Right to manage your property with confidence

• Take control of decisions: Leaseholders can make informed choices about maintenance, repairs, and services without waiting on the landlord’s approval.
• Customise your property management: By appointing a managing agent of your choosing, you can ensure that the building’s management aligns with your needs and expectations.
• No proof of landlord’s mismanagement Rrequired: You do not need to demonstrate that the landlord has managed the property poorly. The Right to Manage is an entitlement that exists regardless of the landlord’s track record.

• Forming an RTM company: Leaseholders form a company specifically for managing the building. This company becomes the vehicle through which management responsibilities are exercised.
• Majority agreement: A simple majority of qualifying leaseholders in the building must agree to pursue the Right to Manage. This consensus helps solidify the commitment needed for the process.
• Transfer of rights: Once the process is completed, the RTM company holds the right to manage, and leaseholders can make decisions, appoint new managing agents, and oversee the budget and maintenance schedules.

• Building criteria: The building must be self-contained and comprise at least two flats. It should also meet specific residential occupation standards.
• Leaseholder requirements: The majority of leaseholders in the building must support the move to take over management. Each participant must hold a long lease (typically more than 21 years).

The Right to Manage gives leaseholders greater influence over their living conditions and financial expenditures related to property management. This statutory right ensures that residents have a direct say in the management without being dependent on a landlord’s approval or pace, creating a fairer and more efficient system for everyone involved.

• Proactive decision-making: When leaseholders take charge, they can address maintenance needs quickly and efficiently. There’s no more waiting on a landlord to respond or act on essential repairs.
• Transparency in services & costs: The Right to Manage enables leaseholders to select service providers and manage budgets with clear oversight, ensuring all expenditures directly benefit the property.

• Customised service: By appointing a managing agent of their choice, leaseholders ensure that the agent prioritises their interests and provides services that meet their standards.
• Improved service quality: Leaseholders often find that their chosen agents are more responsive and proactive compared to those appointed by a landlord.

• End delays: With the Right to Manage, residents no longer face prolonged delays in maintenance or repairs. Leaseholders can implement a schedule for routine maintenance and react swiftly to urgent issues.
• Preventative upkeep: Better control over the management of the property allows for preventative maintenance, which can save costs in the long run and improve the building’s overall condition.

• Tailored management choices: Leaseholders can make decisions that better suit the unique needs of their building and community. This flexibility can lead to improved satisfaction and a stronger sense of ownership.
• Budget control: The ability to set and manage budgets ensures that funds are allocated efficiently and reflect the priorities of the residents.

• No more dependence on landlord performance: With RTM, leaseholders are no longer at the mercy of landlords who may be slow to act or make decisions. This shift to a more responsive management structure improves the overall experience for residents.
• Reduced conflict: Taking on the management responsibility can lead to fewer disputes with landlords over service levels, costs, or the quality of work carried out.

• Building eligibility: Ensure the building meets the criteria — typically, it must be self-contained with at least two flats, and the majority of units must be used for residential purposes.
• Leaseholder qualification: Verify that a majority of leaseholders, who hold long-term leases (over 21 years), are prepared to participate in the RTM process.

• Set Up a company: Leaseholders must establish an RTM company, which will take on the management responsibilities once the process is complete.
• Company structure: This entity needs to be structured according to legal guidelines, with leaseholders as its members or directors.

• Issuing the notice: The RTM company must serve a formal notice to the landlord, informing them of the intention to take over management.
• Compliance with requirements: The notice must include details such as the building address, leaseholder information, and a proposed date for the management handover.
• Notice period: The landlord typically has up to three months to respond, either accepting the RTM or challenging the eligibility.

• Addressing disputes: In some cases, landlords may dispute the RTM company’s claim. This can involve presenting the case to a property tribunal for a final decision.
• Legal representation: Having experienced legal guidance ensures that any challenges are met with proper documentation and strong representation.

• Completion of the process: If there are no objections, or once any disputes are resolved in favour of the leaseholders, the RTM company formally takes over the management on the agreed handover date.
• Appointing a managing agent: The RTM company can now appoint a managing agent to oversee daily operations, handle maintenance, and manage contracts with service providers.

• Ongoing management duties: The RTM company is responsible for managing the building effectively, which includes maintaining communal areas, collecting service charges, and ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations.
• Regular meetings: Leaseholders can schedule regular meetings to discuss property management issues and future plans.