You can start a court claim on GOV.UK by:

• filling in an online form

• downloading and completing Form N1

You can also ask your local county court for a form.

If you use a paper copy:

• keep 1 copy for yourself

• send 3 copies of the form to the court

Read carefully:

• any guidance

• anything you get from the court

Check if there is a deadline to send more documents or evidence.

Court fees

You usually have to pay court fees to take legal action.

Fees can be less if you claim benefits or have a low income.

You may have to pay more if there are extra fees, for example for:

• asking the court to order the landlord to do the work

• court hearings

Ask the court what the fees are before you submit your claim if you're not sure.

Find out about paying court fees, help with fees and refunds on GOV.UK.

Go to the court hearing

It’s important to go to the hearing. You might lose if you do not attend.

If you have a solicitor or adviser, they can represent you.

You might have to wait a few weeks or months for a hearing.

Make sure you arrive early on the day of the hearing.

What the court can decide

The court can order your landlord to:

• fix the problem by a certain date

• pay you compensation  

The court may also order your landlord to pay your legal costs but this does not normally happen in the small claims court.

The court can also dismiss your claim, for example if your evidence is not strong enough.

If your landlord ignores the court

You might have to go back to court if your landlord does not do what the court told them.

Ask the court what to do next if your landlord ignores an order to carry out repairs.

GOV.UK has guidance on what to do if your landlord does not pay compensation.