Managing agents are being urged to carry out a series of practical checks ahead of Christmas to reduce safety risks and avoid costly insurance issues in the new year.
LRPM London, the block management firm, says the festive period creates a perfect storm of extended absences if buildings are not properly managed.
The firm has highlighted five priority areas for managing agents to address before the holiday period.
Electrical safety is a key concern, with Christmas tree and decorative lights posing a heightened fire risk when left running in unattended properties.
LIGHTS OUT
LRPM advises residents to switch off all festive lighting when away and for managing agents to reinforce fire safety guidance in December.
Insurance compliance during void periods is another common issue. Many building insurance policies restrict how long a property can be left unoccupied, typically between seven and thirty days.
Residents planning extended trips are being advised to check policy terms in advance to avoid rejected claims if issues such as burst pipes occur while they are away.
Waste management also comes into focus over Christmas. Boxing Day usually generates the highest waste volumes of the year, while collection schedules are often reduced.
Overflowing bins increase fire and arson risk, particularly where packaging waste accumulates, and residents may ultimately bear the cost of clearing non-collectable waste through higher service charges.
STOCK GRIT BINS
LRPM is also reminding managing agents of the need to ensure grit bins are fully stocked ahead of winter weather, particularly when maintenance cover may be reduced over the holiday period. Slips and falls on icy surfaces remain a common source of liability claims.
Finally, the firm says December is a critical month for managing agents to begin discussions around proposed 2026 service charge budgets, helping residents and building committees prepare financially for the year ahead.
The guidance comes as LRPM continues to expand its London portfolio, having recently opened a new office in Camden and extended its Right to Manage services across the capital and East Anglia.
SEASONAL CHALLENGES
Letitia Randell (main picture), Chief Executive of LRPM London, says: “December represents a unique set of challenges for block management.
“We see the same issues year after year – residents unaware their insurance won’t cover them if they’re away for extended periods, fire risks from Christmas decorations left unattended, and waste management systems overwhelmed by Boxing Day rubbish. Good managing agents should be addressing these issues proactively with residents now.”
She adds: “These aren’t complex issues, but they require proactive management rather than reactive crisis handling.
“The difference between a good managing agent and an inadequate one often comes down to whether they’re thinking ahead about predictable seasonal challenges.”
