Right to Manage Claims – Guidance for Landlords
The Right to Manage (RTM) process can be complex and, at times, contentious. As a landlord, understanding your rights and responsibilities is essential to protecting your property interests and maintaining positive relationships with leaseholders.
At Bromleys, our property litigation team offers clear, strategic legal advice to help landlords navigate RTM claims with confidence and compliance.
What is the Right to Manage?
Under the Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Act 2002, leaseholders have the legal right to take over the management of their building — even without proving fault. This includes collecting and managing service charges, maintaining communal areas and arranging building insurances. This can leave landlords facing unexpected changes in control, responsibilities, and income. Recent reforms under the Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act 2024 have made the process more accessible for leaseholders.
We help landlords understand the implications of RTM and respond effectively to claims, ensuring their position is protected throughout.
To find out about how we can help, call us on 0161 330 6821, fill in our online form or email bromleys@bromleys.co.uk and we’ll call you back.
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2024 Reforms – What’s Changed?
The Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act 2024 introduced significant updates to RTM, including:
- Higher Non-Residential Threshold: Increased from 25% to 50%, allowing more mixed-use buildings to qualify.
- Legal Costs: Landlords can no longer recover legal costs from leaseholders during RTM claims, reducing financial barriers for leaseholders.
- Governance Updates: RTM company articles have been made clearer management responsibilities.
- Simplified Eligibility: Streamlined criteria make it easier for leaseholders to initiate RTM.
These changes mean landlords should be prepared for more RTM claims and understand their obligations under the new rules.
How We Support Landlords
Our experienced solicitors provide:
- Legal Awareness – Clear explanation of RTM legislation and your rights
- Risk Mitigation – Strategic advice to reduce exposure to disputes or mismanagement
- Portfolio Protection – Safeguarding your long-term property interests
- Relationship Management – Supporting constructive dialogue with leaseholders
- Dispute Resolution – Representing you in tribunal proceedings if necessary
Whether you’re facing your first RTM claim or managing a large portfolio, we tailor our advice to your specific needs.
To discuss how we can help you contact us today.
Common Mistakes Landlords Make:
There are many mistakes which Landlords can make when responding to RTM claims:
- Ignoring Eligibility Checks
Challenging RTM claims without verifying eligibility can lead to wasted time and costs. - Delaying Information Sharing
Failing to provide building and contract details promptly can result in disputes and tribunal involvement. - Not Joining the RTM Company
Landlords have the right to join and influence decisions (with capped voting rights). Missing this opportunity reduces control. - Poor Communication with Leaseholders
Adversarial approaches often escalate disputes. Early engagement helps maintain relationships and avoid costly litigation. - Failing to Seek Legal Advice Early
RTM claims have strict timelines. Delays in obtaining advice can weaken your position.
What Should You Do If You Receive an RTM Notice?
If you receive a formal RTM notice from leaseholders, it’s important to act quickly. You have one month to respond and three months before management transfers. We’ll help you:
- Review the validity of the claim
- Identify any grounds for objection
- Prepare for tribunal proceedings if necessary
- Plan for a smooth transition if the claim proceeds
Protect Your Property Interests
RTM doesn’t have to mean losing control. With the right legal support, landlords can manage the process strategically and maintain influence over their property’s future.
Let Bromleys help you stay informed, compliant, and protected
Why Choose Bromleys?
Bromleys is regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority and has a strong reputation in property litigation. Our team regularly advises landlords on RTM claims, combining legal expertise with practical insight.
We’re known for our transparent communication, strategic foresight, and commitment to achieving the best outcomes for our clients.
Contact us
To find out about how we can help you call us on 0161 330 6821 or fill in our online form or email bromleys@bromleys.co.uk and we’ll call you back.
We are located in Ashton-under-Lyne, Greater Manchester but we can assist wherever you are based.