Self-Managed Company Leasehold: What It Means

Published by Leaseholder Led · Independent guide — 6 May 2026

The short answer

A self-managed leasehold company is usually a resident-controlled company that manages the building without a professional managing agent, or with only limited outside support. It can save money and improve control, but it also creates real responsibility for compliance, budgets, repairs, insurance and neighbour disputes.

What self-managed usually means

In a leasehold building, self-managed does not usually mean every leaseholder is fixing lifts or collecting invoices personally. It normally means a resident-controlled company or board has taken responsibility for management decisions rather than delegating everything to a managing agent.

Some self-managed buildings handle nearly everything themselves. Others appoint accountants, surveyors, insurance brokers, or a managing agent for limited tasks. The right model depends on the building's complexity and the time directors can realistically give.

Structure	What it means	Main risk
RMC / ManCo	Resident company with management responsibilities under the lease or estate documents.	Directors may underestimate workload or legal duties.
RTM company	Leaseholder company that has acquired Right to Manage.	Handover, compliance and agent selection can be mishandled.
Managing agent	Professional firm appointed to run day-to-day management.	Poor agent selection can recreate the same problems.
Freeholder	May still control management if no resident company or RTM right is in place.	Leaseholders may have limited control without RTM or cooperation.

Advantages of self-management

The appeal is obvious: more control, closer oversight of spending, faster decisions on local issues, and potentially lower management fees. In smaller buildings with engaged directors and simple services, self-management can work well.

It can also make leaseholders more aware of what the building actually needs. That alone can improve accountability.

Risks of self-management

The risks are workload and compliance. Someone has to handle budgets, demands, accounts, insurance, major works consultation, fire safety, contractor oversight, disputes and record keeping. If volunteers burn out, the building can drift.

Self-management can also strain neighbour relationships. A professional agent is not always perfect, but a good one creates distance between leaseholders and difficult operational decisions.

If your self-managed building needs a better professional agent, or you are unsure whether to appoint one, start with a free check. You do not need to have every neighbour organised yet.

Check your options

When to appoint a managing agent

Appointing an agent makes sense when the building is large, services are complex, directors are overloaded, compliance risk is increasing, or leaseholders need a neutral professional between neighbours. The question is not whether self-management is good or bad; it is whether the current arrangement is sustainable.

Related guides

This guide is for general information only and does not constitute legal advice. For advice specific to your lease and building, consult a solicitor specialising in leasehold property.