Good evidence is organised, dated and connected to the issue and impact.
Photographs and video
Take a wide view, close view and something that shows scale. Keep original dates and avoid editing the only copy.
Chronology
Use a simple table: date, what happened, who was contacted, reference, response and next deadline.
Impact evidence
Record health symptoms, damaged belongings, missed work or school, additional costs and how rooms cannot be used.
Correspondence
Keep full emails, letters, portal screenshots and complaint responses in date order.
Build evidence in a useful order
- One-page chronology
- Photographs labelled by date and location
- Repair or complaint references
- Appointments, no-shows and temporary works
- Health, disability, child or safety impact where relevant
Worked example
Twenty unsorted screenshots can hide the strongest point. A short chronology with numbered attachments makes the evidence easier to understand and act on.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Mixing several unrelated issues into one request.
- Leaving out dates, references or the requested outcome.
- Using assumptions where evidence can be checked.
- Taking no copy, screenshot or note of the action.
Practical task
Create folders named 01 Decisions, 02 Repairs, 03 Photos, 04 Health, 05 Costs and 06 Complaints, then place current evidence in them.