Facing a Housing Dispute as a Litigant in Person: What I’ve Learnt and What You Need to Know

Representing yourself in court is never easy. Housing disputes are emotional, complicated, and often tied to the most personal part of our lives — our home. Having recently attended a small‑claims housing hearing I want to share practical guidance for anyone preparing to step into court alone.

1. Preparation Is Everything

When you’re a litigant in person, preparation is your greatest defence. Judges understand that you’re not legally trained, but they will still expect you to bring evidence, understand the basics of your case, and be ready to explain your position clearly.

You should:

• Gather all key documents: tenancy agreement, letters/emails, rent statements, notices, receipts, photographs, repair requests, enforcement paperwork, witness statements.
• Create a timeline of events. Judges love timelines — they help cut through confusion.
• Bring two copies of everything: one for you, one for the judge. Do not assume the claimant has provided you with their bundle.
• If the claimant served a bundle late — or you never received it — say so immediately at the start of the hearing.
• Highlight what you agree and dispute. A judge will appreciate clarity.

Housing cases often turn on small details such as dates, payment records, or notices served correctly — so having your papers ready can make a huge difference.

2. Stay Focused on the Legal Issues, Not Just the Emotions

It’s natural to feel emotional, especially where eviction, arrears, or belongings are involved. But the judge must decide the case based on the law, not sympathy.

Ask yourself:

• What does my tenancy agreement say?
• What exactly is the claimant alleging?
• What evidence do I have to support my version of events?
• What are the legal requirements for notice, enforcement, bailiffs, or rent arrears in my situation?

If something unfair happened — for example, belongings lost, bailiff breaches, incorrect notices — be factual, not emotional:
“On [date], bailiffs removed items without providing an inventory. I had no opportunity to recover them. This is relevant because…”

Keep linking everything back to the legal issue.

3. If You Are Asked: “Why Should You Not Have to Pay Costs?”

This is a question many litigants in person panic about. Costs in the small‑claims track are usually limited, but judges often ask for your circumstances before deciding whether to award certain fees or allow instalment payments.

Here’s how to answer calmly and effectively:

a) Explain your financial situation clearly
You are not expected to disclose every detail, just enough to show hardship:
“I am currently not working / I am a carer / I have limited income and dependants. Paying a large sum upfront would cause significant financial hardship.”

b) Show that you engaged reasonably with the process
Judges care about conduct:
“I attended the hearing, cooperated fully, and acted in good faith. Any delay or misunderstanding was not intentional.”

c) Highlight any procedural disadvantages
If you never received the bundle or had no legal support:
“I was unrepresented and did not receive the claimant’s bundle in advance. This placed me at a disadvantage.”

d) Explain the proportionality
Costs should be fair and proportionate:
“The costs requested are disproportionate to the amounts in dispute and beyond what is typical for the small‑claims track.”

e) Offer a realistic payment plan if the judge is minded to order costs
“I can afford only £X per month without falling into further hardship.”

This shows responsibility, not avoidance.

4. What I Would Advise Any Self‑Represented Person Going Into a Housing Hearing

• Arrive early and bring a notebook.
• Ask the judge if you don’t understand something — they will explain.
• If the claimant’s representative cannot prove authority, the court can ask for written confirmation.
• If the bundle is missing or inconsistent, raise it politely.
• Stick to facts — dates, payments, documents.
• Don’t be afraid to say:
“I am a litigant in person. Please may I refer to my notes?”
• If overwhelmed, ask:
“May I take a moment to gather my thoughts?”
• If you dispute the amount, be clear on why — what is incorrect, missing, or not contractually justified.
• If bailiff conduct is relevant, describe exactly what happened.
• If the landlord or claimant took action without proper notice or procedures, state that calmly.
• Always ask for time to pay if needed:
“Could the court consider instalments due to my financial circumstances?”

5. A Final Thought

Going to court without a lawyer feels daunting, but many people do it successfully. Judges are used to litigants in person and will often guide the process gently — as long as you stay focused, prepared, and respectful.

Your voice is valid. Your experience matters. And with the right preparation, you can present your case clearly and confidently.

Also don’t forget your counterclaim… notes from hearing, courtroom 14b, DJ Gooding on 24 /01/26 at MCJC.