2026 Guide 25 Entity Types
How to Sue in Small Claims Court
Select who you're suing for a tailored guide — what evidence to gather, what you can recover, and how to win your specific type of case.
Small claims court lets individuals and small businesses resolve disputes up to $2,500–$25,000 (depending on state) without a lawyer. The key to winning is knowing the specific evidence and strategy for your type of dispute — a landlord case requires different documentation than suing an airline or a contractor.
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No Lawyer Needed
Small claims is designed for self-represented plaintiffs. Most courts provide guidance.
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Low Filing Fees
Filing typically costs $30–$300 depending on your state and claim amount.
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Fast Resolution
Most cases are heard within 30–70 days of filing — much faster than civil court.
Who Are You Suing?
Landlord
$500–$5,000 Security deposits, unpaid repairs & habitability disputes
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Contractor
$500–$10,000 Incomplete work, shoddy repairs & contractor fraud
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Employer
$200–$7,500 Unpaid wages, last paycheck & withheld commissions
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Amazon
$50–$2,000 Damaged goods, undelivered orders & third-party seller disputes
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Car Dealer
$500–$10,000 Undisclosed damage, deposit disputes & lemon car issues
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Insurance Company
$500–$10,000 Claim denials, underpayment & bad faith delays
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Neighbor
$200–$5,000 Property damage, fence disputes & nuisance claims
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Mechanic / Auto Shop
$200–$5,000 Overcharges, unauthorized repairs & damage while in their care
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Roommate
$200–$5,000 Unpaid rent, stolen deposits & property damage
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Airline
$100–$3,000 Canceled flights, baggage loss & denied boarding compensation
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Airbnb / VRBO
$200–$3,000 Host disputes, property damage & refund denials
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Moving Company
$500–$8,000 Damaged belongings, inflated bills & hostage loads
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Online Seller (eBay, Facebook, Craigslist)
$100–$3,000 Misrepresented items, non-delivery & fraud
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Dog Owner
$200–$10,000 Bite injuries, property damage & vet bills
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Friend or Family Member
$100–$5,000 Unpaid personal loans & money owed
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Uber or Lyft
$100–$5,000 Accidents, overcharges & property damage
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Hotel
$100–$5,000 Injury, overcharges & accommodation disputes
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Store / Retailer
$50–$3,000 Return disputes, defective products & overcharges
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Car Accident (Other Driver)
$500–$10,000 Vehicle damage, injuries & uninsured drivers
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Cell Phone Company
$100–$2,000 Overcharges, broken contracts & deposit disputes
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Gym / Fitness Club
$100–$1,500 Membership cancellation disputes & unauthorized charges
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Wedding Vendor
$500–$10,000 Deposit disputes, no-shows & broken vendor contracts
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Doctor / Medical Provider
$200–$5,000 Billing errors, overcharges & surprise bills
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Property Manager
$300–$8,000 Mismanagement, fee disputes & unauthorized charges
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Internet / Cable Provider
$100–$2,000 Overcharges, broken speed promises & equipment deposits
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Small Claims Court — The Basics
Before diving into entity-specific guides, here are the universal rules that apply to every small claims case:
Money claims only: Small claims court handles monetary disputes only — not injunctions, custody, or criminal matters. You must be claiming a specific dollar amount.
File in the right jurisdiction: Generally, file where the defendant lives, does business, or where the dispute occurred. Filing in the wrong court gets your case dismissed.
Send a demand letter first: Courts expect you to have tried to resolve the dispute before filing. A written demand letter also becomes evidence of the defendant's refusal to pay.
Serve the defendant properly: The defendant must be officially notified. Methods vary by state (certified mail, sheriff, process server). Improper service voids the case.
Bring organized evidence: Make 3 copies of all documents — for the judge, the defendant, and yourself. Organize chronologically. Label exhibits clearly.
Winning ≠ getting paid: A judgment in your favor is just the first step. If the defendant doesn't pay voluntarily, you'll need to enforce it via wage garnishment, bank levy, or property lien.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I file a small claims case against a business?
Eligibility requirements for filing a small claims court case depend on your state's specific rules. Our calculator provides the key thresholds and requirements by state. For legal advice on your specific situation, consult a licensed attorney.
Do I need a lawyer to sue someone in small claims court?
Eligibility requirements for filing a small claims court case depend on your state's specific rules. Our calculator provides the key thresholds and requirements by state. For legal advice on your specific situation, consult a licensed attorney.
How much does it cost to sue someone in small claims court?
filing a small claims court case costs vary by state. Use our calculator above to find the exact amount for your state. Fees are updated regularly from official state and court sources.
What is the maximum amount I can sue for in small claims court?
What is the maximum amount I can sue for in small claims court is an important aspect of filing a small claims court case. Requirements and limits vary by state. Our state-by-state data above covers the key figures you need, sourced from official government websites.
How long does a small claims case take?
Time limits for filing a small claims court case cases vary significantly by state and claim type. Select your state in the calculator above to see the applicable deadlines. Always verify current limits with a legal professional.
What happens if I win but the defendant doesn't pay?
filing a small claims court case rules vary by state. See our complete state-by-state breakdown above for the most current information, sourced directly from official court and government websites.