CPR 27.14(2)(g) Explained: How to Avoid Cost Penalties in Small Claims Court

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What is CPR 27.14(2)(g), and Why Should You Care?

Let’s get this straight: CPR 27.14(2)(g) is not a robot from Star Wars. It’s a lovely little rule hidden deep in the UK Civil Procedure Rules (CPR), and it deals with costs in Small Claims Track cases. You know, the place where landlords, tenants, and passive-aggressive neighbours go to air their dirty laundry.

Generally, in small claims court, each side pays their own costs, no matter who wins. But CPR 27.14(2)(g) is the one rule that says:

“The court may order one party to pay the other party’s legal costs if that party has behaved unreasonably.”

Translation: You acted like a complete bellend, and now the judge wants to hit your wallet.

What Counts as “Unreasonable Behaviour”?

Good question. There isn’t a neat checklist, but here are some examples that have triggered CPR 27.14(2)(g) in real life:

Sending 300 emails about the same thing. Judges hate spam. So do solicitors. So do humans.

Refusing mediation or settlement talks just to “teach them a lesson.”

Missing deadlines like it’s a hobby.

Turning up to court with zero evidence and a ten-page rant instead.

Accusing the judge of corruption or the other party of being an alien lizard overlord (it’s happened).

Filing the wrong claim in the wrong court against the wrong person. Three strikes, you’re out.

How Do You Avoid Getting CPR 27.14(2)(g)’d?

Act Like a Human, Not a Troll. You can be assertive. You can be pissed off. But don’t be obnoxious. If your emails sound like they’re written by someone on their fourth Red Bull and a vengeance spree, pause.
Keep a Paper Trail of Your Reasonableness. Document every polite email, every missed deadline (by them), every offer to settle. That way, if the other side cries “unreasonable!”, you’re ready with receipts.
Know When to Shut Up. Yes, you want justice. No, the judge doesn’t need twelve emails a week about it. Over-communication is the fastest way to accidentally prove their point.
Be Civil in Court. Don’t interrupt. Don’t throw shade. Don’t roll your eyes unless you want the judge to note it next to the word “conduct.”
Don’t Play Amateur Solicitor Unless You’ve Done the Homework. Google is not a law degree. If you want to argue legal points, read the actual CPRs, get help, and don’t pretend to be Rumpole of the Bailey with vibes alone.

But What If They Say You’re Being Unreasonable?

Good. That means they’re scared. Now double down on being calm, reasonable, polite, and consistent.

Reply with, “I’m happy to engage constructively. Please let me know how we can resolve this.”

Keep communications short, clear, and relevant.

Let them spiral while you sit back with popcorn and screenshots.

Final Word: Judges Are People Too

They have inboxes. They have lives. They have no time for ego-fuelled circus acts. CPR 27.14(2)(g) isn’t about who yells loudest, it’s about who acts like the grown-up in the room.

So if you’re dragging your landlord, your letting agent, or the dodgy roofer who ghosted you after payday to court, don’t shoot yourself in the foot. Keep your cool, keep your records, and let them be the unreasonable ones.

Because the best way to win… is not to look like a nutter.

Still not sure if your behaviour is reasonable? If you’re even asking the question, you’re probably fine. The real unreasonable ones never think they are.

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