Client won't pay? Steps for UK tradespeople

A tradesperson checking a phone beside a stack of paperwork on a workshop desk — Keep the invoice and payment reminders together.

1. Find out why

Ring before you write. If the client is unhappy about something specific - a snag, an extra they do not remember agreeing - you may be able to fix it, or at least get the rest paid. Ask them to pay the part that is not in dispute now.

2. Send a clear reminder

Send the invoice again with the due date, the amount and your bank details. Keep it polite and short. Then a second reminder a week later, saying when you will take the next step.

3. Send a letter before claim

If it is still not paid, send a formal letter before claim: what is owed, what it is for, copies of the quote, approvals and invoice, and a date to pay by. When the client is an individual, the court rules for debt claims expect you to give them 30 days to respond and include an information sheet and reply form. Many debts are paid at this stage.

Keep the signed quote, approved extras and photos together on each job.

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Interest on business clients

If the client is a business, you can usually claim statutory interest on a late payment at 8% plus the Bank of England base rate, and a fixed sum for the cost of chasing it - unless your contract sets a different rate. This does not apply to homeowners; for them, interest only applies if your terms say so.

4. Mediation or a court claim

In England and Wales you can claim money owed through the county court, online through GOV.UK. Claims up to £10,000 usually go to the small claims track, which is designed for people without lawyers. Mediation is often quicker and cheaper and is worth trying first. Scotland and Northern Ireland have their own processes.

Your case is only as strong as your paperwork: the signed quote, written approval for each extra, dated photos, and invoices that match.

A list of extra work items in JobGuard, each marked approved by the client with a date — Every extra with the client's approval and the date it was given - the record you want if a payment is disputed.

Prevent the next one

Stage payments, so you are never owed much at once - see how much deposit to take
A written yes for every extra before you start it - see charging for extra work
Invoices sent the day each stage is finished
Photos of anything you uncover, before it is covered up

General information for England and Wales, not legal or tax advice. For your own situation, speak to a solicitor, accountant or Citizens Advice.

Questions

Can I take materials back if the client does not pay?

Do not remove anything from a client's home without legal advice. It can put you in the wrong even when you are owed money.

Can I charge interest to a homeowner?

Only if your terms, agreed before the job, say so. Statutory late payment interest applies to business clients.

Is it worth going to court for a small amount?

Often the letter before claim is enough. For small claims the court process is designed to be used without a solicitor, but it takes time, so weigh it up.

What to do when a client will not pay