Legal notice
This is a free information tool operated by an AI model. It explains the law and the procedure and helps you organise your own documents. All of its outputs are produced automatically by an AI model, with no involvement, review, or approval by an advocate. The output is not legal advice and not a legal opinion, but a general explanation and a template only: it does not read the full file of your matter, does not check current case law, and does not examine your specific circumstances. An AI model may err, omit data, or present a wrong conclusion.
Any text this tool drafts is an automatic draft for your personal preparation only. It is not a document prepared by an advocate and must not be relied on as evidence. This tool is not a substitute for advice that takes account of the particular circumstances and needs of each person. Before starting proceedings, signing a document, or filing with an authority or a court, consult an advocate. All use of its output is the user's sole responsibility.
Instructions
Step 1: What Qualifies for Small Claims Court
Small claims court (Beit Mishpat LeTvi'ot Ktanot) is a division of the Magistrate Court (Beit Mishpat Shalom) designed for simple, low-value disputes:
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Maximum claim amount | NIS 39,900 (Jan 2026, updated periodically) |
| Filing fee | 1% of the claim rounded up to a multiple of NIS 5, minimum NIS 50 |
| Lawyer representation | Only with the court's leave, for special reasons (Courts Law s.63(a)); with court approval and a power of attorney, a person who does not represent regularly, in the course of business or for pay may represent a party (s.63(b)) |
| Who can be a plaintiff | Only an individual (including an osek murshe/patur); a company, partnership, or association cannot be a plaintiff (but can be a defendant) |
| Max claims per plaintiff | If the plaintiff already filed more than 5 claims that year in the same court, the judge may decline to hear the claim and transfer it to the Magistrate Court |
| Legal entities | Individuals file; companies and businesses can be sued as defendants |
| Appeals | By leave only: a request for leave to appeal (bakashat reshut irur) to the District Court |
Types of claims accepted:
| Claim Type | Hebrew | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Monetary claims (Tvi'a Kaspeet) | Monetary claim | Unpaid debts, refund demands, damage compensation |
| Product replacement or repair | Product replacement or repair | Defective products, warranty claims |
| Transaction cancellation | Transaction cancellation | Cancel a purchase and get refund |
| Service disputes | Service disputes | Poor workmanship, incomplete service |
| Deposit return | Deposit refund | Unreturned rental deposits |
| Property damage | Property damage | Damage caused by others to your property |
| Insurance payout refused | Claim against an insurance company | An insurer that did not pay insurance money owed |
| Defamation, spam, discrimination at entry | Defamation, spam, discrimination at entry | Compensation claims Kol Zchut lists as typical small claims; a public body can also be sued |
What CANNOT be filed in small claims:
| Exclusion | Reason |
|---|---|
| Claims over NIS 39,900 | Exceeds jurisdiction; file in Magistrate Court |
| Real estate ownership disputes | Requires Magistrate or District Court |
| Family law matters | Handled by Family Court (Beit Mishpat LeMishpacha) |
| Criminal complaints | Handled by criminal courts or police |
| Class actions | The court hears a civil claim filed by an individual (Courts Law s.60(a)), so a class action cannot be filed here |
Step 2: Filing Process
How to file a small claims case in Israel:
| Step | Hebrew | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Determine jurisdiction | Determination of local jurisdiction | File where the defendant lives or has a place of business, or where the act or omission you are suing over happened (internet publication or commerce claims: see the jurisdiction table below) |
| 2. Prepare the claim | Preparation of the statement of claim | Use the online structured form, or draft a claim with the contents required by reg. 3 (the official Form 1 was repealed for proceedings opened from 11.4.2025) |
| 3. Calculate filing fee | Fee calculation | 1% of claim amount, rounded up to a multiple of NIS 5, minimum NIS 50 |
| 4. Submit the claim | Filing the claim | Online through the Judicial Authority site (national digital identification, from a computer rather than a phone, PDF attachments up to 30 MB in total), or on paper at the court clerk's office in 3 full copies (plus one more for each additional defendant) |
| 5. Court sends summons | The court sends a summons | The court sends the hearing summons to both parties by registered mail with delivery confirmation, and the defendant also gets a copy of the claim |
