The second part of the survey asked members to recall the main reason why they joined FPRA in the first place. Members stated they primarily joined the FPRA for information on latest legislation, support and advice – with more than half (55 per cent) of all respondents citing information and support as their primary motivation for joining. The second most common reason for joining was for information on legislation, with just under a quarter (22 per cent) citing it as their main reason to join.

Respondents where then asked to consider what they regard to be the principal benefit(s) of FPRA membership (all percentage figures quoted relate to the number of people giving a maximum score of five for benefit value). Among the most mentioned assets of FPRA membership were access to the quarterly newsletter (45 per cent), a point of contact to ask questions (53 per cent) and being able to attend the annual general meeting (47 per cent).

Code of Practice

Further on in the survey member were asked if they had any suggestions as to how the FPRA could improve both its newsletter and website. Although the vast majority of members said they found the newsletter to be very informative and said changes were not needed, some of the suggestions included that it should comment on LVT tribunal decisions and include more case histories and real life stories. In terms of improvement to the website some of the suggestions included the introduction of a clear Top 100 FAQ section, a searchable directory and to allow members to view the forum without logging in.

A major issue within the FPRA is whether it should charge for answering postal queries as it is the most time consuming and therefore most costly activity it undertakes. Only one in three (31 per cent) said they felt the FPRA should charge for the service, while 46 per cent said it shouldn’t and a further 1.5 per cent were unsure. 21 per cent of member chose not to answer the question. The feeling was even stronger among members when it came to charging for answering email queries, with 54 per cent saying they felt it would be wrong to charge for that particular service.

In terms of moving forward as an association, members were asked how best the FPRA can appeal to those who are currently not members. The highest response given to this question was for the FPRA to raise its profile by advertisement via solicitors, estate agents, in libraries, and insurance companies, as well as in editorials in national press and housing sections of property papers. The three top answers were advertising, publicity and raising its profile.

Building Regulations Act

The questionnaire also revealed that the majority of members’ blocks are less than 50 years old, with 37 per cent being built between 1965 and 1984, while one in five were built after 1985. A fifth (20 per cent) of blocks were built before 1919. Worryingly, only 20 per cent of respondents said they know for a fact their building complies with the 1991 Building Regulations Act, while 7 per cent said their building is not in compliance with the act. A total of 36 per cent said they were unsure, while 37 per cent declined to answer the question.

The overall consensus among respondents was that their building is in good condition (69 per cent), while two-thirds (66 per cent) said their block is self-managed. One in three said the well being of their building is in the hands of a managing agent.

The final question asked members to recall the most common problem they have within their block. Nearly 15 per cent did not answer the question or replied that they had no problems with their blocks, although some of the most common problems identified included maintenance, water leaks, noise, parking and sub-tenants.

In the next issue of News on the Block, due out in November, we will highlight the issues raised in our own survey of resident management company directors.