Concerns about high service charges and poor management services to retirement flats have been well publicised in the media. The BBC has produced several programmes on the subject, articles have regularly appeared in the Daily Mail and the Times newspapers and Which Magazine recently conducted an in-depth survey of the pitfalls awaiting unsuspecting purchasers. The action group CARLEX has created huge public awareness by exposing the conduct of certain landlords and managers and in particular repeated abuse by the larger management companies such as Peverel and Anchor. Many of the offending companies are members of the ARHM (The Association of Retirement Housing Managers), which has admitted failures in enforcing its Code of Practice. Pressure groups have repeatedly called for further regulation of the residential leasehold sector but regrettably Housing Minister Grant Shapps has recently announced that plans to regulate managing agents have been scrapped, including the long-awaited accounting regulations to protect leaseholders’ service charge monies.
It is against this background that retired leaseholders have turned to RTM legislation to enable them to break free from the monopoly of landlord management and the unscrupulous practices so often generated by the leasehold system.
The RTMF has made the process easy...
The Right to Manage Federation offer a unique no-cost service to help retired leaseholders exercise RTM. We do not recommend that retired residents manage themselves but we do use RTM legislation to enable leaseholders to appoint a new management company of their own choosing. Right to Manage usually takes about five months to acquire. The RTMF prepares all the statutory notices on leaseholders’ behalf and administers the whole process from beginning to end. Apart from attending presentations by your chosen management companies and voting in the selection process, leaseholder participation is minimal and the changeover usually seamless. Working alongside your nominated representatives we ensure all decisions are made democratically and no one is pressurised.
“Ending your landlord’s monopoly will enable you to obtain improved standards at reduced costs and will guarantee continuing value for the service charges you pay.”
Ask other retired leaseholders...
The RTMF has assisted hundreds of retired leaseholders and their testimonials are evidence our scheme is successful. All leaseholders exercising RTM have benefited from an improvement in services and have been able to obtain substantial service charge savings, often amounting to tens of thousands of pounds per year.
“Retired flat owners all over the country are now turning to RTM as the best solution to achieving higher standards and increased value for money.”
Through RTM you will have a voice in all key decisions and will know exactly how your money is spent. The management company you choose will be contractually obligated to operate to a government approved code of practice. If they fail to meet your expectations they know you can terminate their contract, which ensures they continually strive harder to provide the service you demand.
Ask an expert...
“When RTM was first mooted I was convinced it would suit the retirement sector where leaseholders are generally more conscious of services and costs.”
Peter Haler MBE, Former Chief Executive, Leasehold Advisory Service.
It’s your legal right...
Parliament passed this legislation to help retired flat owners like you. It is not necessary to prove fault by the landlord or managing agent or pay any compensation. As long as at least half the leaseholders in your block agree to proceed your landlord cannot legally obstruct the process. Under the Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Act 2002, it is your legal right to choose your own management company.