No-Go Clients UK is a trusted community platform for UK trades — builders, electricians, plumbers, decorators and more — to report bad clients, check client history, and learn how to protect themselves from non-payment and disputes. Our goal is to keep tradespeople safe, informed and respected.

Yes. Reporting a client who refuses to pay is legal in the UK if you stick to facts, avoid insults, and provide evidence. Keep contracts, invoices and written communications. Factual, evidence-based reports help other trades and reduce your legal risk.

Keep signed quotes/contracts, payment schedules, invoices/receipts, before/after photos, site notes and written communications (emails, texts, WhatsApp). These help builders and tradespeople prove work done and recover unpaid invoices via adjudication or small claims court.

Not for minor issues. Under the Consumer Rights Act 2015, clients must pay for work carried out with reasonable care and skill. Small defects may justify snagging or partial retention, but not withholding full payment for substantially completed work.

The Housing Grants, Construction and Regeneration Act 1996 (the Construction Act) gives UK trades rights to interim payments, payment notices, and fast-track adjudication. It’s a powerful route for builders, subcontractors and trades to resolve payment disputes quickly.

Yes. WhatsApp, texts and emails can be admissible if relevant and authentic. Many trades rely on messages to prove scope changes, approvals and payment terms when pursuing unpaid invoices.

Verbal agreements can be binding, but written contracts are far stronger. A clear scope, price, payment schedule and variation process reduces the chance of disputes and helps you recover money faster.

Take dated before/after photos, keep site notes, delivery notes and supplier receipts. Independent surveys or reports can support your position in disputes over workmanship or materials.

Yes — if it clearly sets out the scope, terms and price, a signed quote can form part of a legally binding contract between a builder and a client.

Under the Construction Act, you can use adjudication to resolve non-payment quickly. You may also claim in the small claims court (up to £10,000 in England and Wales). Keep evidence organised and send a formal letter before action first.

Usually yes, provided you follow your contract and give proper written notice. Check payment terms and any suspension clauses. Always document late/non-payment before demobilising from site.

Adjudication is a 28-day fast-track process where an independent adjudicator decides on a payment dispute. It’s widely used by builders and subcontractors to recover overdue invoices without lengthy court proceedings.

Under the Limitation Act 1980, you generally have six years to bring a claim for unpaid debts in England and Wales. Don’t wait — evidence is fresher and outcomes are better when you act promptly.

No — not full payment. For minor snagging items, clients can request rectification or withhold a reasonable retention, but must still pay for substantially completed work delivered with reasonable care and skill.

It’s strongly recommended. Even a short written agreement (scope, price, payment stages, variations, defects process) protects builders and trades on small works and helps avoid disputes later.

A clear UK building contract should include: scope of work, start and finish dates, payment schedule, staged payments, retention terms, dispute resolution method (e.g. adjudication), and how variations will be agreed.

A retention clause lets a client hold back a percentage of money until work is completed and defects are corrected. It is legal in the UK but should always be reasonable and clearly defined in the contract.

Yes. The Late Payment of Commercial Debts (Interest) Act 1998 allows tradespeople to charge statutory interest (currently 8% + Bank of England base rate) on overdue commercial invoices.

No. “Pay when paid” clauses are unenforceable in UK construction contracts under the Construction Act, except in cases of upstream insolvency.

The Consumer Rights Act 2015 requires trades to deliver services with reasonable care and skill. Clients can ask for repeat performance or a price reduction if work is defective — but they must still pay for work substantially completed properly.

Yes. A client can bring a breach of contract claim if a builder or tradesperson abandons or fails to complete work. Always keep records of delays, reasons and communications to protect your position.

Clients may owe for work already completed. Under case law Hadley v Baxendale (1854), foreseeable losses can be claimed if they cancel without justification.

If the client supplies incorrect materials or instructions causing defects or delays, they may be liable for additional costs. Always confirm instructions in writing before proceeding.

Yes, builders and tradespeople in England and Wales can use the small claims court for debts up to £10,000. It’s often faster and cheaper than higher courts.

In this case, a contractor installed central heating with major defects. The court ruled no payment was due as the work wasn’t substantially completed. It highlights the risk of serious defects for tradespeople.

This case allowed damages for disappointment and distress. For trades, it shows clients may claim damages if a promised service falls significantly short.

It established that if a contract requires full performance before payment, partial work may not entitle the contractor to any money. Always structure contracts with staged payments.

This case clarified frustration of contracts: just because a job becomes more difficult or costly does not mean the contract is frustrated. Builders must still perform unless impossible.

Yes. Deposits help cover upfront costs and reduce cancellation risk. 10–25% is typical in UK construction, though large deposits should be agreed in writing.

Absolutely. Staged or milestone payments are recommended for larger projects. They improve cashflow and reduce risk if a client refuses to pay later.

If a client goes bankrupt, you can register as a creditor — but recovery depends on available assets. Trade credit insurance may help protect against this risk.

Yes. Trade credit insurance can cover builders and subcontractors if clients default or become insolvent. It’s especially valuable on larger projects.

A vexatious client repeatedly complains, delays payment or makes unreasonable demands without justification. Warning signs include changing scope often, reluctance to sign contracts, and ignoring invoices.

You can keep private records for your business. Public blacklists must comply with defamation and data protection law. Our Trusted Community allows safe, compliant sharing.

Use online credit checks, ask for references, and check for County Court Judgments (CCJs). Our Client Background Check tool helps UK trades assess client risk.

A CCJ shows a person has failed to repay a debt. It stays on their record for 6 years and may indicate risk of non-payment. Always check for CCJs before accepting big jobs.

Yes, but only factual and necessary details in line with GDPR/Data Protection Act 2018. Use our Trusted Community for compliant, safe sharing.

Mediation is an alternative dispute resolution method that is faster and cheaper than litigation. UK courts encourage it before issuing claims, especially for construction disputes.

Usually no — only limited costs like court fees and expenses. Small claims are designed to be low-cost and accessible without lawyers.

If you walk off site without cause, clients may sue for breach of contract. Case law: Bolton v Mahadeva (1972) shows tradespeople risk losing all payment for incomplete work.

Yes. Verbal agreements can be binding in UK law, but they are harder to prove in disputes. Written contracts are strongly recommended.

Quantum meruit means “as much as deserved.” If no contract price is agreed, or a contract ends early, you may claim reasonable payment for work already completed.

Electricians, plumbers and all UK tradespeople have the same rights under the Construction Act and Consumer Rights Act. They can stop work for non-payment (with notice), claim statutory interest, and pursue unpaid invoices through adjudication or small claims court.

Run a background check, ask for references, request a deposit or staged payments, and get a written contract. Trust your instincts — if a client hesitates on basics like contracts or deposits, it may be a red flag.