In the ever-evolving landscape of property ownership, leaseholders find themselves caught in a whirlwind of conflicting information, exacerbated by the fallout from the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, Michael Gove.
Over the past two years, Gove made claims and pledges, raising hopes for leaseholders to have greater control over their leasehold apartments, only to see these assurances fall short, time and time again.
In 2022, Gove began promising to provide leaseholders with greater powers, assuring them that their concerns would be addressed, and their rights protected. However, as time progressed, it became evident that these promises were nothing more than empty rhetoric. Leaseholders were left feeling disillusioned and confused as they struggled to navigate through the changing landscape.
Such promises were supposed to empower leaseholders, but instead, they were left feeling disempowered and ill-informed. One of the key issues at the heart of this confusion is the lack of clarity surrounding the rights of leaseholders and their relationship with managing agents.
Amidst this chaos, mechanisms already in place to assist and support Leaseholders that wish to exercise greater involvement may have been overlooked.
For example, there is a glimmer of hope for leaseholders in the form of Resident Management Companies (RMCs). Greater control over the management of their properties is available for those who have purchased a property that holds a membership share in an RMC. Members nominate RMC Directors as spokespersons and decision-makers on their behalf, thereby establishing a management structure that puts their interests front and centre. This allows them to effectively collaborate with the managing agent within the framework of the RMC and take control of decisions relating to their block or development, ensuring that their assets and homes are managed in alignment with their needs, priorities, and current legislation.
In the absence of an RMC, guidelines relating to Right to Manage (RTM) provide leaseholders with the opportunity to assert their rights and take control of their living spaces. RTM empowers leaseholders to make decisions that support their assets while adhering to legislative requirements, putting power back into the hands of those who matter most – the leaseholders themselves.
In the eyes of the ethical managing agent (of which there are many), leaseholder engagement is vital. Leaseholders are not just stakeholders; they are invaluable contributors to the effective management of blocks. Their input and participation are crucial for fostering a sense of protection, community, and ensuring that the needs of all residents are met.
There is no wonder that leaseholders find themselves amidst a storm of confusion and frustration. However, there is light at the end of the tunnel. By leveraging the rights afforded to them through Resident Management Companies and legislation such as Right to Manage, leaseholders can reclaim control of their living spaces.
If you are a leaseholder feeling overwhelmed by recent media headlines and unsure of how to proceed, don’t hesitate to reach out to Peach Property Consultancy. We are here to help you navigate through the confusion and empower you to take charge of your block or development.
Contact Emma at [email protected] to discuss how you can obtain greater control without confusion or fuss.

Author: Emma Peach, Peach Property Consultancy.