| 6. Verify service (plaintiff's duty) | Service under the plaintiff's responsibility | At least 60 days before the hearing, check Net HaMishpat / the national service center that the defendant actually received the claim + summons. If it has not been served by 60 days before the hearing, YOU must serve it at least 40 days before the hearing and file proof of service (ishur mesira). Without proof of service the judge cannot hear the case and your claim can be struck |
| 7. Defendant responds | The defendant responds | 30 days from service to file a defense (ktav hagana), in 3 copies, at the clerk's office, on Net HaMishpat or by mail (not by fax). A missing defense does not guarantee a win: the regulations allow judgment on the claim alone, but in practice the court usually still lets the defendant argue at the hearing |
| 8. Hearing scheduled | Setting a hearing date | Court sets hearing date; defendant is summoned to appear on the date noted in the summons |
Filing fee calculation:
| Claim Amount | Filing Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Up to NIS 5,000 | NIS 50 | Minimum fee |
| Above NIS 5,000 up to NIS 39,900 | 1% of claim amount, then rounded up | Rounded UP to a multiple of NIS 5 (a NIS 8,123 claim pays NIS 85, not NIS 81) |
| Counterclaim or third-party notice | Same calculation | Regulation 6 charges the fee on every claim (a counterclaim counts as a claim) and on every third-party notice |
| Cannot afford the fee | Exemption request | File a fee-exemption request form at the court clerk's office or on Net HaMishpat |
Where to file (jurisdiction rules):
| Scenario | File At |
|---|---|
| General rule (reg. 2(a)) | Where the defendant (or one of the defendants) lives or has a place of business, OR where the act or omission you are suing over happened. Applies even if a contract names a different court |
| Internet publication or online commerce (reg. 2(b)) | ONLY where the defendant OR the plaintiff lives or has a place of business (the place-of-act option does not apply) |
| Consumer, landlord-tenant, service disputes | No special rule: use the general rule (e.g. the landlord's or business's residence or place of business, or where the breach happened). The location of the rented property is not a ground by itself |
| Counterclaim | The court where the original claim was filed |
| Not sure which court covers a locality | Judicial Authority information center *3852 |
Required information on the claim form:
| Field | Hebrew | What to Include |
|---|---|---|
| Plaintiff details (Tove'a) | Plaintiff | Full name, Teudat Zehut, address, phone, email |
| Defendant details (Nitba) | Defendant | Full name, Teudat Zehut or company number (if known), address |
| Claim amount (S'chum HaTvi'a) | Claim amount | Exact amount in NIS, with breakdown |
| Factual description (Teur HaUvdot) | Description of the facts | Clear, chronological account of what happened |
| Legal basis (Ilat HaTvi'a) | Cause of action | Why you are entitled to the claimed amount |
| Evidence list (Reshimat Ra'ayot) | List of evidence | List of documents relied on; attach them all at filing (a document not attached needs the court's leave) |
| Place of the act or omission, relief sought | Place of the act or omission, the remedy | Where it happened and what you ask for |
| Witness list | List of witnesses | Witnesses you intend to bring |
| Hearing preference | Preferred hearing format | Whether you prefer a video hearing or a decision on the papers |
| Claims filed last year | Number of small claims in the past year | How many small claims you filed in the past year |
| Truth declaration | Statement of truth | Declaration that the contents are true or to the best of your knowledge, stating the source of that knowledge |
| Length | Length | The body of the claim may not exceed 5 pages (proceedings opened from 11.4.2025) |
Step 3: Preparing Your Case
Evidence and documentation are critical for success in small claims court:
| Evidence Type | Hebrew | How to Use |
|---|---|---|
| Written contract (Chozeh) | Contract | Original or certified copy showing agreement terms |
| Receipts and invoices (Kabbalot v'Cheshboniot) | Receipts and invoices | Proof of payment, amounts, dates |
| Photographs (Tzmunot) | Photographs | Document damage, product condition, property state |
| Text messages / emails (Hodaot / Doa'r Electroni) | Messages / email | Communication trail showing dispute history |
| Expert opinion (Chovat Da'at Moomcheh) | Expert opinion | Professional assessment of damage or defect |
| Witness statements (Eduyot) | Testimonies | Written or oral testimony from witnesses |
| Official records | Official records | Government documents, police reports if relevant |
Evidence preparation tips:
| Tip | Details |
|---|---|
| Organize chronologically | Present events in order with clear dates |
| Make copies | 3 copies of everything: court, defendant, yourself |
| Highlight key points | Mark important sections in contracts and correspondence |
