What’s the fastest way to get money back from a tradesperson?

If you booked through a platform with a service guarantee, that is usually fastest — resolution in days rather than weeks. Otherwise a card chargeback is typically the quickest external route.

How much can I claim in the small claims court?

Up to £10,000 in England and Wales, £5,000 under Scotland’s simple procedure, and £3,000 in Northern Ireland. Above these limits the case moves to a different, costlier track.

Do I need a solicitor to claim against a tradesperson?

No. The small claims track is designed for people to represent themselves, and chargebacks, Section 75 claims, and platform guarantees require no lawyer at all.

What evidence do I need to claim?

Dated photos or video of the problem, the original quote or scope description, all written communications, and proof of payment. Contemporaneous evidence created at the time carries the most weight.

How to Claim Against a Tradesperson UK: Get Your Money Back (2026)

The escalation ladder

Claiming successfully is about using the cheapest, fastest route that works — and only climbing the ladder when a rung fails. Don’t jump straight to court; courts are the last rung, not the first.

Rung 1 — Formal written complaint

Email or message the trader describing the problem, referencing the agreed scope, and stating what you want — completion, a re-do, or a refund — with a deadline. Under the Consumer Rights Act 2015 they are entitled to one reasonable opportunity to put it right, so this step is both fair and legally important.

Rung 2 — Card protections

Chargeback

For debit or credit card payments, ask your bank to reverse the transaction for services not provided or not as described. Time limits are typically 120 days from the expected service date.

Section 75

For single purchases over £100 (and up to £30,000) paid wholly or partly on a credit card, the card issuer is jointly and severally liable with the trader for breach of contract.

Rung 3 — Platform service guarantee

If you booked through a platform that offers a service guarantee, this is often the fastest and least adversarial route. Booking through Gera platforms attaches a signed action receipt and an Action Warranty to eligible jobs, so a documented failure is reviewed within 24 hours and resolved with a rebook or capped refund. You skip the letters and the wait.

Rung 4 — Trade bodies and ombudsmen

Gas work: Gas Safe Register for registered installers.
General building: TrustMark, FMB (Federation of Master Builders), or the relevant competent-person scheme.
Many schemes run free dispute-resolution services and can apply pressure a court can’t.

Rung 5 — Small claims court

For claims up to £10,000 in England and Wales (£5,000 in Scotland’s simple procedure, £3,000 in Northern Ireland), use the official online money claim service. Court fees are modest and scale with the claim. Strong evidence — photos, the quote, written exchanges — wins these cases.

Tip: send a “letter before action” first. Many traders settle once they receive formal notice that you intend to file a court claim.

How to Claim Against a Tradesperson in the UK