Disputes Tribunal Act 1988, s 25

If a claim is made against you in the Disputes Tribunal claim, you’ll be sent a notice telling you about the claim and the date of the hearing. (You’re called the “respondent”, and the person who brought the claim against you is called the “applicant”.)

Disputes Tribunal Act 1988, s 24; Disputes Tribunal Rules 1989, rule 13

You (the respondent) can do any of the following:

• contact the applicant and try to resolve things without going to the Disputes Tribunal
• go to the hearing and defend the claim
• file a counter-claim in the Disputes Tribunal if you believe you have a claim against the other person. You have to file your counter-claim at least eight working days before the hearing. Both claims will then be heard at the same time. To file a counter-claim, follow the process explained under “Making a claim” in this chapter.

  Note: If you have difficulty communicating in English, you can ask for an interpreter.