Free RTM Eligibility Checker
Does your building qualify for Right to Manage?
Find out in under two minutes. Answer four plain-English questions about your block and get an instant result — no lawyers, no obligation, no cost.
Check your building nowThe rules in plain English
What the law says your building needs
The Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Act 2002 sets out four main tests. All four must be satisfied before leaseholders in England can serve a claim notice. Here is what each one means in practice.
At least two thirds of flats must be held on long leases
A "long lease" means one originally granted for more than 21 years — almost all residential flat leases qualify. What matters is the original term, not the years remaining. So even a lease with 60 years left is fine if it started as a 99-year or 125-year lease.
At least half of those leaseholders must participate
You do not need everyone on board. You need at least 50% of qualifying leaseholders to join the RTM company. In a 10-flat block that means 5 people; in a 30-flat block, 15. The threshold is based on flats, not people — one person owning two flats counts twice.
The building must be at least two-thirds residential
If the building contains commercial units — a shop, office or restaurant on the ground floor — they cannot make up more than 25% of the total internal floor area. A mainly residential block with a small commercial unit at street level usually passes this test comfortably.
The building must contain at least two flats
RTM applies to blocks, not individual houses. The building must contain at least two self-contained flats held on long leases. There is no upper limit on block size — the same rules apply to a small conversion and a large purpose-built block.
One exception worth knowing: if the freeholder lives in the building and the block has four or fewer flats, RTM is not available. This is sometimes called the "resident landlord" exemption. It affects very few blocks — if yours has five or more flats, or the freeholder does not live there, this does not apply to you.
Free eligibility check
Check your building in four questions
This tool gives you a working answer based on the main statutory tests. It is a guide, not legal advice — but it is the same framework any RTM solicitor would apply first.
What happens next
What your result means — and what to do
Every building is different. Here is what each outcome tells you, and the most useful next step in each case.
Your building probably qualifies
The main tests look satisfied. The next step is forming your RTM company, notifying leaseholders, and serving a claim notice on the freeholder. The process typically takes four to six months from start to finish.
See the full step-by-step process →There may be a way through
One or more criteria are borderline. That does not always mean RTM is blocked — it means you need a clearer picture before committing. A specialist RTM solicitor can assess your specific position quickly and affordably.
Find a vetted RTM solicitor →RTM may not be available right now
Based on your answers, one or more of the statutory tests is unlikely to be satisfied. That does not mean you are without options — there are alternatives worth considering, explained below.
See what else is possible →If RTM isn't available to you
Other routes to regaining control
RTM is the most accessible route for most leaseholders in England — but it is not the only one. If your building does not currently qualify, or participation is too low, these alternatives are worth understanding.
Lease extension first, RTM later
If your lease is too short (under 21 years at original grant), it will almost certainly already be a long lease in practice. But if you are uncertain, extending your lease first clarifies your position — and makes the RTM case simpler.
Build participation over time
If you cannot yet reach 50% participation, this is not a permanent barrier. Continue conversations with neighbours, document the problems with the current managing agent, and return to the eligibility check once more leaseholders are ready to act. Many successful RTM claims began with just two or three motivated residents.
Collective enfranchisement
Instead of taking over management, leaseholders can collectively buy the freehold — known as enfranchisement. This gives permanent control but involves purchasing the freehold at a market price. It requires 50% participation and different qualifying criteria. Our professional partners can advise on whether this suits your block.
Formal complaints and appointment of manager
If your building clearly does not qualify for RTM, leaseholders can apply to the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) to appoint a new manager where the current one has failed in their duties. This is a different legal route that does not require an RTM company.
Common questions
Frequently asked eligibility questions
Straight answers to the questions leaseholders ask most often before running the eligibility checker.
To qualify for Right to Manage in England, your building must contain at least two flats, at least two-thirds of which must be held on long leases (originally granted for more than 21 years). At least half of those qualifying leaseholders must join the RTM company, and the building must be at least 75% residential by floor area. Use the eligibility checker above to assess your specific building.
You need at least 50% of the qualifying leaseholders in your building to join the RTM company. In a 10-flat block that means 5 people; in a 20-flat block, 10. The threshold is based on the number of flats, not the number of people — one person owning two flats counts twice.
If the freeholder serves a Counter-Notice disputing your claim, the RTM company can apply to the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) to determine whether the claim is valid. Most challenges fail when the statutory process has been followed correctly. If the freeholder does not respond to the Claim Notice at all, the claim succeeds automatically.
Yes, as long as the commercial floor area does not exceed 25% of the building's total internal floor area. A building that is mainly residential with a small commercial unit at street level typically qualifies comfortably.
If the freeholder lives in the building and the block has four or fewer flats, Right to Manage is not available. This is sometimes called the resident landlord exemption. It affects very few blocks — if your building has five or more flats, or the freeholder does not live there, this exemption does not apply to you.
Ready to take control
Start your RTM journey with the Launch Package
RightToManage.ai guides you through every stage of an RTM claim — from forming your company and notifying leaseholders to serving the claim notice and taking over management. You get step-by-step guidance, access to vetted RTM solicitors and managing agents, and AI-powered ongoing support for your RTM company directors — all from £39 per month.
Get started with the Launch Package£39/month per RTM company. Cancel any time. Not legal advice — guided support and professional partner access.
RightToManage.ai is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. The eligibility checker above is a guide based on the main statutory tests under the Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Act 2002. Your specific building may have circumstances that affect eligibility — always confirm with a qualified RTM solicitor before serving a claim notice. Find a vetted RTM solicitor through our partners.