County Court Claim Form Guide UKCounty Court Claim Form Guide UK
Not sure which county court claim form to use? This guide explains Form N1, N5, and N5B — so you file the right claim the first time.
Which County Court Claim Form Do You Need?
Form N1
Money claims only
- • Unpaid rent after tenant left
- • Property damage costs
- • Deposit shortfall
- • Utility bills owed
Form N5
Standard possession
- • Section 8 eviction
- • Grounds-based claims
- • Can include money claim
- • Requires court hearing
Form N5B
Accelerated possession
- • Section 21 eviction only
- • No court hearing needed
- • Paper-based decision
- • Cannot claim money
Understanding County Court Claim Forms
As a landlord, you may need to use the county court to recover money owed by a tenant or to regain possession of your property. The court system uses specific forms for different types of claims, and using the wrong form will delay your case or result in rejection.
This guide covers the three main county court claim forms landlords use: Form N1 for money claims, Form N5 for standard possession, and Form N5B for accelerated possession. Understanding which form applies to your situation is the first step to a successful claim.
Form N1: Money Claims
Form N1 is the standard claim form for recovering money through the county court. Landlords typically use this when:
- Tenant has already left — You need to recover unpaid rent, damages, or other costs
- Deposit doesn't cover costs — The deposit was insufficient for the damage or arrears
- Former tenant owes money — Chasing debt after the tenancy ended
- Guarantor claim — Pursuing a guarantor for the tenant's debts
You can file N1 claims online through Money Claim Online (MCOL) at moneyclaims.service.gov.uk for claims up to £100,000. Online filing is cheaper (reduced court fees) and faster than postal applications.
N1 Court Fees (Online via MCOL)
Form N5: Standard Possession Claims
Form N5 is used when you want to regain possession of your property through the court. This is the standard route for:
- Section 8 evictions — Grounds-based possession (rent arrears, breach, ASB)
- Section 21 with money claim — If you need possession AND want to claim arrears
- Complex cases — Where a hearing is beneficial to present your case
N5 claims always require a court hearing, where a judge reviews the evidence and makes a decision. This takes longer than accelerated possession but allows you to claim money at the same time and is required for Section 8 notices.
Form N5B: Accelerated Possession
Form N5B is the fastest route to possession — but it's only available for Section 21 (no-fault) evictions. Key characteristics:
- Paper-based decision — Usually no court hearing required
- Faster timeline — Typically 6-8 weeks vs 10-12 weeks for N5
- Section 21 only — Cannot be used for Section 8 grounds
- No money claim — You must file separately for arrears (Form N1)
The accelerated procedure works because Section 21 is a "no-fault" notice — the court only checks whether your notice was valid, not whether eviction is reasonable. If your Section 21 is valid, the court must grant possession.
Important: N5B Requirements
To use Form N5B, you must have a valid Section 21 notice, an assured shorthold tenancy, a written tenancy agreement, and full compliance with deposit protection, gas safety, EPC, and How to Rent requirements. Any defect may result in the claim being transferred to the standard track (N5).
How to Complete County Court Claim Forms
Regardless of which form you use, the key sections are similar:
Claimant Details
Your full name and address as the landlord (or managing agent details if applicable).
Defendant Details
Tenant's full name and last known address. For former tenants, use their new address if known.
Particulars of Claim
A clear statement of what you're claiming and why. Include dates, amounts, and relevant facts.
Statement of Truth
Your signature confirming the facts stated are true. False statements can be contempt of court.
Evidence Required for Court Claims
Strong evidence is essential for a successful claim. Gather these documents before filing:
For Money Claims (N1)
- • Signed tenancy agreement
- • Rent schedule showing arrears
- • Bank statements showing non-payment
- • All demand letters sent
- • Photos of property damage
- • Repair invoices/quotes
- • Correspondence with tenant
For Possession Claims (N5/N5B)
- • Valid eviction notice (S21 or S8)
- • Proof of service (signature/receipt)
- • Tenancy agreement
- • Deposit protection certificate
- • Gas safety certificate
- • EPC certificate
- • How to Rent guide (proof given)
Timeline: What Happens After You File
File your claim
Submit form with court fee. Court issues claim number.
Court serves defendant
Tenant receives claim pack with response forms.
Response deadline
14 days to respond (money) or 14-28 days (possession).
Judgment or hearing
Default judgment if no response, or hearing date set.
Frequently Asked Questions
Get Court-Ready Documents
Our packs include pre-filled court forms, evidence checklists, and step-by-step filing instructions.
All Court Forms Included • Witness Statements • Step-by-Step Guide
For general information only. This page provides educational content about UK landlord law and is not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change over time. For advice specific to your situation, consult a qualified solicitor.
Related Resources
Last updated: January 2026. Court fees and procedures are reviewed regularly. Always check the latest fees on the GOV.UK court fees page.