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FAQ

What is the Right to Manage (RTM)?

The Right to Manage (RTM) is a legal right that lets leaseholders of flats in England and Wales take over the management of their building from the freeholder or managing agent — without having to prove bad management.

 

Through RTM, you and your neighbours can control:

 

  • How service charges are spent

  • Who manages maintenance and repairs

  • Insurance, cleaning, and contractor costs

 

 

 Learn more about how RTM works

Who can use the Right to Manage?

RTM is open to leaseholders of flats that meet certain conditions:

 

  • The building must contain at least two flats

  • At least two-thirds must be owned by qualifying leaseholders

  • At least half of those leaseholders must agree to take part

 

 

 Check your eligibility

Can houses use the Right to Manage?

RTM usually applies only to blocks of flats.

However, if you live in a leasehold house on a private or mixed-use estate with shared spaces, you may still be able to take collective control through other legal routes such as:

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  • A residents’ management company (RMC)

  • Enfranchisement (buying the freehold together)

Why do leaseholders take over management?

Many leaseholders choose RTM to:

 

  • Save money by appointing their own managing agent

  • Get transparency over every penny spent

  • Improve maintenance and common-area care

  • Have a real say in decisions affecting their homes

 

 

“Since we took control, our service charges dropped by 20% — and the building’s finally being looked after.”
— Leaseholder, Bristol

Does RTM mean we own the building?

No. The freeholder still owns the land and structure.

RTM simply transfers the right to manage the building — things like maintenance, service charges, and insurance.

How long does the RTM process take?

Most RTM claims take 4–6 months, depending on:

 

  • How many leaseholders are involved

  • Whether the freeholder disputes the claim

  • The complexity of your building

What does it cost to set up an RTM company?

Setting up an RTM company costs very little — often under £100.

Most of the cost comes from:

 

  • Serving legal notices

  • Professional advice or legal support

  • Freeholder challenges (if any)

 

 

Typically, costs shared across leaseholders total around £1,000–£2,000 for an average block.

How is an RTM company managed?

Once formed, your RTM company will:

 

  • Have members (the participating leaseholders)

  • Appoint directors to make day-to-day decisions

  • Either self-manage or appoint a professional agent

 

 

Our platform helps connect you with trusted RTM legal partners and estate management specialists.

What happens if the freeholder objects?

The freeholder can challenge your claim — but only for valid legal reasons (for example, if eligibility rules aren’t met).

If a dispute arises, it’s settled by the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber).

What if my block doesn’t qualify?

Even if you don’t qualify, you can still improve things by:

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  • Forming a residents’ association

  • Collectively buying the freehold

  • Negotiating a new management agreement

 

 

We’ll help you explore every route to better control and lower costs.

Can we choose our own managing agent after RTM?

Yes — this is one of the biggest benefits.

Once your RTM company takes over, you can:

 

  • Hire a new managing agent

  • Set your own service standards

  • Review or renegotiate contracts

How do we start the process?

Start by checking if your building qualifies — it only takes a few minutes.

 

 Use the RTM eligibility checker

 

If you’re eligible, you can then:

 

  1. Form your RTM company

  2. Serve the formal Notice of Claim

  3. Prepare to take over management within a few months

 

 

Our partners can handle everything for you if you prefer professional guidance.

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