| Create a summary timeline | One-page chronology of events for the judge |
| Bring originals | Court may want to see original documents |
| Prepare a demand letter (Mikhtav Drishah) | Send to defendant before filing; shows good faith effort |
Sending a demand letter (Mikhtav Drishah) before filing:
| Element | Details |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Shows you attempted to resolve the dispute before court |
| Send method | Registered mail (Do'ar Rashum) for proof of delivery |
| Content | State claim, amount, and a payment deadline you choose (a practical choice, not a legal rule) |
| Legal effect | Not required, but judges look favorably on plaintiffs who tried to settle |
| Timeline | Give the recipient reasonable time to answer before filing; no statutory waiting period applies |
Step 4: The Hearing Process
What to expect at the small claims court hearing:
| Phase | Hebrew | What Happens |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Check-in | Registration | Arrive early, check in at court clerk's office (mazkiru't) |
| 2. Mediation offer (Gishur) | Mediation proposal | Court may offer mediation before hearing; voluntary |
| Format | Hearing format | The court decides whether to hear the case in person, by video or phone call, or to decide on the written pleadings |
| Compromise under s.79A(a) | Compromise under section 79A(a) | The judge may ask both sides to consent to a ruling at the court's discretion, on the documents in the file and without reasons. Faster, but it cannot be appealed (Kol Zchut), and you do not have to agree |
| 3. Judge opens hearing | The judge opens the hearing | Judge verifies parties' identity, explains procedure |
| 4. Plaintiff presents case (Tove'a) | The plaintiff presents | Present your claim, evidence, and arguments |
| 5. Defendant responds (Nitba) | The defendant responds | Defendant presents defense and counter-evidence |
| 6. Questions from judge | Questions from the judge | Judge may ask clarifying questions to both parties |
| 7. Witnesses (if any) | Witnesses (if any) | Each side may call witnesses; judge may question them |
| 8. Summary arguments | Closing arguments | Brief final statements from each party |
| 9. Judgment (Psak Din) | Judgment | Given at the end of the hearing; the court may defer it by up to 7 days |
Practical hearing tips:
| Tip | Details |
|---|---|
| Dress appropriately | Business casual; show respect for the court |
| Be concise | Judges appreciate brief, clear presentations |
| Stick to facts | Avoid emotional arguments; focus on evidence |
| Address the judge | "Kvod HaShofet" (Your Honor) |
| Bring all documents | Organized in a folder, tabbed for easy reference |
| Arrive early | At least 30 minutes before scheduled time |
| Be respectful to opponent | Judges notice hostile or aggressive behavior |
| Accept mediation if offered | Often results in faster, mutually acceptable resolution |
If a party does not appear (works both ways):
| Scenario | Result |
|---|---|
| Defendant absent (notice of the hearing duly given) | Judge gives judgment on the statement of claim once the plaintiff affirms its truth (reg. 11); a defendant with a justified reason can ask to set it aside within 30 days of being served the decision (reg. 12) |
| Defendant requested postponement | Judge may reschedule |
| Plaintiff absent, defendant present | The claim is DISMISSED (tidache, reg. 11), which is worse than being struck |
| Neither party appears | The claim is struck (timachek, reg. 11) |
| Plaintiff cannot prove the defendant was served | The judge cannot hear the case and the claim can be struck, even if the defendant is the one who never showed |
Step 5: Judgments and Enforcement
After the hearing, understanding the judgment and enforcement process:
| Outcome | Hebrew | What It Means |
|---|---|---|
| Judgment for plaintiff | Judgment in favor of the plaintiff | Defendant ordered to pay the claimed amount (or part) |
| Judgment for defendant | Judgment in favor of the defendant | Claim dismissed; plaintiff may owe court costs |
| Costs | Legal costs | The loser usually pays the winner's costs, typically about NIS 300-400 (sometimes more); a winning plaintiff is usually, not always, repaid the filing fee |
| Compromise (Psharah) | Compromise | Agreed settlement recorded as judgment |
| Partial judgment | Partial judgment | Some claims granted, others denied |
Enforcement through Hotza'a LaPo'al (Execution Office):
| Step | Hebrew | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Payment not made | The payment was not made | If the defendant does not pay as the judgment requires, you can apply to the Execution Office |
| 2. Open execution file (Tik Hotza'a LaPo'al) | Opening an enforcement office file | File at the Execution Office with the judgment |
| 3. Execution Office sends warning | The enforcement office sends a warning | The debtor is served a warning (azhara) and has 20 days from service to pay or to apply for an installments order (Execution Law s.7) |
