# Freeholder

The owner of the freehold of the building, who is usually the landlord under the flat leases.

Also called: landlord, lessor, reversioner, freehold owner.

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 company](https://runyourblock.co.uk/glossary/freehold-company).
- **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.

## Related terms

- [Leaseholder](https://runyourblock.co.uk/glossary/leaseholder)
- [Ground rent](https://runyourblock.co.uk/glossary/ground-rent)
- [Freehold company](https://runyourblock.co.uk/glossary/freehold-company)
- [Share of freehold](https://runyourblock.co.uk/glossary/share-of-freehold)
- [Right to manage (RTM)](https://runyourblock.co.uk/glossary/right-to-manage)

## Sources

- [GOV.UK: Leasehold property](https://www.gov.uk/leasehold-property)

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Updated 22 October 2026. Source: https://runyourblock.co.uk/glossary/freeholder