Our Mission

For residents in new-build flats or housing developments, Title Deeds often require a property factor to manage communal areas. In Edinburgh, while there’s no legal requirement for property factoring in tenement flats, appointing a factor can simplify the management of shared maintenance and repairs.

As property factors, we assist homeowners in upholding common area standards according to Title Deeds and agreed responsibilities. Our services include routine tasks such as stair cleaning and lift maintenance, cyclical duties like gutter cleaning and roof inspections, and essential safety checks, including fire safety compliance, EICRs, and emergency lighting tests. We also handle communal electricity contracts and other necessary services.

Maintenance costs are shared by homeowners, according to their title-specified share. To ensure funds are available for timely repairs, we collect a property float upon appointment, as supported by the Tenements (Scotland) Act 2004. For larger repairs, we arrange advance funding, securely held until the work is completed to satisfaction.

We work with our insurance partners, Howden, to provide a range of coverage options tailored to the needs of property owners. These policies may include Comprehensive Block Insurance, Terrorism Cover, Property Owners' Liability Insurance, Employers' Liability Insurance, and Engineering Insurance.

Our Block Insurance policy covers all properties within a development, including permanent fixtures like external walls and roofs, protecting against risks such as fire, water damage, and ingress. Property Owners' Liability Insurance protects against costs related to third-party injuries in shared areas, such as stairwells and pathways. Employers' Liability Insurance provides compensation for on-site staff, such as caretakers and cleaners, in the event of work-related injuries. Engineering Insurance ensures compliance and coverage for machinery like passenger lifts.

Additionally, we coordinate regular Reinstatement Valuation Surveys, as recommended by RICS, to ensure your building is accurately valued and adequately insured.

As a startup property factor founded by former financial services professionals, we manage each development’s Maintenance and Sinking Fund accounts to the high standards expected in banking. We ensure strict separation of funds, with no co-mingling, and each development maintains its own dedicated accounts. In the unlikely event that something should happen to AboveBoard, homeowners’ funds remain protected.

Our services include issuing invoices, collecting payments, managing late payers, and paying contractors for completed work. We actively manage debt collection to secure the necessary funds for uninterrupted service, insurance provision, and the successful execution of major projects.

To maintain financial readiness, we request an agreed float from new customers, which is topped up quarterly. This float acts as a credit on your final invoice upon property sale or termination of services.

For major projects like internal stairwell painting, if there’s no Sinking Fund or sufficient funds available, homeowners will be asked to make payment in advance to ensure we can cover contractor costs.

Our team is equipped to handle a range of ad hoc tasks, from coordinating maintenance and repairs in common areas to appointing contractors, managing queries, addressing complaints, and ensuring robust financial controls. We also facilitate communication with homeowners and participate in meetings with homeowners, contractors, and other stakeholders to maintain smooth operations.

In addition, we offer maintenance and repair recommendations supported by our third-party experts and provide guidance to relevant authorities for private or neighbour-related issues. Our goal is to respond to all enquiries within three working days, delivering prompt and effective support to meet our clients’ needs.

While homeowners, on-site contractors, and surveyors serve as our eyes and ears, our team also conducts site visits at key stages. We start with an initial walk-through by appointment to assess any issues, capture photographs, and develop a thorough understanding of the development. Following this, we schedule regular visits according to our customers’ specific needs. We meet contractors on-site to discuss necessary work, provide access to secure areas, and address any urgent issues requiring immediate attention.

For larger projects, we deliver hands-on project management with on-site oversight as part of our service, ensuring each project is executed to plan.

We offer a 24-hour emergency service exclusively for our existing customers, providing peace of mind outside regular office hours. As emergency call-outs incur additional fees, we ask that the out-of-hours phone line be reserved for genuine emergencies to avoid unnecessary costs.

Our contractors will secure or temporarily repair any urgent issues to ensure safety and prevent further damage. Following the call-out, a detailed report will be sent to our office, outlining any additional work needed along with associated costs.

To facilitate prompt service, customers should provide accurate contact details and arrange access for contractors. Contractors may also request confirmation you are an AboveBoard Homes customer to verify eligibility for emergency support.