Can residents take control of their own estate? Sometimes — and the key is who controls the management company. Where residents collectively own and run that company, they can shape how the estate is managed and, in many cases, change the managing agent. Where a developer or third party still holds control, residents have far less direct power today.
This guide explains the difference between a residents' management company and a managing agent, how you might change agent, and what is realistic now versus what reform may add.
Part of our guide to buying or selling on a managed estate.
Can residents take control of the estate?
Whether you can take control depends entirely on the structure your estate was set up with. Some estates are arranged so that residents collectively own the management company from the start. Others leave control with the developer or an external party. The first thing to do is find out which you have — your transfer, deeds and any company documents will tell you.
If residents already control the company, "taking control" is really about getting organised and using powers you already have. If they do not, your options today are narrower, and the route is harder.
What is a residents' management company (RMC)?
A residents' management company, or RMC, is a company through which residents can collectively own and run the management of their estate. The residents are usually the members or shareholders, and they appoint directors from among themselves to make decisions on the estate's behalf.
Crucially, an RMC is not the same as a managing agent. The RMC is the vehicle residents control; a managing agent is a firm appointed to carry out the day-to-day work — collecting charges, arranging maintenance, keeping the accounts. We explain what that firm actually does in what does an estate managing agent do.
The RMC is who decides. The managing agent is who does the legwork. An RMC can hire a managing agent, or it can choose to manage the estate directly.
How an RMC and a managing agent differ
| Residents' management company (RMC) | Managing agent | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | A company residents own and control | A firm appointed to do the work |
| Who runs it | Resident members and directors | The agent's own staff |
| Main role | Sets direction, holds the budget, makes decisions | Day-to-day collection, maintenance, accounts |
| Can it be replaced? | It's yours — you change the directors | Yes, where the RMC controls the appointment |
How might you change managing agent?
Where residents control the management company, changing agent is, in principle, a decision the company can take. The realistic path looks like this:
- Confirm who controls the appointment. Check whether your RMC — and therefore the residents — holds the right to appoint and dismiss the agent.
- Read the current contract. Look for the term, notice period and any break clauses. You cannot simply walk away mid-contract without consequences.
- Get residents on side. A change usually needs the backing of the company's members. Build agreement before you act.
- Source alternatives. Compare agents on transparency, fees and service — the same red flags that apply to your current one apply to any replacement.
- Give proper notice and hand over. Follow the contract, serve notice correctly, and plan a clean handover of records, funds and contracts.
Where a developer or third party still controls the company, you generally cannot do this directly. Your nearer-term levers are pressure, transparency and complaint — see how to complain about your managing agent.
What's realistic now — and what reform may add
Be honest with yourselves about the starting point. If residents already control the company, you have real power and the main task is organisation. If you do not, today's tools are limited.
That balance is shifting. Part 5 of the Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act 2024 is designed to strengthen managed-estate residents' hand — with rights to information, to challenge unreasonable charges, and stronger protections overall. As of June 2026 these provisions are not yet in force; the consultation closed on 12 March 2026 and secondary legislation is expected during 2026, with no firm date confirmed. Track it on our 2026 rights tracker.
Common questions
Can we take control of our estate? It depends who controls the management company. Where residents already own and run it, you have real power. Where a developer or third party controls it, your options today are limited.
What is an RMC? A residents' management company — the vehicle through which residents collectively own and run the management of their estate, appointing directors from among themselves.
Is the RMC the managing agent? No. The RMC decides and holds the budget; the managing agent is a firm hired to do the day-to-day work. An RMC can employ an agent or manage directly.
Can we change agent? Where your RMC controls the appointment, yes — subject to the contract and notice. Where it does not, you cannot do it directly today, though reform aims to help.
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