How to handle differing opinions on a resident board

If you sit on an RMC or RTM board, you will already know that managing differences on a resident board is part of the role.

Not everyone sees things the same way, and every director brings their own perspective, experience and priorities. Some will want to move quickly, others will prefer to take time and explore options.
Differing opinions are not a problem in themselves. In many cases, they lead to better decisions.

The challenge is how those differences are managed.

Start with the shared purpose when managing differences on a resident board

It can be easy for discussions to become personal, particularly when decisions affect people’s homes and finances.

Taking a step back and reminding everyone of the shared purpose helps to reset the conversation.

You are all there to:

• protect the building
• act in the best interests of all leaseholders
• make responsible, informed decisions

Keeping that front of mind helps move conversations away from individual preferences and back towards what is right for the block as a whole. This is something we touched on in our guide to understanding the role of an RMC Director, where responsibility sits not just with the building, but with the wider community.

Make space for different views

Not everyone will express themselves in the same way.

Some directors will speak confidently. Others may take more time to form their view. Some may raise concerns that feel cautious, but are important to consider.

Allowing space for those views, without shutting them down too quickly, creates a more balanced discussion.

Often, what feels like a disagreement at the start is simply a different angle on the same issue.

Focus on facts, not assumptions

When opinions differ, it helps to bring the conversation back to facts.

• What does the lease say?
• What is the cost?
• What are the risks?
• What are the long-term implications?

Having clear information in front of you reduces the likelihood of decisions being driven by emotion or assumption.

If there is any uncertainty around lease wording or responsibilities, it can be helpful to revisit the basics. Our article on decoding common lease clauses provides a useful reference point for understanding what sits within the lease itself.

Where there is uncertainty, it is often worth taking advice rather than pushing ahead without clarity.

Accept that not every decision will suit everyone

One of the realities of sitting on a resident board is that not every outcome will be what you personally would have chosen.

That does not mean the decision is wrong.

As long as the process has been fair, the options properly considered and the decision made in good faith, it is part of collective decision-making.

It is also important to remember that decisions are made for the benefit of the building as a whole, not individual preferences.

Keep discussions respectful and constructive

How something is said often matters as much as what is being said.

Challenging a point of view is part of the role. Doing so respectfully keeps the conversation productive.

Simple things make a difference:

• listening without interrupting
• asking questions rather than making assumptions
• acknowledging another perspective, even if you don’t agree

When discussions remain respectful, it becomes much easier to reach a sensible outcome. Strong communication plays a key role here, which we explored further in our communication in block management article.

Document decisions clearly

When there are differing views, it becomes even more important to document how decisions have been reached.

Meeting minutes should reflect:

• the options considered
• the reasoning behind the decision
• any professional advice received

This provides clarity for everyone involved and protects the board if decisions are questioned later.

Know when to step back and take advice

There will be times when the board cannot easily reach agreement.

That is usually a sign that more information is needed, not that the discussion has failed.

In those situations, bringing in a managing agent, surveyor or legal advisor can help provide an independent view and move things forward.

It takes the pressure off the board and ensures decisions are grounded in expertise, particularly where works, budgets or compliance are involved. Our Procurement Done Properly – A Spring Checklist for Resident Directors article touches on how structured decision-making supports this process.

Where there is uncertainty around lease wording or responsibilities, it can be helpful to take independent guidance.

The Leasehold Advisory Service (LEASE) provides clear, impartial information for leaseholders and resident directors.

Remember that difference can be a strength

A board where everyone agrees all of the time is not always the strongest one.

Healthy discussion, when handled well, leads to more considered decisions.

It helps identify risks, challenge assumptions and explore better options.

The key is not to avoid differing opinions, but to manage them in a way that keeps the focus on the building and the people who live in it.

When approached calmly and consistently, managing differences on a resident board becomes less about conflict and more about collective responsibility.

How JMJ Asset Management can help

At JMJ Asset Management, we regularly support resident directors navigating these conversations.

Our role is to provide clear information, guide discussions where needed and help ensure decisions are made in a structured and balanced way.

We understand that being a director can feel challenging at times, particularly when opinions differ.

Having the right support in place can make those conversations feel more manageable and help boards move forward with confidence.

If you would like to talk through how your board is working, or how we can support you, we are always happy to have a conversation.