What does a Managing Agent actually do?
Managing agents play a vital role in the smooth running of residential buildings, estates, and commercial properties. But for many leaseholders, directors, or even landlords, the role can feel a bit unclear, especially when everything is working as it should behind the scenes.
This guide explains what a managing agent actually does, who appoints them, and why having a professional agent matters.
What is a Managing Agent?
A managing agent is a professional organisation appointed to manage the day-to-day running of a building or estate on behalf of a client, usually a Resident Management Company (RMC), Right to Manage (RTM) company, freeholder, or developer.
Their job is to ensure that the building is safe, well-maintained, financially managed, and compliant with all relevant legal and leasehold obligations. Essentially, they take care of the responsibilities that come with property ownership or directorship, so that leaseholders and landlords don’t have to manage it all themselves.
Who appoints a Managing Agent?
Managing agents are usually appointed by:
- A Resident Management Company (RMC), where leaseholders have control of management
- A Right to Manage (RTM) company, set up by leaseholders under legislation
- A freeholder or landlord, who may own the building and appoint the agent directly
- A developer, who might bring in a managing agent to look after a new build development until a handover occurs
The agent is appointed under contract and acts on behalf of the client, not the individual leaseholders.
What does a Managing Agent do?
Managing agents take care of the operational, financial, legal, and maintenance responsibilities of a building or estate. Duties vary depending on the property and the lease, but typically include:
1. Maintenance and repairs
- Coordinating contractors for communal repairs and maintenance
- Organising cleaning, gardening, lighting, and waste management
- Scheduling cyclical maintenance such as decorating or resurfacing
- Managing planned preventative maintenance (PPM)
- Ensuring common areas remain safe and functional
2. Health, safety, and compliance
- Arranging fire risk assessments, health and safety reports, and inspections
- Ensuring compliance with Building Safety Act, Control of Asbestos Regs, and other legislation
- Keeping accurate records and actioning safety improvements
3. Financial management
- Preparing annual service charge budgets
- Issuing service charge demands
- Managing client bank accounts for service charges and reserve funds
- Processing invoices and paying suppliers
- Preparing year-end accounts and coordinating accountants
- Monitoring arrears and pursuing unpaid service charges fairly
4. Insurance and Risk Management
- Arranging building insurance, engineering inspections, D&O cover, and more
- Managing insurance claims on behalf of the client
5. Legal and leasehold support
- Interpreting lease obligations and helping clients remain compliant
- Coordinating Section 20 consultations for major works
- Assisting with disputes and providing guidance on legal processes (while working alongside solicitors as required)
6. Company secretarial and governance
- Acting as company secretary for RMCs/RTMs
- Filing annual returns and maintaining statutory records
- Organising AGMs and board meetings, taking minutes, and issuing formal notices
7. Communication and support
- Responding to leaseholder queries and complaints
- Acting as a liaison between residents, landlords, contractors, and directors
- Providing regular updates and clear points of contact
Why use a Managing Agent?
Property management is complex. From the legislation and financial tracking, to contractor coordination and resident communication. Appointing a professional managing agent offers:
- Peace of mind – everything is managed properly and transparently
- Time savings – directors and landlords can focus on strategic decisions
- Legal compliance – with access to up-to-date guidance and support
- Financial accountability – with robust budgeting, record-keeping and reporting
- Improved resident satisfaction – with better communication and property standards
What a good Managing Agent looks like
At JMJ, we believe managing agents should be proactive, responsive, and easy to work with. You should always know who to contact, what’s happening with your property, and how your money is being spent. That’s our commitment.
We’re here to protect your asset, support your community, and simplify the day-to-day, with a service that’s calm, clear, and confident.