Leasehold

Does a home survey tell you whether leaseholders have used the Right to Manage?

No. GOV.UK says the Right to Manage lets qualifying leaseholders take over management of the building without the landlord’s agreement, and without having to prove bad management. The landlord still owns the building. A home survey describes the flat and what it could see of the block. It does not read the company records.

Last reviewed 24 October 2026. Written for buyers in England and Wales unless this answer says otherwise. No named surveyor has signed this page. It is general guidance, not a report on your house, and not legal advice.

What is the fuller explanation?

The qualifying guide says the building must be flats, not a house, with tests on how many flats are leasehold, how much of the building is residential, and how many flats must be in the company before it takes over. A surveyor in one bedroom cannot apply those tests. Your solicitor asks who currently manages, whether an RTM company exists, and who collects the service charge.

If an RTM company does manage, GOV.UK says it becomes responsible for the service charge, the communal areas and the upkeep of the structure, such as the roof. A rating on that roof is still only condition. It does not tell you the company has the money. There is no RICS fee for reading the articles of the company.

What should you ask your surveyor?

Did you see anything that shows who manages the block, or only the flat?
Are you leaving Right to Manage to the solicitor?
If the roof is rated, are you saying who must repair it? You should not be.

What are the typical next steps?

Ask the solicitor who manages, and whether an RTM company is in place.
Do not assume a tidy hallway means the landlord still manages.
Read the service-charge demands. The name on them is a clue, not a survey finding.

Costs vary with the building and with who you instruct. Where this page does not cite a published figure, ask the surveyor, a relevant specialist, or your solicitor for a written quote. Do not treat a forum average as the price.

Also asked about this

Does Right to Manage mean you own a share of the freehold?

No. GOV.UK says the landlord still owns the building. Share of freehold is a different arrangement.

Can a house use this Right to Manage?

The qualifying guide says houses do not qualify. Do not ask the surveyor to stretch it to a house.