Problems and disagreements about the management of leasehold properties are common. You and your landlord might have different priorities, and not all landlords meet their responsibilities to manage the building well or keep costs reasonable. You might also want to have more control over decisions. As a leaseholder you have a range of options for changing the management of your building.
Resolving problems with your landlord
If you’re unhappy with your building’s management it’s usually best to raise the issues with your landlord (freeholder) or the managing agent first, and give them a chance to resolve them.
There are steps you can take to try to resolve an issue informally, raise a formal complaint, and take legal action if necessary.
Find out about what you can do to resolve a dispute with your landlord or managing agent.
Changing the management of your building
If there are ongoing problems and your attempts to resolve them have not worked, it might be possible to change the management of your building.
Some options are also available without needing to show that there are problems with the current management.
Your main options are:
- the right to manage, where your landlord still owns the building but you work with other leaseholders to take over the management
- buying the freehold, where you work with other leaseholders to take over both ownership and management of the building (collective enfranchisement)
- appointment of a manager, where you apply to a tribunal to appoint a new manager
Deciding which option is best for your building
These options are not available in some circumstances, such as where your building is a small conversion (not purpose-built) and your landlord lives in the building.
Which option is best for you and your building will depend on:
- if your building is eligible
- if your landlord is a local authority or registered provider (housing association)
- if you can prove there are serious problems with the current management
- if other leaseholders are willing to be involved and work with you
- how much money you and the other leaseholders can afford to spend
- if you and the other leaseholders have the time, knowledge and skills to take over management yourselves
| Right to manage | Buying the freehold | Appointment of a manager |
|---|---|---|
| The new management will be through a right to manage company run by the leaseholders (the company can choose to use a managing agent) | The new management will be through a share of freehold company run by the leaseholders (the company can choose to use a managing agent) | You will need to nominate a new manager, and the tribunal makes the final decision on who to appoint |
| No need to prove bad management | No need to prove bad management | You will need to prove bad management |
| Leaseholders for at least half the flats in the building must be involved | Leaseholders for at least half the flats in the building must be involved | You can apply on your own, or with a group of other leaseholders |
| The building must be at least 50% residential | The building must be at least 75% residential | No limit on the amount of non-residential space in the building |
| Not available if your landlord is a local authority or registered provider (housing association) | Available if your landlord is a local authority or registered provider (housing association) | Not available if your landlord is a local authority or registered provider (housing association) |
| Cheaper than buying the freehold – the main costs are professional fees | The most expensive option, usually costing several thousand pounds for each leaseholder | The main costs are the tribunal fee and any professional advice |
| The previous landlord still owns the building and can join the right to manage company | Replaces the previous landlord entirely | The previous landlord still owns the building and may take over management again once the arrangement ends |
Next steps
If you’re considering one of these options, see our guides for full details of eligibility and the process:
- Last updated:
- 3 December 2026
- Next review:
- 3 September 2028
Related content
Step-by-step guide to setting up the right to manage and taking over management
Advice guideHow to apply to the tribunal for a new manager, if there are management problems with your building
Advice guideHow to buy your building's freehold through collective enfranchisement
Advice guide