The freeholder has one month to serve a counter-notice objecting to the RTM claim. Leaseholders then have two months to apply to the First-tier Tribunal or the claim fails.
Check RTM EligibilityA counter-notice is the freeholder's formal objection to the RTM claim. The freeholder has one month from receiving the Section 79 claim notice to serve a counter-notice.
If no counter-notice is served within one month, the RTM claim proceeds unopposed to the acquisition date.
Valid objection grounds include:
If the freeholder serves a counter-notice, leaseholders have two months from the date of the counter-notice to apply to the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber).
Missing this deadline means the RTM claim fails and leaseholders must start again.
Some freeholders issue counter-notices as a tactic to delay or discourage RTM claims even when they have no valid grounds.
Leaseholders should review the objection carefully. If the objection has no merit, the tribunal application may succeed quickly.
Use our free RTM eligibility checker to understand whether your building qualifies and get an indicative cost estimate.
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