Thornton Heath Block: How Leaseholders Took Back Control

When leaseholders at a small block in Thornton Heath decided to take on the Right to Manage (RTM), it marked the turning point in their battle against high charges and poor standards.

What had once felt like wasted money is now being reinvested into their homes — with visible improvements and fairer costs.

Cutting Service Charges Without Cutting Standards

Before RTM, service charges averaged £1,588 per flat per year, yet residents saw little benefit.

Once leaseholders gained control, charges dropped to £1,200 per flat, later rising modestly to £1,400 due to inflation. Even with this increase, charges remain lower than pre-RTM, while delivering more services than ever:

• Formal cleaning schedules

• Regular gardening contracts

• Communal areas and doors repainted

• A proactive maintenance programme

Leadership & Funding RTM

A previous attempt at RTM had failed. To help break the deadlock, I personally covered the RTM legal and setup costs. Once the RTM company was established, I was reimbursed from reserve funds transferred over from the Freeholder/Managing Agent.

This gave leaseholders confidence to move forward, knowing the risk was underwritten and that the savings would quickly outweigh the investment.

Overall Impact

• Pre-RTM charges: £1,588 per flat for poor standards
• Post-RTM charges: £1,200–£1,400 per flat with visible improvements
• Annual saving: £188–£388 per flat
• Across 6 flats: £1,100–£2,300 saved every year

A Clear Message

The Thornton Heath block shows what can be achieved when leaseholders take charge of their building. Costs are fairer, standards are higher, and there’s a renewed sense of pride in the block.

For me, this project is proof that even where RTM attempts have failed before, with the right leadership and persistence, leaseholders can turn things around and create real value in their homes.