How to Use This Checklist
Click each checkbox to mark items as complete. Your progress is automatically saved to your browser. Use this checklist to:
✅ Three Ways to Use This Tool
1. Draft witness statements: Ensure your statement for possession proceedings, ASB cases, or deposit disputes meets all CPR Part 32 requirements
2. Review existing statements: Audit statements from you or other witnesses before court submission to verify compliance
3. Prepare for hearings: Check your evidence meets formatting standards and includes proper statement of truth
⚠️ What Makes a Valid UK Witness Statement?
📋 Key Purpose: A witness statement is a written document setting out the evidence you or your witness will give at a court hearing. It must be factual, in your own words, and verified with a Statement of Truth.
⚖️ Legal Framework: Must comply with Civil Procedure Rules Part 32 for court proceedings. Statements without proper format may be rejected or carry less weight with judges.
🎯 Essential Elements: Heading with case details, witness identification, numbered paragraphs, factual evidence only, document references, Statement of Truth, signature and date.
💼 Common Issues: Including opinions instead of facts, hearsay evidence, missing Statement of Truth, incorrect heading format, unnumbered paragraphs, failing to reference exhibits.
🚫 Critical Legal Requirements
Statement of Truth: Required declaration - false statements are contempt of court punishable by fines or imprisonment. Personal Knowledge Only: Only include facts you personally witnessed or know - no hearsay unless specifically permitted. Factual Evidence: Courts want facts (what you saw, heard, did), not opinions or conclusions. CPR Compliance: Statements not following CPR Part 32 format may be rejected by the court.
⚠️ Understanding Importance Levels
🔴 Critical: Must have - CPR requirement or statement will be rejected
🟡 Important: Should have - strengthens credibility and professionalism
🔵 Recommended: Nice to have - best practice for court presentation
Court Name and Location
Full name of the court hearing the case (e.g., "In the County Court at Northampton" or "In the First-tier Tribunal Property Chamber"). Must match the court named in the claim form exactly.
🔴 Critical
Case/Claim Number
The unique reference number assigned by the court to this case. Essential for proper filing - all documents must include this number. Found at the top of the claim form.
🔴 Critical
Party Names
State who is the claimant and who is the defendant, using the exact names as they appear on the claim form. Format: "Between [CLAIMANT NAME] Claimant and [DEFENDANT NAME] Defendant".
🔴 Critical
Witness Identification in Title
State whose statement this is in the heading: "Witness Statement of [Your Full Name]". If this is your first statement, add "(First)" - e.g., "Witness Statement of John Smith (First)". Number subsequent statements (Second, Third, etc.).
🔴 Critical
Statement Date
Include the date the statement is made/signed in the header. Format as "Dated: [day month year]" or similar. This helps identify when the evidence was given.
🟡 Important
On Behalf Of Declaration
Clearly state which party you're giving evidence for: "On behalf of the Claimant" or "On behalf of the Defendant". This identifies your role in the proceedings.
🟡 Important
Witness Full Name
State your complete legal name in the first numbered paragraph. This confirms your identity and matches the statement title. Format: "I, [Full Name], will say as follows:".
🔴 Critical
Witness Address
Include your current address. Full address including postcode. This is required under CPR Part 32 and allows the court to verify your connection to the case (e.g., if you're the landlord of the property in dispute).
🔴 Critical
Occupation or Role
State your occupation or role relevant to the case. For example: "I am a landlord," "I am a letting agent for X Properties," "I am a neighbour at [address]," or "I am an electrician who attended the property." This establishes your relevance.
🟡 Important
Relationship to the Case
Explain your connection to the case and why you have relevant knowledge. For example: "I am the owner of the property at [address] which is the subject of these proceedings," or "I witnessed the incidents of antisocial behaviour described below."
🟡 Important
Contact Details
Include phone number and/or email address. Allows the court or other parties to contact you if clarification is needed. Can be important if you need to be reached about the hearing date.
🔵 Recommended
Purpose of Statement
Explain why you're making this witness statement. For example: "This statement is made in support of the Claimant's application for possession," or "I make this statement to respond to the allegations made by the tenant."
🟡 Important
Source of Knowledge Declaration
State that the facts in your statement are within your own knowledge except where otherwise stated. This is required by CPR Part 32. Format: "The matters contained in this statement are within my own knowledge save where stated otherwise."
🔴 Critical
Document Reference Statement
State that where you refer to documents, they are produced and exhibited to your statement or included in the evidence bundle. Format: "There is now produced and shown to me a bundle of documents marked '[Your Initials]-1' which contains copies of the documents to which I refer."
🟡 Important
Overview of Evidence to Follow
Provide a brief outline of what your statement will cover. For example: "In this statement I will explain the history of the tenancy, the breaches that occurred, and the steps I took to address them." Helps the reader know what's coming.
