We're exercising our legal Right to Manage so that decisions about our building are made by leaseholders — not a third-party freeholder. Better transparency, better value, better service.
A short guide explaining what RTM membership involves, what it means for you as a leaseholder, and how the process works.
WHY RIGHT TO MANAGE
Taking control of how
our building is run
Many leaseholders feel the current arrangements have not delivered value for money. RTM gives us the legal right to change that — together.
Leaseholder Control
Key decisions about management, maintenance and procurement will be made by a company run by leaseholders — people who live here and pay the charges.
Accountable Management
HAUS, as our chosen managing agent, will be directly accountable to the RTM Board — ensuring decisions reflect the needs of those who live in the building.
Full Transparency
Greater visibility over budgets, contracts, insurance arrangements and repair works. No more opaque commissions or unclear procurement processes.
Insurance Review
We will review building insurance in detail. Early indications suggest opportunities to reduce premiums.
Better Value
Services procured through competitive, arm's-length tendering. Closer scrutiny of major cost drivers such as building insurance and escape-of-water claims.
No Extra Cost to Join
There is no separate fee to participate. RTM project costs are absorbed within year-one management charges you would be paying anyway.
WHAT TO EXPECT
What changes — and what doesn't
RTM transfers management responsibilities. It does not change your lease or the freehold ownership.
What's Changing
Building Management
Management transfers from Comer to HAUS, acting under instruction from the RTM Board of Directors. We get to decide who is appointed estate manager after the first year and reviewed annually.
Service Procurement
Clear specifications and competitive, arm's-length quotes from contractors. RTM will take control of approximately 70% of the annual service charge costs.
Financial Oversight
Greater transparency around budgets, contracts and invoices with scrutiny of major cost items
What Stays the Same
Your Lease
Your lease terms remain exactly the same. RTM does not alter or replace them in any way.
Freehold Ownership
Brookstream Properties Ltd continues to own the freehold and collect ground rent. RTM changes management, not ownership.
Grounds Management
The grounds will likely remain under Comer's management as they are not part of the RTM claim.
Ground Rent
Your ground rent will continue to be invoiced by and paid to the Comer Group.
RTM TIMELINE
How the process works
Once at least 50% of qualifying leaseholders join, the formal legal process typically takes around 7 – 12 months.
CURRENT STEP
Membership Drive
Reaching 50%+ of qualifying leaseholders to join the RTM company.
STEP 2
Claim Notice Served
Formal notice of claim served on the freeholder under the 2002 Act.
STEP 3
Landlord Response
The freeholder either accepts the claim or disputes it within the statutory period.
STEP 4
RTM Acquired
Management responsibilities transfer to the RTM Company. HAUS begins managing the building.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Common questions answered
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RTM gives leaseholders the legal right to take over the management of their building from the freeholder, without needing to purchase the freehold. This allows residents to appoint their own managing agent and have full control over service delivery, costs, and standards.
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There is no separate, direct fee to take part. The RTM project costs (legal, set-up, etc.) are absorbed within year-one management charges you would be paying anyway. The only potential additional cost is if the freeholder forces the matter to the First-tier Tribunal, with a current estimate of roughly £100 per flat in that case.
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You will still pay service charges, as the building continues to require insurance, maintenance and services. The key difference is how that money is managed, controlled and scrutinised. We will review the buildings insurance, take a more proactive approach to managing leaks and escape of water — one of the biggest cost drivers — and overall aim to deliver better value for money for all services.
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Once at least 50% of qualifying leaseholders have joined the RTM Company, the formal legal process typically takes around 7 – 12 months to complete (it takes about 7 months if not contested and around 12 months if contested and the matter goes to Tribunal)
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If you are a leaseholder at PPM, you are generally eligible to:
Become a member of PPM RTM Company Limited
Take part in votes and decisionmaking (subject to the company’s Articles)
Further details of eligibility and voting rights will be set out in the company documents and membership form. In practical terms, if you own a flat here, we want you involved and represented.
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Yes. The RTM process does not change the obligation to pay ground rent, as the freeholder still owns the land.
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Directors are volunteers and receive no salary or financial benefit.
The first RTM directors (Andrew Sen, Angela Donkin, Avril Hitman, Graham Hitman, M Ozair and Sam Weatherlake) and company secretary (Andrew Meikle) are the founding volunteers who initiated the RTM process. Once RTM is established, we will transition to an elected board.
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Yes, HAUS Block Management will be appointed as Managing Agent for the first year following RTM acquisition. We get to decide who is appointed Managing Agent after year 1 and this will be reviewed annually
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Yes. Under RTM, the managing agent is appointed by and accountable to leaseholders—not the freeholder (Brookstream Properties Ltd). This typically leads to improved service levels, better communication, and performance-based management.
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The Board oversees the managing agent and ensures the building is run in the best interests of leaseholders. Their role includes:
Appointing and managing the managing agent
Monitoring performance through KPIs (Key Performance Indicators)
Approving budgets and major works
Ensuring transparency and communication
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Commonhold at present is very expensive and unfeasible, we will review the benefits of this as and when the legislation is eventually enacted
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The RTM Board will be overseeing building management. The annual service charge budget will be set at the start of each year and reviewed at the Annual General Meeting with leaseholders.
The RTM Board sets spending limits for day-to-day repairs.
For major works (typically over £250 per leaseholder), a formal Section 20 consultation will be followed. This ensures transparency and gives leaseholders a say in significant expenditure
YOUR BOARD
Meet the RTM Directors
Experienced, committed leaseholders volunteering their time to deliver better management for everyone at PPM.
Ready to take control?
Sign up for RTM today and help shape the future of Princess Park Manor.
GET IN TOUCH
Still have questions?
We're happy to help. Reach out to the RTM team and we'll get back to you as soon as possible.
