# Notice of invitation to participate

The prescribed notice an RTM company must give to every qualifying tenant who isn't already a member, inviting them to join, at least 14 days before it serves the claim notice.

Also called: notice inviting participation, NIP, section 78 notice.

Before an RTM company can claim the right to manage, it must invite every [qualifying tenant](https://runyourblock.co.uk/glossary/qualifying-tenant) who hasn't joined (or agreed to join) to become a member.

## What it must include

- In England, it must be in the **prescribed form** (Schedule 1 to the 2010 Regulations). Wales has its own form.
- It must either include a copy of the company's articles, or say where and when they can be inspected (including at least one weekend day) and how to order a copy.

## The 14-day rule

The [claim notice](https://runyourblock.co.uk/glossary/claim-notice) can't be given until **at least 14 days** after every notice of invitation has been given (s.79(2)). Tribunals treat this as a strict rule: claims have failed because the gap was a day short. Allow extra days for post and keep proof of when and how each notice was delivered.

> **Warning**
>
> The prescribed English form still says members "may be liable for costs". That describes the law before 3 March 2025. Since then, an RTM company and its members are generally not liable for the landlord's costs.

## Related terms

- [Claim notice](https://runyourblock.co.uk/glossary/claim-notice)
- [RTM company](https://runyourblock.co.uk/glossary/rtm-company)
- [Qualifying tenant](https://runyourblock.co.uk/glossary/qualifying-tenant)

## Sources

- [Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Act 2002, s.78 (notice inviting participation)](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2002/15/section/78)
- [Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Act 2002, s.79 (claim notices)](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2002/15/section/79)
- [Right to Manage (Prescribed Particulars and Forms) (England) Regulations 2010](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2010/825/contents)

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Updated 22 October 2026. Source: https://runyourblock.co.uk/glossary/notice-of-invitation-to-participate