Freeholder

The freeholder owns the building and the land outright, subject to the leases. Under the leases they are usually the landlord, responsible for repairing and insuring the building and entitled to ground rent.

How self-managed blocks relate to the freeholder

• Right to manage: the freeholder keeps the freehold and the ground rent, but the RTM company takes over management. The freeholder can join the RTM company as a member.
• Share of freehold: the leaseholders, usually through a company, are the freeholder. See freehold companyFreehold companyA company owned by the leaseholders of a building that owns the building's freehold, and so is the landlord under the flat leases..
• Residents' management company: the freeholder may be a developer or investor, with the management company named in the leases to run the building.

You can find out who owns the freehold from HM Land Registry for a small fee. Check it before your first demand, because demands must give the landlord's correct name and address.