How to switch your block management company

Unhappy with your managing agent? Leaseholders usually have more power to change managers than they realise — but the right route depends entirely on who appoints the agent. This guide walks through the options.

Step 1: Work out who actually appoints the manager

This is the single most important question, because it decides which route is open to you:

A Resident Management Company (RMC) — leaseholders own/run the company that manages the building. The RMC's directors can appoint and dismiss the managing agent directly.
A Right to Manage (RTM) company — leaseholders have already taken over management. Again, the directors choose the agent.
The freeholder (or their agent) — the landlord appoints the manager and leaseholders have no direct say. Here you'll need a statutory route (see Step 4).

Your lease, service-charge demands and Companies House will usually tell you which applies.

Step 2: Read the management agreement and notice period

If an RMC or RTM company is in control, find the contract with the current agent. Most managing-agent agreements run for a fixed term or roll month-to-month with a one to three month notice period. Note any tie-in, exit fees, or handover obligations before you give notice.

Step 3: If you control the company, switching is straightforward

Where an RMC or RTM company appoints the agent, the directors simply: agree to change, get comparable quotes, serve notice on the outgoing agent, and appoint the new one. Always vote/minute the decision properly and tell leaseholders.

Tip: Get at least two or three quotes and compare like for like — accreditation, fees, what’s included, and independent ratings. See our guide to vetting and choosing a block manager for the full checklist, and browse accredited managers by area to build a shortlist.

Step 4: If the freeholder appoints the manager

If you don't control the management company, you can't just sack the agent — but you have statutory options:

Right to Manage (RTM) — take over management without proving fault. See our Right to Manage guide.
Appointment of a manager by the tribunal — where there's been management failure, leaseholders can ask the First-tier Tribunal to appoint a new manager under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1987. This requires evidence of fault.
Collective enfranchisement — qualifying leaseholders buy the freehold and then control management entirely.

Step 5: Plan a clean handover

Whichever route you take, a tidy handover protects the building. Make sure the outgoing agent transfers: service-charge and reserve-fund balances, the full set of accounts, contractor and insurance details, health-and-safety and fire-safety records, and leaseholder contact data.

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 July 2026.