Last updated: 8 November 2026
Your contract is with the supplier’s company, so an administrator may control accounts and data held in its name. The fix is to make sure you, not the supplier, hold the admin rights and records before anything goes wrong.
Check who holds the keys today
- Microsoft 365. At least two named people in your business should hold Global Administrator rights, and the tenant should be yours.
- Licences. If you buy through a reseller, find out how you would move to another provider and how long it takes.
- Domain and DNS. Make sure the domain registrar account is in your name.
- Passwords and documentation. Keep a copy of network details, firewall and Wi-Fi settings somewhere you control.
- Backups. Know where they are held and who can restore them.
If it happens
Do not rush to cancel services. Speak to the administrator, confirm what is paid up to date, and get written agreement on access. Take legal advice before withholding payment or suspending anything.
Read your contract now
Check notice periods, handover terms and what counts as your data compared with the supplier’s own tools and documentation.
Quick answers
Can an administrator hold our data until we pay?
That depends on the contract and the circumstances, so take legal advice. Having your own admin rights and copies of your records avoids the problem.
How do we check who owns our Microsoft 365 tenant?
Ask your provider to confirm the tenant belongs to your organisation and that two of your people hold admin roles.
Not sure who holds the keys to your systems? ABCOM can run a short ownership check. Talk to us.
Related answers and guides
- How do we change IT provider without losing access?
- Do you provide IT support near me?
- Managed IT services
- All ABCOM FAQs
Sources and further reading
Related questions
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