Small Claims Court UK 2026 — Complete Beginner’s Guide
The small claims track is designed to be accessible to individuals without legal representation. For disputes up to £10,000 in England and Wales (£5,000 in Scotland), it’s the most practical route to recovering money owed. Here’s the complete process.
What Can You Claim For?
Unpaid debts, faulty goods or services, property damage, personal injury (up to £1,000), housing disrepair (up to £10,000), and disputes with landlords over deposits. You cannot use the small claims track for disputes over land, defamation, or claims over the limit.
Step 1: Letter Before Action
Before filing, send a formal “letter before action” to the defendant giving them 14 days to respond. This is a legal requirement. State the amount owed, the basis of the claim, and that you intend to issue court proceedings if they don’t respond. Keep a copy.
Step 2: Issue Your Claim
File online at gov.uk/make-court-claim-for-money. Court fee: £35-455 depending on claim value (these fees are recoverable if you win). You’ll need the defendant’s full name and address. Once issued, the defendant has 14 days to respond.
Step 3: Hearing
If the defendant disputes the claim, a hearing is scheduled. Small claims hearings are informal — no wigs, no formal procedure, the judge asks questions. Prepare: your evidence (contracts, receipts, correspondence, photographs), a clear timeline of events, and what you’re claiming and why. Most hearings last under an hour.
If You Win
The court orders the defendant to pay. If they refuse, you can apply for enforcement: attachment of earnings, a charging order on property, or a third party debt order on their bank account. Enforcement is a separate process with additional fees.
