I've been involved in this process a few times as a Leaseholder. You've probably done your own research, but if enough leaseholders want it, there's a formal process to apply to your freeholder for the Right to Manage which, if contested, ends up at the First Tier Tribunal who will normally give you Right to Manage and appoint new professional management independent of the freeholder. In practice, you might find a management company you fancy to help you with this in the expectation that they'll be appointed. It's tempting for leaseholders to consider literally managing the building themselves, but I'd advise against this as it can create all kinds of internal tensions over what needs doing and how much things cost, with difficulties chasing up outstanding service charges and dealing with any anti-social behaviour. It's far better to leave all that to an independent company whose job it is to look after the building properly. Initially this can be testing for leaseholders, particularly if the building was neglected by the previous management, as maintenance costs are likely to go up to compensate and to get the building into proper shape. Previous 'activist' leaseholders must also get used to stepping back and letting the professionals do their job! A further step to consider is for the Leaseholders to buy the freehold of the building through Collective Enfranchisement, and there's another legal process to properly set that up. One advantage of this is that the Leaseholders can collectively issue themselves 999 year leases at zero ground rent at little cost to themselves. Again there's the potential for internal tension between individual leaseholders, so it's vital to have professional management and proper legal structures in place.
Peter Evans ● 441d