Property tips, regulation news, and a look at what’s happening behind the scenes
Welcome to the September Newsletter
As we move further into autumn, the days get shorter but our work behind the scenes continues to brighten your community. This month’s edition brings you essential updates on property licensing regulations, practical tips for the colder months, and an important reminder on safety in communal areas.
In line with the Building Safety Act, we’re starting work on a Resident Engagement Strategy for some of our larger developments, a step that will help us enhance transparency, communication, and resident involvement across all our buildings.
Property Management Tip of the Month: Stay Ahead – Preventing Condensation & Damp
As temperatures drop, condensation can quickly become a problem — especially in well-insulated homes. To help prevent damp and mould:
- Ventilate regularly: Open windows for 10–15 minutes daily, even in cold weather.
- Use extractor fans: Always use fans in bathrooms and kitchens when cooking or showering.
- Drying clothes indoors: Where possible, use a drying rack and ensure the room is well ventilated, (dehumidifiers are good to use in flats for moisture control.
- Check trickle vents: Keep window vents open to allow airflow.
Taking small steps now helps maintain air quality, prevents damage to walls and paintwork, and keeps your property healthy through winter.
Legal Watch: Property Licensing – Do You Need One?
If you’re a landlord, you may need a property license depending on your local council’s requirements. Licensing is essential because it ensures rental properties meet important safety and management standards, protecting tenants and reducing risks for landlords.
Why it matters:
- Licensing confirms that fire, electrical, and gas safety checks are in place.
- It ensures landlords manage properties responsibly.
- Unlicensed properties can lead to fines or rent repayment orders.
If you’re unsure whether your property needs a license, you can check directly with your local council’s housing department or use the official GOV.UK tool:
Check if you need a private rented property licence
Staying compliant protects both you and your residents and keeps standards high across all Habitare-managed homes.
What we’re working on: The Resident Engagement Strategy – Strengthening Communication Across All Our Buildings
Under the Building Safety Act, higher-risk buildings are required to have a Resident Engagement Strategy, a framework that ensures residents are kept informed, consulted, and involved in key safety matters affecting their homes.
At Habitare, we believe good communication shouldn’t just apply to a handful of buildings, so we’re adopting this approach as best practice across our entire portfolio.
Over the coming weeks, we’ll be writing to all residents to confirm that your contact details are up to date. This ensures you receive important safety notices, updates, and opportunities to share feedback.
Our goal is to make communication more open, responsive, and consistent, helping you stay informed and confident about how your building is being managed.
Together, we can create safer, better-connected communities.
“Great company – have been managing my property for years. They are absolutely on point with responding to issues and have great personal service. By far the best management company I have used. Highly recommend” – Tim – 10th October 2025
Updates & Offers: A Win-Win – Earn Up to £1000 with Habitare’s Referral Scheme
Do you know someone who could benefit from Habitare’s professional block management services?
Refer them to us, and if your introduction leads to a new management contract, you could earn up to £1000.
Recently, one resident referred a neighbouring building, which has since joined the Habitare family – and they received their full referral reward!
If you’d like to make a referral, simply email support@habitare.uk with your contact and the referred party’s details.
RESIDENT QUESTIONNAIRES COMING SOON – WE’D LOVE YOUR FEEDBACK
Over the next few weeks, we’ll be sending out resident questionnaires across our developments. These surveys are an important part of our ongoing commitment to improving how we manage your buildings and communicate with you.
Your feedback helps shape everything from how maintenance is prioritised, to the type of information we share in newsletters, and even the way we deliver customer support.
We’d love to hear your thoughts, whether it’s what’s working well or where you think we can do better. The more feedback we receive, the better we can tailor our services to meet your needs.
Look out for your questionnaire by email soon, and please take a few minutes to share your views.
Every response really does make a difference.
Habitare Learning Hub – Helpful Reads this Month
Our Learning Hub is designed to make property management clearer and more accessible for everyone, from understanding building safety to knowing your rights and responsibilities as a leaseholder.
