Private v1 previewEngland · Legal information, not advice
Service Charge Guide

Choose the working document you need

Find the checklist, schedule, outline or worked example for the task in front of you. Download a fresh copy where one is provided; expand on-page tools when you need them.

Check and prepare

Organise the lease, charges, evidence and participating neighbours before an application.

3 tools
checklistOn-page reference

Evidence checklist

A first-pass inventory for lease, demand, expenditure and site evidence.

View Evidence checklist
  • Lease, variations and plan
  • Demand plus statutory summary of rights
  • Budget, year-end account and statement of account
  • Invoices, contracts, specifications and proof of payment
  • Section 20 notices and observations
  • Photographs with date, location and author
  • Relevant correspondence in chronological order
  • Alternative quotation or expert material, where proportionate
  • Payment history and credit notes
  • One evidence reference for each issue-schedule row

Manage the tribunal case

For a First-tier Tribunal (FTT) case, track directions, assemble the evidence bundle and prepare for the hearing.

5 tools
CSVDownloadable file

FTT bundle evidence-to-page map

Track what each source proves, where it belongs and its final start–end pages before cross-references are fixed.

DownloadFTT bundle evidence-to-page map
suggested wordingOn-page reference

Case-management / debarment wording

Neutral suggested wording for a proportionate Order 1 request—not a promise that debarment will follow.

View Case-management / debarment wording
  • The [party] was directed by paragraph [x] of the order dated [date] to [obligation] by [deadline].
  • The direction has not been complied with. The evidence is [short reference]. The default affects the fair disposal of the case because [specific effect].
  • On [date], [warning/reminder/opportunity] was given. The position at the date of this application is [status].
  • The applicant asks the Tribunal to direct [primary proportionate order]. If the Tribunal is not with the applicant on that request, the applicant asks alternatively for [short compliance order and consequence].
  • The application and attachments have been copied to every other party. The applicant will comply with all existing directions that remain possible.
outlineDownloadable file

FTT hearing notes

A printable outline for attendees, live issues, tribunal decisions and separate costs applications.

DownloadFTT hearing notes

Keep costs routes separate

Distinguish the available costs routes and connect conduct to additional work and evidence.

2 tools
checklistOn-page reference

Three costs routes prompt sheet

Keep fee reimbursement, section 20C/paragraph 5A and Rule 13 in separate boxes.

View Three costs routes prompt sheet
  • Tribunal fee reimbursement: amount paid, receipt, order requested
  • Section 20C: lease route for passing litigation costs through service charge; why just and equitable
  • Paragraph 5A: possible administration charge for litigation costs; order requested
  • Rule 13: conduct, no reasonable explanation, discretion, causation, amount
  • For each route: when and how the application must be made under the current rules/directions
CSVDownloadable file

Rule 13 causation schedule

Connect each alleged unreasonable act to the additional work and evidenced cost it caused.

DownloadRule 13 causation schedule

Read the decision and calculate

Separate findings from payment orders, then translate the decision into a checked repayment figure.

3 tools
checklistOn-page reference

FTT decision reading checklist

Classify determinations, payment words, fee orders, costs protection and appeal dates.

View FTT decision reading checklist
  • Date of hearing, decision and sending
  • Each section 27A determination
  • Any express words directing payment
  • Tribunal-fee reimbursement
  • Section 20C order
  • Paragraph 5A order
  • Rule 13 decision
  • Further directions
  • Review/appeal deadline and any stay
  • Calculation needed to translate findings into the account

Prepare the claim for issue

Complete the pre-action steps, choose the current issuing service and state the legal basis and amount.

5 tools
outlineDownloadable file

Money claim particulars outline

A checklist for stating the parties, binding findings, payments, legal basis, principal and interest.

DownloadMoney claim particulars outline
checklistDownloadable file

Online claim readiness check

Confirm the service, parties, legal basis, amount, pre-action steps and evidence before issue.

DownloadOnline claim readiness check

Answer the defence and prepare for hearing

Map each defence point to the answer and evidence, then prepare the witness and hearing documents.

6 tools
CSVDownloadable file

Defence response matrix

Map each defence point to what you admit or deny, the legal answer, the evidence and any change to the amount claimed.

DownloadDefence response matrix
CSVDownloadable file

Worked defence response

Two genericised rows based on the route and signed-document defences in the worked example.

DownloadWorked defence response
outlineDownloadable file

Witness statement outline

A chronological, evidence-referenced structure that separates observation, document and inference.

DownloadWitness statement outline
outlineDownloadable file

County Court witness statement model

A fresh structure for explaining the repayment, answering the defence, proving the calculation and referring to exhibits.

DownloadCounty Court witness statement model
outlineDownloadable file

Small-claim bundle index

A concise index for the claim and defence, court orders, FTT decisions, account evidence and calculation.

DownloadSmall-claim bundle index
outlineDownloadable file

County Court speaking note

Prompts for explaining the court route, FTT declarations, calculation, repeated issues and signed document.

DownloadCounty Court speaking note

Confirm payment or enforce

Record the order, check cleared payment and choose an enforcement method only if needed.

2 tools
checklistOn-page reference

Judgment and payment checklist

Record principal, interest, costs, due date, request, cleared receipt and balance.

View Judgment and payment checklist
  • Sealed judgment/order
  • Principal, interest and costs separated
  • Payment deadline and terms
  • Payment request and proof of delivery
  • Payment instruction or remittance advice
  • Cleared funds date and amount
  • Any shortfall or later interest
  • Account updated and file closed
checklistDownloadable file

Enforcement choice checklist

Select a method from current information about assets, employment, bank accounts and property.

DownloadEnforcement choice checklist