Relations between housing associations and managing agents

Either way, housing associations are usually in the property for the long haul and at least consider themselves to be custodians of good practice and the best interests of residents.

Where housing associations have a freeholder above them in the lease hierarchy, they are often working with managing agents. This sometimes fraught relationship needs to be brought out into the open for a proper discussion to air the viewpoints of both sides.

Only by openly discussing issues and problems, developing partnerships can progress be made. All parties need to leave behind the lazy stereotypes that have shaped many of the relationships between associations and managing agents.

There is an overriding shared and joint interest in making sure that residents are happier with how their homes are managed.

Housing associations need to talk to managing agents with increasing honesty, confidence and professionalism. All parties have an interest in solving the genuinely difficult problems presented by large, high-density, mixed-tenure schemes.

The professional bodies have a key role to play in improving relationships. The IRPM already has many members who are in housing associations, while there are also ARMA events and training programmes that help to develop the cross sector informal networks that are so vital for improved understanding.

It would be good to see housing associations starting to attend the ARMA conference in significant numbers.

Moreover, housing associations and managing agents should meet to discuss openly the specifics of schemes, even if these are tough meetings.