| 4. Enforcement measures | Enforcement measures | Wage garnishment, bank seizure, property liens |
| 5. Travel restriction (Ikov Yetzi'a) | Travel ban | The Execution Office registrar can order a travel ban if the debtor is about to leave Israel without paying, but NOT where the debtor's total adjudged debts in execution files are under NIS 50,000 (Execution Law s.14(e)(1)), so a single small-claims judgment alone cannot support one |
Enforcement costs and timelines:
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Opening fee | A small opening fee applies; check the current amount on the Enforcement and Collection Authority site before filing, as it is updated periodically |
| Lawyer for enforcement | Optional; many handle enforcement themselves |
| Warning period | 20 days from service of the Execution Office warning, before enforcement measures |
| Statute of limitations on enforcement | 25 years for court judgments |
Appeal options (very limited in small claims):
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Who can appeal | Losing party |
| Appeal to | District Court (Beit Mishpat Mechozi) |
| Grounds | Leave is discretionary; there is no appeal as of right |
| Timeline | 30 days from the date the judgment was given (15 days for proceedings opened before 11 Apr 2025); if it was not given in the parties' presence, count from the day it was served (reg. 16A(a)) |
| Fee | NIS 588 for a leave-to-appeal request on a small claims judgment (2026 court fees notice) |
| Not appealable | A judgment given by way of compromise under section 79A(a) of the Courts Law |
| Permission required | Must request leave to appeal (bakashat reshut irur) |
| Success rate | Low; small claims judgments are rarely overturned |
Step 6: Common Case Types
Typical small claims cases and their specific considerations:
Consumer disputes (Sichsuchey Tzrachnut):
| Situation | Key Evidence | Legal Basis |
|---|---|---|
| Defective product (Mutzar Pagum) | Purchase receipt, photos of defect, warranty | Consumer Protection Law (Chok Haganat HaTzarchan) |
| Unauthorized charges | Bank statements, correspondence with company | Contract law, consumer protection |
| Failed service | Contract, photos of poor work, expert opinion | Contract law, service agreements |
| Online purchase issues | Order confirmation, screenshots, delivery records | Consumer Protection Law s.14C (distance sale) |
Landlord-tenant disputes (Sichsuchey Mashkir-Socher):
| Situation | Key Evidence | Legal Basis |
|---|---|---|
| Unreturned deposit (Pikadon) | Lease contract, move-in photos, receipts | Fair Rental Law, contract terms |
| Repair disputes | Photos, written requests to landlord, repair invoices | Fair Rental Law, landlord obligations |
| Illegal eviction | Lease contract, communication records | Tenant rights, contract law |
| Unpaid rent (landlord filing) | Lease contract, bank records, demand letters | Contract law |
Service provider disputes:
| Situation | Key Evidence | Legal Basis |
|---|---|---|
| Home renovation issues | Contract, photos (before/after), expert opinion | Contract law, consumer protection |
| Moving company damage | Inventory list, photos of damaged items, insurance | Contract law, bailment |
| Auto repair disputes | Work order, invoices, independent mechanic opinion | Consumer protection, contract |
| Professional services | Engagement letter, correspondence, deliverables | Contract law |
Filing tips by case type:
| Case Type | Recommended Preparation |
|---|---|
| Consumer | Gather all receipts, warranty documents, and complaint correspondence. Send demand letter citing Consumer Protection Law. |
| Landlord-tenant | Compile lease, move-in/move-out photos, all written communications. Reference Fair Rental Law provisions. |
| Service | Document the contract terms, what was promised vs. delivered, and get an independent expert opinion if applicable. |
| Debt collection | Show proof of debt (contract, invoices), demand letters sent, and any partial payments received. |
Examples
Example 1: Filing for Unreturned Rental Deposit
Input: "My landlord won't return my NIS 8,000 deposit after the lease ended 3 months ago. What do I do?" Output: Walk through the process: First, send a demand letter (mikhtav drishah) via registered mail giving the landlord a reasonable deadline you choose (for example 14 days) to return the deposit. If no response, file a small claims case. The claim is well within the NIS 39,900 limit. Filing fee: 1% of NIS 8,000 = NIS 80. File where the landlord lives or has a place of business, or where the failure to return the deposit happened. Prepare evidence: lease contract showing deposit terms, move-in and move-out photos, any communication about the deposit, and proof of the 60-day return period from the Fair Rental Law. The landlord must justify any deductions with documentation.
