Stage3of 5

Manage the tribunal case

Track directions and missed deadlines, prepare for the hearing and keep the three costs routes separate.

Do these three things first

Put every direction and service obligation into a tracker.
Build the indexed bundle from the live issue schedule and the tribunal's directions.
Respond to default proportionately; debarment is discretionary.

What this stage can look like

Use these compact illustrations to recognise the work and improve what you already have. Keep your facts and existing document; add what is missing. The wording and figures below are hypothetical, not text to file unchanged.

A first page that makes a long bundle usable

This miniature index follows the working structure used in service-charge hearing bundles while keeping the tribunal's directions in control.

Open the detailed guidance

A · pages 2–12Directions, later notices and orders

B · pages 13–28Application, statements of case and permitted reply

C · pages 29–62Leases, variations and relevant plans

D · pages 63–71Current schedule of items in dispute

E · pages 72–94Demands, accounts and payment records

F · pages 95–148Invoices and underlying records, separated by charge year

G · pages 149–176Reports, relevant correspondence, photographs, quotations and consultation material

H · pages 177–190Signed witness statements and permitted expert evidence

Strengthen what you already have

Keep your existing section order if it follows the directions; add missing start and end pages.
Count the index and divider pages in the pagination.
Add PDF bookmarks that use the same wording as the index.

One disputed item traced all the way to proof

A page map lets the panel follow the issue without searching through every invoice or email.

Open the detailed guidance

IssueI-003 · communal cleaning · 2025/26

QuestionWere six visits provided, and what amount was reasonably payable?

Witness evidenceApplicant statement, paragraph 12

DocumentsInvoice and contractor visit record, bundle pages 103–107; dated photographs, pages 151–154

Amount affected£140

Gap to addressThe response mentions two subcontracted visits but gives no dates or attendance record.

Strengthen what you already have

Add final bundle page ranges to an issue schedule you already use.
Link a witness paragraph to the document instead of expecting the document to explain itself.
Record the other party's answer and the precise evidential gap.

A direction converted into a working deadline

The order remains the authority; the tracker makes responsibility, service and proof visible.

Open the detailed guidance

DirectionParagraph 8 · exchange signed witness statements

Due4pm, 12 September

OwnerApplicant representative

ServeRespondent and tribunal, by the methods stated in the order

ProofSaved sent message, attachment list and delivery confirmation

StatusFinal check booked for 10 September; service not yet complete

Strengthen what you already have

Add the paragraph number and exact time to an existing calendar entry.
List every recipient and service method, not just 'send statement'.
Keep the exact attachment set that was served.

Guidance for this stage

Open the topic that matches the work in front of you.

Control directions, deadlines and non-complianceTreat the directions as your instructions. If the other side misses one, make a fair, documented request rather than assuming debarment follows.12 min Build an evidence bundle the tribunal can useFollow the directions, include only material that proves or answers a live issue, and make every document easy to find.16 min Use the issue schedule to guide the hearingUse the hearing to help the tribunal decide each live row and the separate applications at the end.9 min Keep the three costs routes separateFee reimbursement, protection from costs passed through the lease and Rule 13 conduct costs do different jobs.12 min

Do these three things first

A first page that makes a long bundle usable

Strengthen what you already have

One disputed item traced all the way to proof

Strengthen what you already have

A direction converted into a working deadline

Strengthen what you already have

Guidance for this stage

Templates and checklists