What is a TMO and it’s benefits?
What is a TMO?
A TMO consists of council tenants and leaseholders (members) who collectively manage their homes. TMOs are independent legal bodies, which can enter into a formal contract with the council. Their management agreement with the council outlines the services the TMO takes responsibility for as well as those that remain under the control of the council.
The size and form can vary. Some might only be responsible for a small number of homes, while others manage large estates. They are formed by a resident elected Board of volunteers and employ staff, such as managers, repair workers and others.
What do TMOs do?
Organisations decide how many services they want to manage. In their agreement with the council they need to define which services they will be taking care of. However, if the TMO finds any difficulties handling a certain task, they can hand it back to the council.
Among their services, usually you can find:
- Day to day repairs
- Tenancy management
- Maintenance and cleaning
- Information point
- Rent collection
- Dealing with disputes
- Managing and controlling budget
- Organising social activities and events
- Managing the estates greenspaces
Why is it better to have a TMO in your estate?
When an estate is managed by a TMO instead of the council, most issues will be dealt with in a quicker and more efficient way.
Because residents have a direct point of contact (TMO Manager/ staff), reported repairs are dealt with faster. As it is in the interest of members to maintain all properties properties up to the highest standard possible, the organisation will make sure to hire good maintenance people and offer quality service and assurance on works.
The TMO is also responsible for the cleaning and maintenance of the communal areas. Having well-kept communal areas can improve your general standard of living. A clean and safe place can make you and your family feel more relaxed.
Another big plus point for a TMO is getting the right information on time. Any changes within the estate are communicated to the residents within a sensible amount of time. Additionally, if residents need information they can contact staff at the TMO Office.
The TMO manages people’s homes. It can support residents in financial trouble or in disputes with other residents, and and help them find solutions for issues they might be facing.
Words from our residents
The main purpose of any TMO is to provide residents within the area a better estate experience. At Webber and Quentin TMO we have made our goal a reality already, as our testimonials confirm.
“TMO has been great so far. Unlike with Council services, if contractors do not perform to the standard expected by residents, the TMO can move to new contractors to improve the services that residents receive. Most of all, having permanent staff that work around the estate gives residents a dedicated resource and a familiar point of contact to go to report repairs or other issues and to speak to for advice. It should not be underestimated how valuable having permanent TMO staff is, compared to dealing with the various online forms, call centres and disconnected services from the Council.”
Graeme, Quentin House
“I did not realise how important the TMO is to us residents till i got involved with it myself. A lot of people put hard work in keeping this running and they have done a wonderful job. The TMO is essential for keeping the residents updated and informed of any changes and to help them with any issues within their power.
Since dealing with the TMO, i have found it easier to find information and get things done. Having a permanent TMO office is invaluable to all of us residents and I for one am very grateful for this.”
Umran, Dauncey House
For more testimonials, click here to visit our website.
https://webberandquentintmo.org/testimonials/