Process reference
RTM process overview
The Right to Manage process has five main stages. Check eligibility and build support, form an RTM company, invite participation where required, serve the claim notice and handle the landlord's response, then prepare to take over on the statutory acquisition date. Most groups complete the journey in roughly four to six months if notices are served correctly.
Check eligibility and build initial support
Confirm that your building and leases meet the statutory tests, for example the right mix of long leases and participating leaseholders. This is also when you find out informally who among your neighbours would take part, since you will need qualifying tenants of at least half the flats. Our quiz is a starting point, not a legal determination.
Form the RTM company
Leaseholders incorporate a company (often called an RTM company) that will become the vehicle for management. Membership and structure need to follow the rules that apply to your situation. The company has to exist before any formal notice can be served, which is why it comes before inviting participation.
Invite participation where required
Participation notices are used so that eligible leaseholders can join the RTM company. Under section 78 of the Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Act 2002, a Notice Inviting Participation is only served on qualifying tenants who are not already members, so in small blocks where every qualifying leaseholder is already a founding member (common in 2 to 4 flat conversions), no notice may be needed and the 14 day wait before the claim notice does not apply. Getting organised early helps avoid delays later. This is guidance only, not a legal determination for your building.
Serve the claim and handle the response
A formal claim notice is served on the landlord in the way the legislation requires. The landlord then has a set period to respond, either by accepting the claim or by serving a counter-notice disputing it. A disputed claim goes to the tribunal, and that is the point at which most people should take advice rather than continue alone.
Prepare for and take over management
If the process is followed correctly, management responsibilities pass to the RTM company on the statutory date, typically several months after the claim notice. Insurance, contractors, records and service charge funds all need to be in place before that date rather than after it, so the weeks beforehand matter more than people expect.
Illustrative overview only. Deadlines, notices and exceptions depend on your building and the law in force when you act.
Unsure where you stand? Start with the eligibility quiz.
Check eligibility