Example 2: Defective Product Claim
Input: "I bought a NIS 3,500 washing machine that broke after 2 months and the store refuses to fix or replace it." Output: Explain consumer rights: a washing machine failing after 2 months may point to a defect the seller is responsible for; check the warranty terms and the relevant consumer and sale law (the Israel Law MCP helps). Steps: (1) Send a formal demand letter to the store. (2) If no resolution, file in the small claims court for the store's place of business, or where the act or omission happened (if the purchase was online, only the store's or your own residence or place of business, reg. 2(b)). Filing fee: NIS 50 (minimum). Evidence needed: purchase receipt, warranty card, photos or video of the malfunction, any correspondence with the store, and if possible a technician's report confirming the defect.
Example 3: Self-Representation at the Hearing
Input: "I have a small claims hearing next week, how do I prepare?" Output: Preparation checklist: (1) Organize all evidence in a folder with tabs and three copies (judge, defendant, yourself). (2) Write a brief timeline of events on one page. (3) Prepare a 3-5 minute opening statement covering: what happened, what you tried to resolve, and what you are claiming. (4) Anticipate the defendant's arguments and prepare counter-points. (5) Bring witnesses if applicable (notify them of the date). (6) Dress in business casual. (7) Arrive 30 minutes early to check in at the mazkirut (clerk's office). (8) Address the judge as "Kvod HaShofet." (9) Stay calm, be concise, and focus on facts, not emotions. (10) If the court offers mediation (gishur), consider accepting if a reasonable compromise is possible.
Example 4: Enforcing a Judgment
Input: "I won my small claims case but the defendant hasn't paid. What now?" Output: Explain the enforcement process: if the defendant has not paid as the judgment requires, open an execution file (tik hotza'a lapo'al) at the nearest Execution Office. Bring the original judgment and your identification. Pay the opening fee (a small fee; check the current amount on the Enforcement and Collection Authority site). The Execution Office will serve the defendant a warning notice (azhara), which gives 20 days from service to pay or apply for an installments order. If the defendant still does not pay, enforcement measures include: wage garnishment (ikul mishkoret), bank account seizure (ikul cheshbon bank), and property liens (shi'abud). A travel ban needs total adjudged debts of at least NIS 50,000, so it is not available on this judgment alone. Many defendants pay after receiving the Execution Office warning.
Bundled Resources
References
references/demand-letter-template.md-- Bilingual (Hebrew and English) template for a pre-suit demand letter (michtav hatra'a) with field placeholders, customization guidance by case type (rental deposit, consumer, service, debt), and delivery method recommendations. Consult when a user needs to draft a demand letter before filing a small claims case.references/evidence-guide.md-- Guide on what evidence to collect (documents, electronic communications, photos, expert opinions, witness statements) and how to present it in court. Includes evidence binder organization, common mistakes, and evidence-by-case-type checklists. Consult when a user is preparing evidence for a small claims hearing.
Scripts
scripts/filing-fee-calculator.py-- Calculates the filing fee based on claim amount (1% of claim rounded up to a multiple of NIS 5, minimum NIS 50). Also shows total estimated costs and notes if the claim exceeds the small claims court limit. Run:python scripts/filing-fee-calculator.py --help
Recommended MCP Servers
| MCP | What It Adds |
|---|---|
| Israel Law MCP | Full-text search of 66 Israeli statutes with 537 provisions, including Consumer Protection Law and other laws commonly cited in demand letters and small claims filings. |
| Kolzchut (All-Rights) | Structured access to Israel's authoritative rights and entitlements knowledge base (Kol-Zchut), useful for looking up tenant rights, consumer rights, and procedural guides cited when preparing a claim. |
Gotchas
- Service on the defendant is ultimately the PLAINTIFF's responsibility, and this is the most common reason a self-filer's case is struck. The court clerk mails the claim + summons, but if it has not been served by 60 days before the hearing, the plaintiff must serve it at least 40 days before the hearing and file proof of service (ishur mesira). At least 60 days before the hearing, verify on Net HaMishpat or the national service center that the defendant actually received it, so there is time to arrange personal service if the mail bounced. Without proof of service the judge cannot hear the case and the claim can be struck (nimcheket), even though the defendant is the one who failed to respond.
