Why the Right to Manage

Our homes are our biggest investment — and the place we should feel most comfortable and secure. Yet under Hyde’s management, service has been poor, costs have spiralled, and residents’ voices have been ignored. Right to Manage (RTM) gives us the legal power to take control of how our building is run, ensuring fairness, accountability, and a higher standard of living.

Here’s why it matters:

1. Spiralling service charges with no justification

Service charges have risen by more than 50% year-on-year — with no warning, no transparency, and no explanation. Management fees have doubled, yet standards haven’t improved. Residents receive letters demanding more money, but never a clear account of where it goes.

With RTM, we can demand transparency, control costs, and ensure money is spent where it truly benefits our homes.

2. Cleaning standards ignored, complaints dismissed

Despite paying for regular cleaning, the building is often dirty and neglected. Cleaning was recently skipped for six whole weeks with no explanation or compensation — yet we were still charged in full while being forced to live in filth. Complaints are routinely ignored.

With RTM, we can enforce proper cleaning schedules and guarantee that our building is cared for to the standard we deserve.

3. Shabby communal areas and zero upkeep

From taped-over carpets to faded front doors and battered walls, our once-welcoming block now feels neglected. Broken lighting remains unrepaired, the lift is left dishevelled, and even safety features like handrails have been removed rather than fixed. Guests and family should be greeted by a clean, cared-for environment — not embarrassed by years of ignored maintenance.

With RTM, leaseholders can prioritise upkeep, protect property values, and restore pride in our homes.

4. Security failures that put us at risk

We pay every month for CCTV that doesn’t even work. For years, Hyde has refused to repair it, leaving us vulnerable in central London. With licensed premises opening nearby and attempted break-ins already an issue, visible and functioning security is essential.

With RTM, we can restore working CCTV and ensure resident safety is never compromised.

5. A voice in how our money is spent

We fund the building, yet decisions are made without us. Costs are opaque, priorities are misplaced, and it’s unclear whether our service charges even stay within our block. As the condition of our homes declines, it’s clear little of our money is spent where it should be.

With RTM, we gain real democracy — a say in how money is spent, what work is done, and when. Together, we can run our building with accountability and a shared sense of purpose.

The bottom line

Hyde’s management has left us paying more for less: spiralling costs, poor standards, and no voice. RTM gives us the chance to change that — to manage our building responsibly, transparently, and in the best interests of residents.

RTM allows us to appoint a professional managing agent on our terms — one who is accountable to us as leaseholders, not to the freeholder.

For this RTM campaign, we are fortunate to have the support of an experienced RTM project manager, Richard Delaney from HAUS Block Management, who is working with us on a no-win, no-fee basis. The final cost will be £95 + VAT per flat, with nothing payable up front — costs will be recovered through the service charge. This is a modest amount compared to the potential long-term savings.

Once we reach 50% membership, the process is expected to take around five months. You can find further details on the FAQs page.