Resident Manager Contract Template for England and Wales

A Resident Manager Contract is a specialized employment agreement that governs the relationship between property owners or management companies and individuals hired to manage residential properties while living on-site. Under England and Wales law, this contract must carefully balance employment rights with property management obligations, creating a comprehensive framework that protects all parties involved.

When do you need this document?

You'll need a Resident Manager Contract when appointing someone to oversee apartment complexes, student housing, retirement communities, or large residential developments requiring 24-hour management presence. This document is essential for situations where the manager's duties include emergency response, security oversight, tenant relations, and property maintenance coordination. The contract becomes particularly important when providing accommodation as part of the employment package, as this creates complex legal relationships governed by both employment and housing law. Property management companies, housing associations, and private landlords commonly use these contracts to formalize live-in management arrangements.

Key legal considerations

Your contract must clearly distinguish between employment duties and accommodation rights to avoid legal complications. The agreement should specify whether the accommodation is provided as part of remuneration or as a separate benefit, as this affects tax implications and termination procedures. Working time regulations require careful attention since resident managers often have irregular hours and emergency call-out responsibilities. You must address the relationship between employment termination and accommodation rights, ensuring compliance with both employment protection and housing legislation. The contract should include detailed job descriptions, performance standards, and disciplinary procedures while protecting the manager's employment rights. Insurance coverage, health and safety responsibilities, and liability limitations must be clearly defined to protect all parties.

Legal requirements in England and Wales

Under the Employment Rights Act 1996, you must provide written terms of employment within two months of the start date, including salary, working hours, and notice periods. The Equality Act 2010 requires non-discriminatory practices throughout the employment relationship, while the Working Time Regulations 1998 govern maximum working hours and rest periods, which can be complex for live-in roles. National Minimum Wage Act 1998 applies even when accommodation is provided, requiring careful calculation of effective hourly rates. The Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 may affect accommodation arrangements, particularly regarding repair obligations and quiet enjoyment rights. You must ensure the contract complies with GDPR requirements for personal data processing and includes appropriate clauses for handling tenant information. Health and safety obligations under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 extend to both employment duties and residential accommodation provision.