🔵 Recommended
Timeframe Context
If relevant, give brief context about the timeframe your evidence covers. For example: "The events I describe in this statement took place between March 2023 and November 2024." Sets the temporal scope.
🔵 Recommended
⚡
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Numbered Paragraphs Throughout
Every paragraph in your statement must be numbered consecutively from 1 to the end. This is a CPR Part 32 requirement. Makes it easy to reference specific evidence during the hearing ("As I state in paragraph 15...").
🔴 Critical
Chronological Order
Present events in date order where possible. Start with background, then progress through what happened in sequence. Jumping around in time confuses judges - chronological flow is easier to follow.
🟡 Important
Clear Date References
Include specific dates for events wherever possible. "On 15 March 2024" is much better than "a few months ago." Exact dates strengthen credibility and allow cross-referencing with other evidence.
🟡 Important
One Topic Per Paragraph
Each numbered paragraph should deal with one topic or event. Don't cram multiple unrelated facts into one paragraph. Keeps the statement clear and makes it easier to reference specific points.
🟡 Important
Clear Factual Statements
Make statements of fact clearly and directly. "I inspected the property on 20 June 2024" not "I think I may have visited around that time." Be definite about what you know. Vagueness weakens evidence.
🟡 Important
Sufficient Detail Without Excessive Length
Provide enough detail to tell the full story, but avoid unnecessary repetition or irrelevant information. Each fact should serve a purpose. Aim for comprehensive but concise - quality over quantity.
🟡 Important
Direct Speech Where Relevant
Where specific conversations are relevant, you can quote what was said. For example: "The tenant said to me, 'I'm not paying rent until you fix the heating.'" Use quotation marks for actual words spoken. Only include if directly relevant.
🔵 Recommended
Background Facts Before Main Events
Start with necessary background: when tenancy started, initial condition, rent arrangements, etc. Then move to the specific events at issue. Context helps judges understand what follows.
🔵 Recommended
Reference Documents by Page Number
When referring to documents in the evidence bundle, give the page number. Format: "A copy of the tenancy agreement is at pages 25-32 of the bundle." Allows judge to find documents quickly during hearing.
🔴 Critical
Exhibit Marking System
Mark exhibits with your initials and a number. Format: "I now refer to exhibit [YourInitials]-1" (e.g., "JS-1" for John Smith's first exhibit). Each exhibit should be clearly identified and numbered sequentially.
🟡 Important
Describe Documents Being Referred To
Don't just say "see exhibit 1" - describe what it is. Format: "I attach as exhibit JS-1 a copy of the email I sent to the tenant on 10 May 2024." Brief description helps identify the document.
🟡 Important
Explain Significance of Documents
Don't assume the judge will understand why a document matters. After referencing it, explain its relevance. For example: "This email (exhibit JS-3) shows the tenant acknowledged the damage on 15 June."
🟡 Important
Photographs Referenced and Dated
When referring to photographs, state when they were taken and what they show. Format: "Photographs taken on 20 August 2024 showing the damage to the kitchen are at exhibit JS-5." Date and description are essential for photo evidence.
🟡 Important
Personal Knowledge Only
Only include facts you personally know - what you saw, heard, or did yourself. Don't include what others told you (hearsay) unless you explicitly state "I was told by [person] that..." and it's relevant. Personal knowledge is most powerful.
🔴 Critical
Facts Not Opinions
State facts, not opinions or conclusions. Say "The carpet was stained and had holes in three places" not "The carpet was ruined." Describe what you observed, let the judge draw conclusions. Facts = admissible; opinions = not.
🔴 Critical
Avoid Emotional Language
Keep language neutral and factual. Don't say "the terrible tenant" or "outrageous behaviour." Describe what happened without emotional commentary. Professional, objective tone carries more weight with judges.
🟡 Important
Address Weaknesses Honestly
If there are gaps in your evidence or things you don't know, acknowledge them. Don't try to hide weaknesses - the other side will expose them anyway. Honesty strengthens overall credibility.
🟡 Important
Distinguish Between Observation and Information
Be clear about what you personally observed versus what you learned from documents or others. Format: "I personally inspected the property" vs "According to the inspection report..." Transparency about source strengthens credibility.
🟡 Important
Acknowledge Uncertainty Where Appropriate
If you're not certain about a detail, say so. "I believe it was Tuesday" or "To the best of my recollection" is better than stating uncertain facts as definite. Courts appreciate honest uncertainty over false certainty.
🔵 Recommended
⚡
Instant Download
You’ve Done the Research. Now Finish It.
Complete witness statement template — all clauses included, professionally drafted.
