Sample Defence Pack
This is what a finished Defence Pack looks like, laid out exactly as you would see it.
Your Defence Pack
Review and edit as you like - this is your case.
Pack readiness
69/100This measures how complete and organised your evidence pack currently is - never a legal opinion, and never a prediction of how any dispute would be decided.
The notice and lease extract are clear. The pack would be more complete with the full lease and any previous roof surveys or repair records.
Chronology
Estimated vs demanded
| Item | Estimated | Demanded | Date of notice | Date of demand |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Roof covering replacement and scaffolding | £4,800 per flat | Not yet demanded | 1 September 2026 | - |
Missing or unclear evidence
- HighA breakdown of how the £4,800 estimate per flat was calculated - The notice gives a per-flat figure but not how the total is split between flats.
- HighThe full lease, including the service charge and repair clauses - Only an extract was provided; the full clauses show what the service charge can cover and how costs are shared.
- MediumAny roof survey or condition report the landlord relied on - The notice describes the works but does not refer to a survey.
Ways to strengthen this pack
- Add the full lease rather than an extract.
- Add the last two years of service charge statements.
Your draft observation letter
Review and edit before you send anything - this is never sent by us.
Letters to request missing information
Optional template letters for getting documents your pack shows are missing. They are drafts for you to edit and send yourself, if you choose to - we never send them.
Nominating a contractor to give an estimate
Only if your notice of intention invites nominations and you know a contractor you want the landlord to ask for an estimate. It has to reach the landlord within the observation period stated on the notice.
Requesting a summary of service charge costs (section 21)
If you want a written summary of the costs that make up your service charge. It covers your landlord's most recent accounting year (or the last twelve months, if accounts aren't made up yearly).
Asking to inspect invoices and receipts (section 22)
After you have received a section 21 summary, if you want to see the invoices, receipts and other documents behind it. It needs to be sent within six months of receiving the summary.
Questions to investigate
Neutral questions worth asking or looking into - not scripted arguments.
1. How has the estimated cost been apportioned between the flats in the building?
Apportionment
The lease normally sets out how costs are shared, so it helps to see the method used.
2. Is there a survey or report describing the condition of the roof?
Scope and need for the works
It would help you understand why replacement rather than repair is proposed.
3. Will the landlord seek estimates from any contractors nominated by leaseholders?
Consultation process
A notice of intention normally invites nominations during the observation period.
If you want to take this further
These are your options, explained neutrally - we don’t recommend which one to use, and using any of them is entirely your own decision.
Ask the landlord directly
During the observation period stated on the notice.
Sending written observations and any questions, which the landlord normally has to have regard to.
Free advice from LEASE
At any stage, if you want to understand your position.
The Leasehold Advisory Service gives free initial advice to leaseholders in England.
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Your pack is built from your own notice and documents, so its contents will differ.