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Glossary

RICS Service Charge Residential Management Code

Also called: RICS Code, the Code, RICS Service Charge Code, Service charge residential management code

The code of practice for managing residential blocks in England, approved by the government, which applies to landlords and anyone managing on their behalf, including self-managed RTM companies and residents' management companies.

The current edition was approved by the Secretary of State and came into force on 7 April 2026, replacing the previous edition. It says expressly that it applies to self-managed blocks, including RMCs and RTM companies.

What it covers

Good practice on budgets and service charges, accounts, reserve funds, consultation, insurance, repairs, complaints, communication with leaseholders, and dealing with sales.

Why it matters

  • Breaking the Code isn't in itself something a leaseholder can sue over.
  • But a tribunal or court must take it into account where it's relevant (s.87). If your company's practice falls short of the Code, that can count against you in a dispute.

The Code only applies to things done on or after 7 April 2026. You don't need to read all of it at once: use it as a reference when you set up a new process, such as your first budget or a complaints procedure.

Related terms

Sources

  1. RICS: Service charge residential management code
  2. The Approval of Code of Management Practice (Residential Management) (Service Charges) (England) Order 2026 (SI 2026/298)
  3. Leasehold Reform, Housing and Urban Development Act 1993, s.87

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