Property Management Notting Hill Archives | Blue Crystal Property Management

Landlord Maintenance Tips

A rental property that is not well maintained can create a significant decrease in your property value. A clean, attractive and well-maintained property will attract potential tenants or keep existing tenants happy. The best way to ensure high-quality tenants, who rent long term and look after your property is to maintain it well. Please see below tips for rental property maintenance.

How to be an Effective Landlord

A practical guide to managing your rental property with confidence, compliance, and care Article Summary Understanding how to be an effective landlord goes beyond collecting rent. It involves meeting legal requirements, maintaining your rental property, communicating clearly, and treating tenants with respect. This guide walks you through how to be an effective landlord; the key […]

Highly Commended Managing Agent of the year 2025

Blue Crystal Property Management has been highly commended as Managing Agent of the year (under 1000 units) 2025 at the ARMA ACE awards

Choosing the right Block Management in London

Are You Getting the Right Support for Your Block? Article Summary Managing a residential block in London takes more than arranging cleaners and repairs. From fire safety to financial reporting, effective block management ensures your building remains compliant, efficient, and safe for residents. Why Block Management Matters in London Managing a block of flats in […]

Outstanding Customer Service Award (Company)

We are proud to announce, The Property Institute ACE Awards shortlisted Blue Crystal for Outstanding Customer Service Award (Company). The 2025 ACE Awards recognises excellence and exceptional achievements by UK managing agents, their suppliers and the work of their people in improving the lives of millions of leaseholders. Being shortlisted for ACE awards means a considerable amount to us as it reflects our commitment to our clients and customers, our primary driver at Blue Crystal.

Managing Agent of the year 2025 (under 1000 units) category

We are proud to announce, The Property Institute ACE Awards shortlisted Blue Crystal for Managing Agent of the year 2025 (under 1000 units) The 2024 ACE Awards recognises excellence and exceptional achievements by UK managing agents, their suppliers and the work of their people in improving the lives of millions of leaseholders. Being shortlisted for ACE awards means a considerable amount to us as it reflects our commitment to our clients and customers, our primary driver at Blue Crystal.

Blue Crystal is finalist for West London Chambers Business Awards

Blue Crystal is a finalist in the West London Chambers Business Awards 2024. West London Chamber of Commerce celebrates wonderful businesses within the West London community.

Blue Crystal is finalists for the Enterprise Vision Awards

Blue Crystal property management has been shortlisted for the Enterprise Vision Awards, EVAs is the largest business awards dedicated solely to women. At their core, we’re all about championing the women who are shaping the future of entrepreneurship and are beacons of inspiration for the next generation of entrepreneurs. These awards distinguish women who are a driving force for change, women who are building businesses, creating a positive impact and making a real difference in our communities. Success isn’t simply based on turnover – it’s about impact, growth, creativity, ethics, passion, and unwavering commitment, all embodied by the incredible women behind these businesses.

Blue Crystal Property Management has been nominated for the Enterprise Vision Awards

We are deligted to announce Blue Crystal has been nominated for the Enterprise Vision Awards 2024. The EVAS are the UK’s premier business awards dedicated solely to women and this year the awards will be celebrating its 13th anniversary. The awards recognise the successes and achievements of women in business and this is a wonderful opportunity to shine the spotlight on you and your business.

Blue Crystal Property Management has been shortlisted for TPI ACE Awards

We are delighted to inform you that Blue Crystal Property Management has been shortlisted as finalists for the 2024 ACE Awards in the following category: ‘Managing Agent of the Year (Under 500 Units)

What are common tenant complaints

Being a landlord is another job, however attentive you may be, you may not be able to stay on top of it. As a landlord you must ensure you deal with tenant complaints in the right manner. Dealing with tenants’ concerns will help you establish your reputation as a person who cares about the well-being and safety of their tenants. What are most common tenant complaints Lack of repairs and/or maintenance Complaints about maintenance or necessary repairs is very common with rental properties and sometimes there isn’t an easy fix. You must ensure at the start of a tenancy that both parties are aware of their responsibilities. For example; damp issues, mould, issues with electrics, plumbing and safety aspects such as locks on windows and doors, light bulb changing or how to deal with the fire alarm system. Perhaps you can prepare a house guide for your tenant. If a repair has been reported to you by your tenant, it is always good practice to let them know you are aware of their issue and you are working to find a solution as quickly as possible.

How to maximise your rental income

The goal of owning a rental property is to make money. It is important to to know what to do and what not to do to make your rental business successful. Being a landlord means paying for gas and electrical safety certificates, fitting smoke detectors, maintaining the property to a high standard to perhaps paying bigger tax bills. Part of being a successful landlord is always focusing on maximising your rental potential. This can be a tricky balance to achieve with so many legal obligations to meet.

We are awarded as the Best Property Management Company in London and South East by Prestige Awards

It gives us great pleasure and pride to receive Best Residential Property Management Company (London & South East) title in the Corporate Livewire Prestige 2023 UK Enterprise Awards. These awards recognise small and medium-sized businesses that have proven to be the best in their market. Each entry is carefully assessed over a range of criteria, from service excellence to marketing and branding. We are thrilled to accept the winning award and wish to convey our heartfelt thanks to the awards judges, and also to our colleagues and customers for their continued support.

How to deal with an antisocial tenant?

Problem tenants are difficult to deal with for landlords; despite the government introducing an exception to the additional protections, a fast-track process for repossession cases featuring antisocial behaviour, the process is still likely to be long and arduous. Landlords faced with anti-social behaviour need to build-up a record of incidents which affect neighbours and other tenants. Keeping a diary of events, getting hold of witness statements from those affected, plus police reports of criminal activity and police call-outs is that all-important evidence to support such an application to the courts and this takes time.

What are deed of covenants

Freehold properties on managed estates must sell with entering into a deed of covenant that is generally required under the terms of the transfer governing the use of the property and payment of estate or service charges. The consequence of the above to a property management company can mean that they are unable to recover estate management charges from the new owners that would be payable under the terms of the Transfer. Positive and Negative covenants This is similar to residential long leases. Transfer deed that governs freehold properties contain a number of covenants, both positive and negative, that the owner of the property have to abide by. As the names suggest, a positive covenant places an obligation on the owner to do something, such as paying an estate maintenance charge, where as a negative covenant, requires the owner to refrain from undertaking an action such as not to use the property for a specified purpose.

How to reduce tax?

As the regulations and tax are constantly increasing many of the UK property owners are choosing to sell their properties in the recent years. Many landlords are missing out on money as they are not taking advantage of tax reliefs or property strategies to maximise their return. Your accountant can work out your tax strategies and execute a tax plan, making it easy for you. A series of tax and regulation changes mean more buy-to-lets are being sold than bought. Getting rid of a rental property may cause a lot of tax issues, with many complicated rules that can cost you profits. When a landlord sells he/she gets charged capital gains tax on any money they have made on their property, but there are legal ways to reduce your tax.