- Court recess (pagra) days COUNT toward periods under the Small Claims Procedure Regulations (reg. 16A(b), proceedings opened from 11.4.2025). Agents should not assume recess pauses these deadlines: the 30-day defense, set-aside and leave-to-appeal clocks keep running through recess unless the court orders otherwise.
- The small claims court jurisdiction limit (NIS 39,900 as of January 2026) is updated periodically by the Ministry of Justice. Agents using an outdated limit will give incorrect filing advice. Always verify the current threshold.
- Filing fees in Israeli small claims court are calculated as 1% of the claim amount, rounded up to a multiple of NIS 5 (minimum NIS 50), not a flat fee. Agents familiar with US small claims (which use flat filing fees) will miscalculate costs.
- The Israeli Execution Office (Hotza'a LaPo'al) enforcement process is a distinct post-judgment system with its own procedures and fees. Agents may confuse it with regular court enforcement or skip this step entirely when advising on judgment collection.
- Claims over internet publication or online commerce follow a special local-jurisdiction rule (reg. 2(b) of the Small Claims Procedure Regulations): they may be filed ONLY where the defendant or the plaintiff lives or has a place of business. It is a procedural rule for all internet claims, not a consumer-protection rule, and it removes the usual place-of-act option. Agents also tend to invent a "where the property is" ground for landlord disputes; the regulations have none.
Reference Links
| Source | URL | What to Check |
|---|---|---|
| Judicial Authority -- Filing a Small Claim | https://www.gov.il/he/service/filing_a_small_claim | Current jurisdiction limit, procedure, and official filing service |
| Judicial Authority -- Small Claims Courts Guide | https://www.gov.il/he/pages/small_claims_courts_guide | Official overview of the court, jurisdiction rules, and forms |
| Judicial Authority -- Court Fees | https://www.gov.il/he/pages/fees_3 | Current filing fee formulas for small claims and related courts |
| Kol-Zchut -- Filing a Small Claim | https://www.kolzchut.org.il/he/הגשת_תביעה_קטנה | Step-by-step rights guide in Hebrew (unofficial but well-sourced) |
| Consumer Protection Law 1981 | https://www.nevo.co.il/law_html/law01/089_001.htm | Statutory basis for consumer claims, including the distance-sale rules in s.14C |
| Courts Law [Consolidated] 1984 | https://www.nevo.co.il/law_html/law00/74849.htm | Small claims jurisdiction and Magistrate Court limits (currently NIS 2.5M) |
Troubleshooting
Error: "Claim amount exceeds NIS 39,900"
Cause: The dispute involves more money than the small claims court limit. Solution: You have two options: (1) Reduce the claim to NIS 39,900 and waive the excess (forfeiting the difference). (2) File in Magistrate Court (Beit Mishpat Shalom), which hears civil claims other than land claims up to NIS 2.5 million. Consider whether the cost and complexity of Magistrate Court is worth the additional amount, as small claims is faster and simpler.
Error: "Cannot locate the defendant's address"
Cause: Need a valid address to serve court summons. Solution: Try these methods to find the defendant's address: check the original contract or invoice for address details. Search the Companies Registry (Rasham HaChevrut) if the defendant is a business. Check online business directories or the defendant's website. If the defendant is a registered business, the registered office address is publicly available. The court clerk (mazkirut) may assist with service alternatives if the defendant cannot be located.
Error: "Defendant filed a counterclaim (tvi'a negdit)"
Cause: The defendant is claiming money from you as part of the same dispute. Solution: A counterclaim is common, especially in landlord-tenant and service disputes. You may file a defence to the counterclaim within 30 days of its service (reg. 5(e) for proceedings opened from 11.4.2025, reg. 5(b) before), just as the defendant had to respond to your claim. Prepare evidence refuting the counterclaim. Do not panic; counterclaims are often a negotiation tactic. Focus on strengthening your original case with solid evidence.