Leasehold block management explained
If you own a leasehold flat, a managing agent almost certainly runs your building — but who appoints them, what you pay, and what you can do about poor service are often a mystery. This is the plain-English overview, with links to go deeper on each part.
Who manages a leasehold block?
Day-to-day management is usually carried out by a managing agent (block management company), appointed by whoever holds the management responsibility under the lease:
- the freeholder (or their agent),
- a Resident Management Company (RMC) the leaseholders own, or
- a Right to Manage (RTM) company the leaseholders have formed.
Who appoints the agent determines what power you have to change them — see how to switch your managing agent.
What you pay
Leaseholders fund the building through the service charge, which covers repairs, insurance, shared-area upkeep and the agent's management fee. What can be charged is set by your lease, and charges must be reasonable — read your rights in our service charges guide.
Your rights as a leaseholder
- Service charges must be reasonably incurred, and you can request a summary of costs.
- Major works and long-term contracts usually require Section 20 consultation.
- You can challenge unreasonable charges at the First-tier Tribunal.
- You may be able to take over management via Right to Manage.
Comparing and changing your manager
Accreditation registers tell you who's allowed to manage, but not how good they are. We combine accreditation, Companies House data and independent reviews so you can judge track record — with no sponsored rankings.
This guide is general information about leasehold in England & Wales, not legal advice. Rules differ in Scotland and Northern Ireland, and leasehold law is changing — check your lease and current guidance, or take professional advice, before acting.
Last updated June 2026.