Leasehold
Will a home survey check whether a block qualifies for the Right to Manage?
No. The qualifying guide sets tests: the building is flats, at least two-thirds of the flats are let on leases that were originally for more than 21 years, at least half the floor area is residential, and at least half the flats must be in the company before it takes over. A surveyor does not count the leases or the floor area.
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?
There is a further limit on the same page. If the landlord or an adult family member has lived in a flat as their only or main home for the last 12 months, a building that is not purpose-built and has no more than four flats might not qualify. A home survey will not know who slept there. Your solicitor asks. The survey tells you about cracks, roofs and the flat you are buying.
Do not ask the surveyor to certify that a claim will succeed. GOV.UK says qualifying leaseholders do not have to prove bad management, but they still have to qualify and follow the procedure. There is no RICS price for that procedure. Condition and qualification are different files.
What should you ask your surveyor?
- Are you counting flats or floor area? You should not be.
- Did you see a resident landlord? That is still not the legal test.
- What part of the block did you actually inspect?
What are the typical next steps?
- Give the qualifying guide to the solicitor, not to the surveyor, if you plan a claim.
- Do not rely on a neighbour’s percentage.
- Read the survey for the building you will live in, whether or not a claim goes ahead.
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 a shop on the ground floor automatically block RTM?
The guide says at least half the building must be residential. A shop does not automatically decide it. Someone has to measure. The survey did not.
Can two owners start a company?
The guide says any number can set one up, but at least half the flats must be members before takeover. The survey does not count heads.