Builders · Problems and disputes

Chasing unpaid invoices

A clear reminder is often enough. If not, there is a set process before court, and following it matters.

Information, not legal advice. This guide explains official rules in plain words for England, with links to the sources. Rules change and every job is different, so check the source or get advice for your situation. Last checked 24 October 2026.

1. Check your paperwork

Have the contract, quote, variation notes, invoices and photos ready. Make sure the amount you are chasing is clearly due under what was agreed.

2. Remind, then talk

Send a polite reminder with a copy of the invoice. If there is a complaint about the work, find out what it is and whether it can be fixed. Non-payment is sometimes really a dispute about quality or extras.

3. Letter before action

Before going to court, the courts expect both sides to exchange information and try to settle (Practice Direction on Pre-Action Conduct).

If you are a business claiming a debt from an individual (including a sole trader), the Pre-Action Protocol for Debt Claims applies (Protocol). Under it, the letter of claim should:

• state the amount owed and whether interest or charges are being added
• explain the agreement the debt comes from
• say how to pay, and how to discuss payment options
• enclose an up-to-date statement of account, the Information Sheet and Reply Form from the Protocol, and a Financial Statement form
• be dated at the top and posted on that day, or the next day

The debtor has 30 days from the date of the letter to reply. If they reply, you should not usually start a claim less than 30 days after receiving the reply. If they say they are getting debt advice, you must allow a reasonable time for that (Protocol).

4. Make a money claim

• You can make a claim online. Court fees are set by the amount, for example £35 for up to £300, £205 for £3,000.01 to £5,000, and £455 for £5,000.01 to £10,000 (GOV.UK).
• Claims of £10,000 or less normally go to the small claims track (GOV.UK; CPR 26.9).
• If a claim of £10,000 or less is disputed, both sides will be told to attend the free court mediation service (GOV.UK).
• If the customer does not respond, you can ask for a judgment (GOV.UK).

5. Judgment and enforcement

A county court judgment (CCJ) is recorded on the Register of Judgments, Orders and Fines for 6 years. If the debtor pays in full within one month, it can be removed. If they pay later, it is marked as satisfied (GOV.UK; Regulations).

If a judgment is not paid, you can ask the court to enforce it. Options include a warrant of control (bailiffs), an attachment of earnings order, freezing money in an account, and a charging order on the debtor's property (GOV.UK). Each step has a court fee.