Considering changing your managing agent?
Considering changing your managing agent?
Many RTM and RMC directors reach a point where they begin to question whether their current managing arrangement is still right for their development.
If you’re at that stage, this page will help you understand:
- How switching managing agents works
- What to consider before making a change
- Where to find more detailed guidance for your situation
Book a quick, no-obligation call if you’d prefer to talk it through
1: Understanding your current position
Before exploring a change, it helps to understand how your development is currently set up.
This usually depends on:
- Whether you operate as an RTM or RMC
- The terms of your management agreement
- How decisions are made by directors
At this stage, you don’t need to make any decisions—just establish whether a review is worthwhile.
2: Can you switch managing agent?
In most cases, developments can change managing agent, although timing and approach will vary.
This is typically influenced by:
- Contract terms and notice periods
- Alignment between directors
- The structure of your management company
👉 If you’re unsure, this can usually be clarified quickly by reviewing your current agreement.
👉 For a broader overview, see our guide to how switching managing agents works
3: How the switching process works (overview)
Switching managing agents is generally a structured process, rather than a disruptive one.
At a high level, it involves:
- Reviewing your current arrangement
- Appointing a new managing agent
- Serving formal notice
- Managing an organised handover
- Transitioning to a new management approach
👉 For a more detailed breakdown, see our
step-by-step guide to changing managing agent – click to request
4: Every development is different
While the overall process is similar, the detail will vary depending on your current setup.
For example:
- Moving from a large national managing agent often involves a more structured handover
- Smaller agents may operate differently
- New-build or developer-appointed arrangements can introduce additional considerations
👉 If your current agent is a larger national firm, see:
5: Explore your situation in more detail
If you’re researching a potential change, these guides may help:
Specific scenarios
General guidance
6: What to consider before making a decision
Before moving forward, most directors want clarity on:
- How straightforward the process will be
- Whether there is any risk of disruption
- How handovers are handled in practice
- What improvements they should realistically expect
Many of these concerns are explored in our
detailed guide to switching managing agents
7: What a change is usually aiming to achieve
When developments explore a new managing agent, the aim is typically to move towards:
- Clearer, more consistent communication
- Greater visibility of service charge costs
- A more accountable management structure
- A more hands-on approach to the development
👉 If you’re comparing large national agents, you may also find it helpful to read about
switching from RMG or leaving FirstPort
8: Free guide
If you’re still exploring your options:
Download: Switching Managing Agents – A Step-by-Step Guide for Directors
Includes:
- A clear explanation of the process
- Key considerations before switching
- A practical checklist for RTM and RMC directors
📞 Not sure where to start?
If you’re at an early stage, it can be helpful to talk things through before making any decisions.
We’re happy to:
- Give you a clear view of your options
- Explain how the process would apply to your development
- Help you understand what to expect
Book a quick, no-obligation call
If your development is managed by a different national agent, see our guide to switching from FirstPort and switching from RMG.