Glossary
Pre-action protocol (PAP)
The formal first stage of a court claim. Your solicitor writes to the landlord setting out the claim, the evidence and the remedy sought. The landlord has 21 days to respond. Required before any housing disrepair court claim.
Where it comes from in law
- Pre-Action Protocol for Housing Disrepair, The formal letter-and-response process every housing disrepair claim must follow before court.
Need help with a real housing problem?
Glossary entries explain the words. If you have a damp, mould, heating or repair problem your landlord is ignoring, we can help. Call free or start your claim online.
By: Support for Tenants editorial team
Last updated:
Reviewed against current housing law for England and Wales as at 15 June 2026. Checked by our SRA-regulated panel solicitors. This is general information, not legal advice for your specific case. Any compensation figures or ranges shown are illustrative only and not guaranteed; every case is different.