A household that is owed money after a boiler job, and cannot reach agreement with the installer, can apply to a county court. This guide summarises GOV.UK’s guide “Make a court claim for money”, which covers England and Wales; Scotland and Northern Ireland have different processes. It explains the process only, not whether a particular claim would succeed, and it is general information, not legal advice.

What a court claim is

GOV.UK says a person can apply to a county court to claim money owed by a person or business, and that this is known as making a court claim, which used often to be called taking someone to a ‘small claims court’. The application can be made online or by post. GOV.UK also notes that mediation could be quicker and cheaper than going to court, and that there is a different process to make a court claim in Scotland and in Northern Ireland.

The legal grounds for a claim about a boiler, such as the remedies for poor workmanship, are covered separately in the guides to workmanship under the Consumer Rights Act and remedies for a new boiler that develops a fault. Time limits are explained in the guide to limitation periods.

Making the claim

GOV.UK says a claim can be made online unless the claimant does not know how much money to claim, is claiming for more than one person or organisation, is claiming against three or more people or organisations, or the parties do not have an address in England or Wales, or the claim is against a government department. Those claims must be made by post using paper claim form N1. The online service asks for the name, address and email address of the person being claimed against, and a debit or credit card to pay the court fee, or a ‘help with fees’ reference number. GOV.UK adds that a claim cannot be made against someone protected by the ‘Breathing Space’ scheme, and that legal advice may be needed if the claim is complex.

Court fees

The fee depends on the amount claimed. GOV.UK’s fee table lists:

• up to £300: £35;
• £300.01 to £500: £50;
• £500.01 to £1,000: £70;
• £1,000.01 to £1,500: £80;
• £1,500.01 to £3,000: £115;
• £3,000.01 to £5,000: £205;
• £5,000.01 to £10,000: £455;
• £10,000.01 to £200,000: 5% of the claim.

The guide says more fees may be payable later, for example if there is a hearing or a judgment must be enforced, that a claimant who wins may be able to claim the fees back, and that help with fees is available for people on a low income or certain benefits. A claimant who does not know the exact amount must use the paper form and estimate.

What happens after you claim

The claim, including the claimant’s name and address, is sent to the defendant, who must respond by a date the claimant is told. If the defendant does not respond or refuses to pay what is owed, the claimant can ask the court to order payment by requesting a judgment. If the defendant says they do not owe the money, disagrees with the amount, or the claimant does not agree with an offered repayment plan, there might be a hearing, and the court may send a questionnaire that carries an extra fee. Anyone who is paid should tell the defendant and update the claim.

Mediation

GOV.UK says that in a claim of £10,000 or less that the defendant disputes, the claimant is told they must attend mediation, organised by the court at no charge. For a mediator from HM Courts and Tribunals Service the appointment is by telephone and lasts up to one hour. If a claim is for more than £10,000 the court may offer mediation, and independent mediation can be arranged for a claim of any amount for a fixed fee. An agreement reached is legally binding, and if no agreement is reached there is a hearing, with no longer wait for the hearing because of the mediation. A party who is told to attend and does not, or makes no effort to agree, can face sanctions, including having the case struck out or paying all court costs even if they win.

The hearing and afterwards

At a hearing the claimant can represent themselves, pay a barrister or solicitor, or ask someone to advise or speak for them, which may need the court’s permission. A claim for less than £10,000 can be heard in the judge’s room or a courtroom in a county court, and a more formal hearing is possible for larger claims. A decision is given on the day and posted. A person who thinks the judge made a mistake must appeal within 21 days of receiving the decision. If the losing side ignores an order to pay, GOV.UK says there are ways the court can collect the money, described in its guide to enforcing a judgment.

FAQs

Is a court claim the first step in a boiler dispute?

GOV.UK says mediation could be quicker and cheaper than going to court. A complaint to the installer and the routes in the guide to complaining about a boiler installation are covered separately.

Does this apply in Scotland or Northern Ireland?

No. GOV.UK says there is a different process in Scotland and in Northern Ireland.

Can the court fee be recovered?

GOV.UK says a claimant who wins may be able to claim the fees back.

The bottom line

In England and Wales a household owed money by a boiler installer can apply to a county court online or by post. The fee rises with the amount claimed, disputed claims of £10,000 or less go to free court mediation, and a decision at a hearing can be appealed within 21 days. GOV.UK notes that mediation can be quicker and cheaper than court. This is general information, not legal advice.

Sources

This guide draws on the following primary sources, current as of 25 September 2026:

• GOV.UK, “Make a court claim for money”
• GOV.UK, “Make a court claim for money: Make a claim”
• GOV.UK, “Make a court claim for money: Court fees”
• GOV.UK, “Make a court claim for money: Resolve your claim through mediation”
• GOV.UK, “Make a court claim for money: What happens at the hearing”

Related guides

Best Boiler Deals is an independent guide. We may earn a fee from some links; this never affects what we write. This article is general information, not regulated advice on any specific installation — always confirm the details with a Gas Safe registered engineer.