THE TENANT PROTECTION SCHEME

Court Day Appearance (Our McKenzie Friend Service)

Important Notice: This  McKenzie Friend service is separate from the TPS membership. Using this service does not make you a TPS member

Tenant Court Defence Package
Complete Support for Tenant and Landlord Hearings
£250 for all London hearings (all-inclusive).
£450 fixed fee for hearings outside London (including Mckenzie friend travel and preparation)

Facing your landlord in court? We provide comprehensive, non-legal support to help you prepare. This package includes:

What is a McKenzie Friend?

A McKenzie Friend is a trained, legal or non-legally qualified person who offers moral support, helps organise documents, and takes notes during your hearing. They cannot provide legal advice or speak in court, but they offer steady guidance and help you stay focused and confident throughout your court appearance.

Support must be booked at least 48 hours in advance (excluding weekends and bank holidays)

Exclusions (What’s Not Included)

We do not provide legal advice or act as legal representatives

McKenzie Friends do not speak in court unless permitted by the judge

This is a one-day service, additional help can be arranged separately if needed

Scope of Service

TPS offers non-legal, moral support only. Our McKenzie Friends assist with preparation and paperwork but do not offer legal advocacy.

Client Responsibility

Client Responsibility You must provide all paperwork at least 5 days before your hearing. Late submissions may affect the quality of support we can offer.

Court Behaviour

Our representative will observe all court rules. You remain responsible for presenting your case unless the judge allows otherwise.

Refunds

This is a fixed-fee, non-refundable service unless TPS cancels attendance.

Consent

By booking, you confirm you understand the scope and limitations of this service.

Disclaimer!

This McKenzie Friend court support is a one-off service and not included in the TPS subscription.

FAQs

A McKenzie Friend is someone who supports you during a court hearing. They help you stay calm, take notes, and assist with paperwork, but they don’t act as your solicitor or speak unless the judge allows.

No. McKenzie Friends are not legally qualified to offer advice. We provide emotional support, practical guidance, and help with documents.

No. A solicitor or barrister represents you in court. A McKenzie Friend is a support person, you still speak for yourself.

We currently support tenants involved in housing possession hearings, eviction cases, rent arrears hearings, and Section 8/21 notices.

This service is currently available in England and Wales.

Tenant Court Defence Package: Complete Support for Tenant and Landlord Hearings, £250 for all London hearings. £450 for hearings outside London (including Mckenzie friend travel and preparation)

  • Document review
  • Help preparing a brief written statement
  • A trained McKenzie Friend to attend court
  • Basic preparation guidance before the hearing
  • Legal advice
  • Representation or advocacy
  • Speaking on your behalf (unless judge permits)
  • Post-court follow-up unless separately agreed

Please call us for availability.

Ideally, book at least 5 days before your court date. We may accept urgent cases if availability allows.

Not at this time. Full payment is required to confirm your booking.

If your hearing is remote (telephone/video), yes, we can still join and support you.

All TPS McKenzie Friends are trained in court procedure and tenant law support. They understand how to assist without breaching court rules.

Very rarely. You have a right to have one unless there’s strong reason not to. We behave professionally to ensure acceptance.

Yes. You’ll have a prep call or email exchange to review your case and ask questions.

Bring all your documents, your ID, and anything you’ve been asked to submit. We’ll also bring a printed copy of your statement if needed.

No. This is a separate, one-off service for court support only.

No. Legal aid is not available for McKenzie Friend services, but our fee is often cheaper than the court-day contribution under legal aid.

If you notify us 72+ hours in advance, we’ll try to accommodate. Last-minute changes may incur an additional fee.

Yes. All communication and documents are handled securely and in confidence.

Yes.