Private Estates and Shared Spaces: What Can You Do If Your Managing Agent Isn’t Delivering?

Jon Buckley
Nov 12
2 min read

If you live on a private estate or in a block of flats, you’re probably paying service charges to a managing agent. But what happens when the grass isn’t cut, repairs take months, and your money disappears into unclear budgets?

Many residents feel stuck — but you have more options than you might think.

Here’s how you can take back control of your estate and improve how it’s managed.

The Problem with Traditional Estate Management

Across the UK, residents on privately managed estates often face:

High and unpredictable service charges
Poor maintenance or delayed repairs
Lack of transparency about where money is spent

These issues are common because management contracts are usually arranged by the developer, not by residents.

Understanding How Your Estate Is Managed

Your estate may be managed under one of several structures:

Managing Agent (Appointed by Developer or Freeholder)
- Handles maintenance, insurance, and billing.
- Residents have little say.
Residents’ Management Company (RMC)
- Residents already own or share management responsibilities.
- Usually formed at the time of build.
Right to Manage (RTM) Company
- Residents legally take over management through an RTM claim.
- Available mainly to leaseholders of flats, but sometimes relevant for mixed estates.

Your Options if Things Aren’t Working

Form a Residents’ Association

If your estate isn’t eligible for RTM, forming a recognised residents’ association is a great start. It gives you a collective voice and the right to request information from the managing agent.

Use the Right to Manage (RTM)

If your property is a block of flats, you may be able to take full control by forming an RTM company. It’s quicker and cheaper than buying the freehold — and doesn’t require proving bad management.

👉 Check if your estate qualifies

Buy the Freehold (Enfranchisement)

For long-term control, leaseholders can jointly buy the freehold. This gives you ownership of the building and complete management power, though it’s more expensive and complex.

A Quick Comparison

Option	Who It’s For	Cost	Control Level	Typical Timeframe
Residents’ Association	Any estate	Low	Limited	1–3 months
Right to Manage (RTM)	Flats	Low–Medium	High	4–6 months
Buy the Freehold	Flats or houses	High	Full	6–12 months