What Is an RTM? And How Levels Property Management Helps You Take Control of Your Building

What Is an RTM? And How Levels Property Management Helps You Take Control of Your Building

If you’re a leaseholder frustrated by poor management, rising service charges, or feeling unheard — there is a solution. It’s called RTM, and it could put the power to manage your building back into your hands.

At Levels Property Management, we not only support existing RTM companies — we also guide leaseholders through the entire Right to Manage process, from start to finish.

Let’s explain what it all means.

What Does RTM Stand For?

RTM means Right to Manage. It’s a legal right, introduced by the Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Act 2002, that allows leaseholders of a qualifying building to take over the management — without having to buy the freehold.

Instead of relying on a freeholder or external landlord, leaseholders set up an RTM company that becomes responsible for the building’s day-to-day management.

In other words:

You take control. We help you run it.

What Does an RTM Company Do?

Once established, the RTM company steps into the freeholder’s shoes for management duties. That includes:

  • Setting and collecting service charges
  • Appointing and overseeing contractors
  • Organising maintenance and repairs
  • Managing health & safety compliance
  • Handling budgets and accounts
  • Appointing a professional managing agent (like Levels!)

Importantly, the freeholder still owns the building — but the RTM company handles all the operational aspects of running it.

Who Can Go RTM?

You can apply for the Right to Manage if:

  • The building is self-contained and has at least two flats
  • At least 50% of leaseholders agree to participate
  • No more than 25% of the building is commercial (e.g., shops or offices)

It’s a no-fault process — meaning you don’t have to prove bad management or wrongdoing by your freeholder. If you meet the criteria, the right is yours.

How Levels Supports Existing RTM Companies

Once you’ve taken control, running an RTM can be rewarding — but it also comes with legal duties, financial admin, and a lot of pressure.

That’s where we step in:

Professional Financial Management

We manage service charge budgets, accounts, and reserve funds — with full transparency and regular reporting to directors.

Expert Contractor Oversight

From cleaning and gardening to major works, we handle supplier selection, cost control, and quality assurance.

Leaseholder Communication

We take care of queries, complaints, and day-to-day updates, ensuring leaseholders are kept in the loop and feel heard.

Compliance Without the Headaches

We’ll manage your health & safety obligations, fire risk assessments, and Section 20 consultations — so you can stay compliant and confident.

Want to Go RTM? Let Levels Handle the Switch

Thinking of taking control? The process might sound daunting, but with Levels, it’s straightforward.

Here’s how we help:

  1. Initial Assessment – We’ll confirm if your building qualifies for RTM.
  2. Leaseholder Engagement – We’ll help you consult and sign up your neighbours.
  3. Company Formation – We’ll set up the RTM company and register it with Companies House.
  4. Formal Notice Process – We’ll handle all statutory notices and liaison with the freeholder.
  5. Handover & Onboarding – Once successful, we’ll take over the management professionally — ensuring a smooth transition from day one.

All the benefits of control — with none of the admin stress.

Control Your Building. Improve Your Home.

RTM isn’t just about management — it’s about empowerment. With the right managing agent, you get the freedom to make decisions that benefit your building — not someone else’s bottom line.

At Levels Property Management, we provide the integrity, experience and innovation to help RTM companies thrive.

Ready to make the switch? Get in touch with our team and discover how we can help you go Right to Manage — and make a real difference in your development.