What resources or guides would you find most useful online?
Whether it’s short explainer videos, downloadable checklists, FAQs about property management, or real examples of how safety legislation affects your block, your suggestions will help shape future content.
You can share your ideas by emailing support@habitare.uk or messaging us on WhatsApp at 01245 330 291.
Ask Habitare: Building Insurance Explained
Q: How often are the emergency light tests carried out?
Emergency lighting in communal areas is tested weekly or monthly, depending on the size and type of the building. These checks are logged and form part of your building’s compliance records under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2004.
In addition to these regular checks, a 6-month and 12-month “drain down” test is also carried out to ensure that emergency lights remain illuminated for the full duration required during a power failure. These extended tests confirm the reliability and condition of the battery back-up systems.
If you ever notice a light not working, please report it immediately so we can arrange an inspection or repair.
Q: What should I do if my neighbour’s noise is disturbing me?
We understand that noise can be frustrating. The best first step is always to speak to your neighbour politely, as they may not realise how far sound travels.
If you ever notice a light not working, please report it immediately so we can arrange an inspection or repair.
Q: How do I update my contact details or emergency information?
We’ll soon be writing to all residents as part of our Resident Engagement Strategy to confirm your contact details are up to date. You can also update them anytime by emailing support@habitare.uk.
Having accurate information means we can reach you quickly in an emergency or to share important updates about your building.
Got a question? Email us at support@habitare.uk and we may feature it in next month’s newsletter.
Seasonal Tip: HEATING SYSTEM HEALTH CHECK
Before the winter chill sets in, take a moment to ensure your heating system is working efficiently:
- Test your radiators: Turn them on early to check for cold spots — they may need bleeding.
- Set timers: Use thermostats and timers to reduce energy waste.
- Report communal issues: If shared heating systems aren’t working properly, please let us know immediately.
A well-maintained system keeps everyone warm, reduces costs, and helps prevent avoidable breakdowns during the coldest months.
Maintenance Focus: GUTTER, ROOF & DRAINAGE CHECKS – PREVENTING WINTER WATER DAMAGE
As wetter weather arrives, we’re focusing on preventing leaks and damp before winter sets in. Our maintenance teams are clearing gutters, checking roofs and balconies for pooling water, and scheduling preventative repairs where needed.
Here’s what’s happening this month:
Our maintenance teams are inspecting gutters, roofs, and downpipes across blocks to clear leaves and debris.
We’re checking flat roofs and balconies for pooling water or damaged sealant.
Where necessary, we’re scheduling preventative repairs to stop leaks before they start.
How you can help:
If you notice overflowing gutters, damp patches, or blocked drains, please report them via WhatsApp or email so we can act quickly. Avoid sweeping leaves into drains – it can cause flooding during heavy rain.
Taking these small steps now helps protect your building, reduce long-term costs, and keep everyone warm and dry this winter.
FIREWORKS SAFETY – KEEP IT OFF THE BALCONIES
As Bonfire Night approaches, please remember that fireworks are strictly prohibited on balconies, in communal gardens, car parks, or estate areas.
Using fireworks or sparklers in shared spaces poses serious fire and injury risks.
Let’s keep everyone safe and ensure our buildings remain compliant with fire regulations.
THANK YOU FOR BEING PART OF THE HABITARE COMMUNITY
We’d like to thank all residents, leaseholders, and directors for your continued support and cooperation. Every report you make, every bit of feedback you share, and every small action you take helps us manage your building more effectively and keep everyone safe.
Your engagement, from sharing ideas to updating contact details, plays a key role in how we improve our services and build stronger, safer communities.
As always, we welcome your thoughts on what you’d like to see in future newsletters. You can reach us anytime at: support@habitare.uk or WhatsApp at 01245 330 291.
Together, we’re creating places people are proud to call home.
See you next month with more tips, updates and news from Habitare.