The Law Commission is proposing changes that would make it quicker and easier<\/a> for leaseholders to take control of the day-to-day management of their building.<\/p>\n Currently, homeowners with long leases over flats can acquire the \u201cright to manage\u201d (RTM), which gives the homeowners, rather than their landlord, responsibility for management functions relating to services, repairs, maintenance and insurance. It is a \u201cno-fault\u201d right, so leaseholders can exercise it without having to prove mismanagement by their landlord.<\/p>\n However, the current system is seen by many as too technical, slow, restrictive, uncertain and expensive.<\/p>\n Leaseholders have found a myriad of issues with the current RTM system which have made it more difficult take over the management of their building. We have been told that the process is:<\/p>\n In response to these criticisms, the Law Commission is consulting on proposals that aim to make the process more accessible, simpler, quicker and less uncertain. The proposals include:<\/p>\n Stephen Lewis, Commercial and Common Law Commissioner, said:<\/strong><\/p>\n \u201cThe right-to-manage process is not working at the moment and change is needed.<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cThis is a very practical project and we\u2019ve been focused on developing proposals that make sure the Right to Manage is more user-friendly, particularly for leaseholders. <\/em><\/p>\n \u201cWe look forward to hearing how the public thinks we can make the process as effective as possible.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Housing Minister Heather Wheeler MP said:<\/strong><\/p>\n \u201cThis Government is determined to reform the leasehold sector to better support homeowners. This includes making it easier for those who wish to exercise their Right to Manage and take direct control of their block.<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cI welcome the Law Commission\u2019s consultation proposals and encourage all those with an interest to come forward and offer their views.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Welsh Government Minister for Housing and Local Government Julie James said: <\/strong><\/p>\n \u201cRight to Manage has not been widely adopted in Wales, and we have heard anecdotal evidence that the procedures are difficult and allow freeholders to obstruct the wishes of leaseholders attempting to exercise the right. <\/em><\/p>\n \u201cWe want to make it easier for leaseholders <\/em>to take ownership of managing their property and we welcome the Law Commission\u2019s proposals to reform the process\u201d.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n -ENDS-<\/p>\n The Law Commission has released a Consultation Paper today (28 January 2019) containing significant proposals for change, and inviting the public to respond with their views.<\/p>\n The RTM consultation will be open until 30 April 2019.<\/p>\n This is part of the Law Commission\u2019s project to reform leasehold law in England and Wales. As part of this work, the Law Commission has published two other consultation papers:<\/p>\n You can find out more about the project and how to respond to the consultation here: https:\/\/www.lawcom.gov.uk\/project\/right-to-manage\/<\/a><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\nWhat are the current problems with RTM?<\/h3>\n
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Law Commission proposals<\/h3>\n
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Notes for Editors<\/h3>\n
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