Adding a Block

Blocks allow properties within a Housing Group to be organised into individual buildings or developments. They are particularly useful for apartment schemes where properties share communal components and compliance responsibilities.

To add a Block, open the required Housing Group and select the Blocks tab. Click Add Block.

Enter the following information:

Click Add Block to save the new Block.

Block Reference

The Reference field can be used to align a Block with your organisation’s internal asset records or Fixed Asset Register. Affinity does not prescribe a numbering format, and the Reference is not treated as a UPRN or another externally governed identifier.

When entered, the Block Reference:

• Appears in the Blocks list within the Housing Group.
• Is displayed as the Asset Reference for block-related entries in Asset Management reports.
• Provides a link from on-screen Asset Management reports to the relevant Block view.

The Reference is optional. Blocks without a Reference can still be created and included in Asset Management reports.

Year Built and Asset Management

Although Year Built is not required when creating a Block, it is essential when using the optional Asset Management module.

Affinity uses the Block’s Year Built to calculate:

• The initial replacement schedule for Block Components.
• The next scheduled year for Block Compliance Checks.
• Planned and Compliance Maintenance expenditure within Stock Condition Costs reports.

Block Components and Compliance Checks cannot be configured or forecast until a Year Built has been entered.

Important: If your organisation uses Asset Management, always enter an accurate Year Built when adding a Block. Without it, Affinity cannot calculate the Block’s future maintenance and compliance costs.