Learn & prepare

Small Claims Court Guides

Step-by-step guides for every common case type. Learn what evidence you need, what to expect in court, and how to prepare — all free.

Security Deposit Not Returned

Your landlord won't return your security deposit

$500 – $5,0006 evidence items

Unpaid Invoice or Loan

Someone owes you money and won't pay

$200 – $10,0006 evidence items

Car Accident Damage

Someone damaged your car and won't pay for repairs

$500 – $12,0007 evidence items

Contractor or Repair Disputes

A contractor did poor work or didn't finish the job

$1,000 – $12,5007 evidence items

Defective Product or Service

Something you bought doesn't work and the seller won't fix it

$100 – $5,0006 evidence items

Breach of Contract

Someone broke a written or verbal agreement

$500 – $12,5006 evidence items

Unpaid Rent (Landlord vs Tenant)

Your tenant owes rent and won't pay

$1,000 – $12,5006 evidence items

Property Damage by Neighbor

Your neighbor damaged your property

$500 – $10,0007 evidence items

Auto Repair Disputes

Mechanic overcharged, did bad work, or caused damage

$300 – $8,0007 evidence items

Moving Company Damage

Movers broke or lost your belongings

$500 – $10,0007 evidence items

Wedding Vendor Disputes

Wedding photographer, DJ, venue, or vendor didn't deliver

$500 – $10,0007 evidence items

Bad Check or Bounced Payment

Someone paid you with a check that bounced

$100 – $5,0007 evidence items

Pet-Related Disputes

Dog bite, vet malpractice, or pet purchase gone wrong

$200 – $10,0007 evidence items

Roommate Disputes

Roommate owes rent, utilities, or damaged shared property

$200 – $5,0006 evidence items

Online Purchase or Marketplace Disputes

Item never delivered, counterfeit, or not as described

$50 – $5,0007 evidence items

Dry Cleaner or Laundry Damage

Dry cleaner ruined or lost your clothing

$50 – $2,0006 evidence items

Travel and Airline Disputes

Airline, hotel, or travel company ruined your trip

$200 – $10,0007 evidence items

Insurance Claim Disputes

Insurance company denied or underpaid your claim

$500 – $12,5007 evidence items

Gym or Membership Cancellation

Gym or club keeps charging after cancellation

$100 – $2,0006 evidence items

Towing and Vehicle Impound Disputes

Your car was illegally towed or you were overcharged

$200 – $3,0007 evidence items

Home Appliance or Electronics Warranty

Manufacturer or retailer won't honor a warranty

$100 – $5,0007 evidence items

Freelance or Gig Work Payment

Client won't pay for freelance or contract work you completed

$500 – $10,0007 evidence items

Utility Billing Disputes

Overcharged by a utility company or service provider

$100 – $3,0007 evidence items

Dental or Medical Billing Disputes

Overcharged for medical or dental services

$200 – $10,0007 evidence items

Tenant Suing Landlord for Repairs

Landlord won't fix habitability issues in your rental

$500 – $12,5007 evidence items

Essential reading

Master guides

The complete playbook — from first letter to collecting your judgment.

How to File in Small Claims Court

The complete step-by-step process

Writing a Demand Letter

What to include and how to send it

Serving the Defendant

How to properly notify the other party

Preparing for Your Hearing

What to bring and how to present

Collecting Your Judgment

What to do after you win

Lawyer vs. Self-Representation

When you need a lawyer and when you don't

Don't see your case type?

Start with a demand letter — it works for almost any dispute where someone owes you money.

Read the demand letter guide Find Your State Guide