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£10 — Own It Forever
Create Your Witness Statement Now
→
✅ 30-day money-back guarantee*
Preview before you buy • Lifetime updates • No subscription
Correct Statement of Truth Wording
Use the exact required wording: "I believe that the facts stated in this witness statement are true. I understand that proceedings for contempt of court may be brought against anyone who makes, or causes to be made, a false statement in a document verified by a statement of truth without an honest belief in its truth." Must be verbatim.
🔴 Critical
Full Name in Statement of Truth
After the Statement of Truth wording, include "Full Name: [Your Complete Legal Name]". This confirms who is verifying the statement. Must match the name at the top of the statement.
🔴 Critical
Signature
Sign the statement in your own hand. Electronic signatures are acceptable in some circumstances, but handwritten is preferred. The signature verifies you've read and confirmed the statement is true.
🔴 Critical
Date of Signature
Include "Date: [date]" showing when you signed the statement. This confirms when you verified the contents as true. Must be dated before submission to court.
🔴 Critical
Position/Capacity (if signing for company)
If signing on behalf of a company, state your position. Format: "Position: Director of XYZ Properties Ltd." Individual witnesses don't need this, but company representatives must clarify their authority.
🟡 Important
Typed Not Handwritten
Statements must be typed, not handwritten (except the signature). Typed statements are easier to read and look more professional. Courts may reject handwritten statements unless there's a good reason.
🔴 Critical
Clear Readable Font
Use a standard, professional font like Arial, Times New Roman, or Calibri. Font size should be 11pt or 12pt. Must be easily readable - fancy or tiny fonts are inappropriate for court documents.
🟡 Important
Appropriate Line Spacing
Use 1.5 or double line spacing. This makes the statement easier to read and allows judges to make notes. Single spacing is too cramped for court documents.
🟡 Important
Adequate Margins
Margins should be at least 2.5cm (1 inch) on all sides. This provides space for binding and allows judges to make annotations. Narrow margins look cramped and unprofessional.
🟡 Important
Page Numbering
Number every page of your statement. Format: "Page 1 of 8" in footer. Essential if statement is several pages long - prevents pages being mixed up or lost.
🟡 Important
Pages Securely Fastened
Staple or bind pages together securely. Don't use paperclips which can fall off. Statement pages must stay together. If exhibits are attached, separate them clearly from the statement itself.
🟡 Important
Clean Printed Copy
Ensure the printed statement is clear with no smudges, faint text, or missing content. Test print quality before finalizing. Poor print quality suggests lack of care and professionalism.
🔵 Recommended
Keep Copy for Yourself
Make and keep a copy of your signed statement before submitting to court. You'll need to refer to it during the hearing. Don't rely on the court's copy - bring your own.
🔵 Recommended
⚡
Instant Download
You’ve Done the Research. Now Finish It.
Complete witness statement template — all clauses included, professionally drafted.
Fill in your details in minutes and you’re done.
£10 — Own It Forever
Create Your Witness Statement Now
→
✅ 30-day money-back guarantee*
Preview before you buy • Lifetime updates • No subscription
Next Steps
Now that you've reviewed the compliance checklist, you have three options:
✅ Use Our Ready-Made Template
Save hours of research and drafting. Our professionally-crafted Witness Statement template covers all 48 compliance points with CPR Part 32 compliant heading, numbered paragraph structure, Statement of Truth wording, and professional formatting. Includes exhibit referencing guidance and multiple witness support. Available in both Smart Interview (guided) and Classic Editor (direct editing) modes for just £10.
✓ UK Law Only | ✓ Instant Download | ✓ Lifetime Updates | ✓ No Subscriptions
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📝 Draft Your Own Witness Statement
Use this checklist as your guide, but remember: improper format can lead to rejection. Courts expect CPR Part 32 compliance - numbered paragraphs, proper heading, correct Statement of Truth wording. Missing the Statement of Truth or including hearsay/opinions instead of facts will weaken or invalidate your evidence. False statements are contempt of court.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a witness statement?
A witness statement is a written document setting out the evidence a witness can give about the facts of a case. In property disputes, it typically covers events the witness personally saw or experienced, supported by documentary evidence.
Does a witness statement need to follow a specific format?
Yes. Under the Civil Procedure Rules (CPR Part 32), witness statements should be in the witness's own words, set out facts in chronological order, distinguish between facts and opinions, and include a statement of truth signed by the witness.
Can I write my own witness statement?
Yes. Many litigants in person prepare their own witness statements. Our template guides you through the required format and content. For complex multi-party disputes, consider professional review for complex circumstances.
Do I need a solicitor?
No, for standard property dispute witness statements. Our template is based on CPR Part 32 requirements and includes all necessary sections. For complex cases involving expert evidence or multiple witnesses, consider review for complex circumstances.
Disclaimer: This checklist is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While we strive to keep information accurate and up to date, the law is complex and subject to change. Every situation is unique. Last updated: May 2026.
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