Right To Manage (RTM) – Advice Please?

Dear Mr Bourne,

Forming a RTM would be the best move for the development. The freeholder’s charge of £300- per flat is expensive and other high may follow too. Such as Section 20 charges, comissions etc.

The solicitor fees shouldn’t be much compared to the long term savings you will make and gaining control on the management of the block.

All the best.

Advance

Hi Jon

I’m afraid my experience of RTM in a similar sized block is a very negative one, firstly because of the considerable expense involved in maintenance, and secondly, although we have had an efficient and organised manager with book keeping skills, she is not trained in block management, which I am learning the hard way is a discipline in its own right, thanks to the complex legislation around leasehold titles.

I won’t go into too much detail, but the issues we’ve had have been lack of knowledge of building and structural issues, leading to short cuts being taken with building works, necessitating expensive repairs to put it right; being small, we have been unable to attract the best builders and tradesmen; a difficult trust member who drags her feet over paying regular maintenance, let alone pay for additional works or an increase in charges (the fact that the proper legal procedures weren’t followed when requesting payment has provided this person with a handy defence against paying), leading to the trust running short of funds and individuals having to pay thousands out of their own pockets for large building works to common parts.

There is of course the option to appoint our own property management company, but this is extremely expensive.

I own another flat in a block that’s owned by a freeholder and managed by a property company. Although I do get hassled for some additional expenses, my maintenance costs are much lower overall as it’s being properly managed, and when there is a problem, it’s such a relief to know it will be taken care of!

Hi Jon

I organised a RTM on a block of 137 so it can be done successfully. I have also helped quite a few other developments get RTM.

If you would like some hints and tips, please message me your email address via 118 and I will be happy to pass on what I have learnt the hard way, free of charge!

It doesn’t have to be a nightmare with a bit of planning..

Regards

Karen

Hi Karen

Why not share what you have learned from your experiences via this discussion thread?

That way, thousands of people may benefit from your experience as opposed to just one.
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I will Mark.

Karen

Dear Jon,
The RTMF http://www.rtmf.org.uk has assisted over 270 blocks exercise Right to Manage in both extremely large developments and smaller buildings like yours. I agree that it doesn’t have to be a nightmare experience, and at the very least you will have the freedom to choose who manages your building.
ATB
Nick

The Right to Manage Federation provide RTM services to leaseholders like yourself. To date assisting more than 270 blocks through the Right to Manage process, including the 967 unit development at Century Wharf, Cardiff, and the 422 unit Metro Central Heights building in Elephant and Castle, and many blocks similar to your own.

Many thanks Nick that’s just what I was looking for. Cheers. Jon

Hi There! Right to Manage is a VERY easy process – our in-house legal team could give you free advice on the best way to proceed. Give us a shout if you need any free advice by dropping me an email at [email protected] – happy to help in any way I can!

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