Right to Manage (RTM)
Right to Manage (RTM) for Retirement Blocks
Take control of your building — without taking on the day-to-day burden
Right to Manage (RTM) gives leaseholders a legal route to take over management of their retirement block from the freeholder's appointed agent. Done properly, RTM can improve service, increase transparency, and put residents' priorities at the centre of decision-making.
Southernhay Estates supports retirement communities through the RTM process and then provides professional, retirement-sector property management once the claim is successful.
Why retirement blocks choose RTM
Retirement developments have specific needs: higher resident support expectations, more compliance requirements, and a greater need for clear, calm communication. RTM can be the turning point when the current arrangements are not delivering.
With RTM, leaseholders can:
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Choose a managing agent that specialises in retirement living (rather than a one-size-fits-all provider)
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Set the service standard residents expect — responsiveness, visibility, and consistency
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Improve transparency around budgets, invoices, contracts and decision-making
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Get better value from contractors through proper tendering and active contract management
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Prioritise planned maintenance to reduce emergencies and protect long-term building condition
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Strengthen compliance oversight (fire safety, health & safety, lift servicing, alarm systems, and other statutory duties)
The Southernhay approach (built for retirement communities)
We manage retirement blocks and estates across the South West and understand what matters most to residents.
Our management style is:
Structured and accountable
clear processes, clear records, clear reporting
Resident-aware
professional communication and a calm, respectful approach
Compliance-led
documentation, testing schedules, and contractor controls
Practical
preventative maintenance and prompt action when issues arise
"Can the RTM process be free?" — yes, it can
In many cases, we can support the RTM process at no cost to the RTM company/leaseholders.
This is typically achievable where:
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Southernhay Estates is appointed as the managing agent after a successful RTM claim, and
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the development is a suitable fit (size, location, and scope).
We'll confirm eligibility after an initial review and a short discussion with the leaseholders' lead contact.
What we help with
We can support you from first conversation through to successful handover:
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Initial eligibility sense-check and practical guidance
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Support with forming the RTM company and preparing the claim
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Coordinating notices, timelines, and documentation
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Handover planning and mobilisation once RTM is achieved
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Ongoing retirement-sector property management
A straightforward next step
If you're considering RTM (or you've already started and want experienced support), we'll give you a clear, no-pressure view of:
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whether RTM is likely to be achievable for your block
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what the process involves and typical timescales
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what management could look like once you're in control
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whether the RTM support can be provided free of charge
