safety updates reach all occupants
- Buildings remain compliant with current regulations
Residents may receive a WhatsApp or email request to confirm their details. If details have already been verified, no further action is required. This process forms part of our ongoing commitment to building safety and regulatory compliance.
What we’re working on: Supporting Resident Directors & Good Governance
Strong governance is essential for well-run residential buildings, particularly for RTM companies, RMCs, and resident-led blocks.
In January 2026, Habitare will launch a Resident Director Induction Programme, providing structured learning on:
- Director responsibilities
- Building governance in today’s regulatory environment
- Effective decision-making and compliance
The course will be CPD-accredited, supporting directors in understanding their role and responsibilities within modern block management. both safety compliance and smooth day-to-day communication.
“I spoke to Louise today about my 3 Service Charge Accounts. She explained everything in an easy to understand way. The service was excellent indeed.” – John, Resident Review – December 2025
Christmas & New Year Property Management Opening Hours
To support residents during the festive period, our office opening hours are as follows:
- 24 December – Open until 12:00pm
- 25 December to 3 January – Closed
- 5 January – Re-open at 9:00am
Emergency cover remains in place throughout the closure period.
What Counts as a Property Emergency?
Emergencies are issues presenting immediate risk to people or property, including:
- Serious water leaks
- Total loss of electricity
- Fire or structural safety concerns
Routine repairs and non-urgent enquiries should be reported when the office reopens.ptured so you don’t have to repeat yourself.
Digital Support & WhatsApp Property Management Assistance
Habitare uses AI-assisted WhatsApp support to help residents report issues, ask questions, and reach the correct team efficiently.
These tools:
- Improve response times for common enquiries
- Capture information clearly for repairs and safety issues
- Support, not replace, your dedicated property manager
Digital systems help managing agents prioritise urgent matters while maintaining personal service.
Refer a Block – Earn Up to £1,000
Habitare operates a block management referral scheme, offering up to £1,000 for successful introductions to new residential buildings seeking professional managing agents.
Contact Habitare
For support anytime:
support@habitare.uk | WhatsApp 01245 330 291 (text ‘Hi’)
Leasehold Guidance & Resident Resources
Our Habitare Learning Hub is being refreshed to provide clearer, more accessible guidance on:
- Leasehold responsibilities
- Block management processes
- Reporting repairs effectively
- Understanding service charges and decisions
This resource supports residents and directors navigating an increasingly complex leasehold landscape.
Have a topic you want covered next? Email support@habitare.uk or messaging us on WhatsApp at 01245 330 291.
Ask Habitare: Your Questions Answered
Q: What is classed as an emergency during the Christmas closure?
An emergency is something that presents an immediate risk to people or property, such as:
- Serious water leaks
- Total loss of electricity
- Fire or structural safety concerns
Routine repairs, minor defects, or general queries can be reported but will only be processed once the office reopens.
Q: What about noise from Christmas parties?
We appreciate that December is a social time, but please be considerate of neighbours, particularly late at night. Persistent noise issues may need to be referred to the local council’s Environmental Health team.
Got a question? Email us at support@habitare.uk and we may feature it in next month’s newsletter.
Communal Safety & Fire Risk Reminders
During December, increased deliveries and visitors can create safety risks in communal areas. Residents are reminded to ensure:
- Corridors and stairwells remain clear
- Fire doors are not propped open
- Bikes, prams, and boxes are not stored in shared spaces
Clear escape routes are essential for fire and building safety compliance.
Refuse, Recycling & Festive Waste Management
Local authority refuse and recycling schedules often change over the Christmas period. To keep communal areas safe and hygienic:
- Follow revised council collection dates
- Break down cardboard packaging
- Avoid leaving waste outside bin stores
Christmas Trees & Decorations – Safe Disposal
To reduce fire risk and maintain safe communal areas:
- Do not leave trees or decorations in corridors or bin stores
- Check council recycling dates for Christmas trees
- Dispose of artificial trees via bulky waste services
Professional Block Management You Can Rely On
Habitare provides transparent, compliant, and resident-focused block management services across the UK. Our updates reflect our commitment to safety, clarity, and well-run residential buildings.
If you’re considering changing managing agents or would like to learn more about professional block management, we’d be happy to help.