Counterclaim Against Landlord Small Claims Court

suzanne7474

Hi all, my landlord is trying to sue me, claiming I owe him a small amount of money (I don't, it's malicious). I would like to make a counterclaim for the damage caused to my decorations and property when he left the roof leaking for the best part of a year. He's using money claims online. I can't see an option to make a counterclaim. Am I not looking in the right place, or is it not possible and I'll have to make a separate claim? Anybody with experience of this?

lincroft1710

Unless the 2 claims are connected, you should make a separate claim. Making a counter claim when the original claim has no substance could be seen as vexatious.

martindow

Have you actually received notification of the claim from the court or is the LL sending letters?  If it's from the court you must file your defence by the date given there - if you don't he'll win by default.  If it is malicious as you say he will lose.  As has been mentioned, just defend the claim made and don't introduce other issues.

If on the other hand the LL is sending you letters directly it is probably best to ignore them.