2026 Guide Virginia 25 Dispute Types
Virginia Small Claims Court — Dispute Guides
Select who you're suing for a guide tailored to Virginia's court rules, the $5,000 limit, and your specific dispute type.
$5,000
SC limit
$30–$75
Filing fee
General District Court
Court name
Who Are You Suing in Virginia?
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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Virginia Small Claims — At a Glance
Court name General District Court
Maximum claim $5,000
Filing fee range $30–$75
Written contract SoL 5 years
Property damage SoL 5 years
Oral contract SoL 3 years
Virginia tip: Virginia's limit is $5,000 — cases above this go to Circuit Court where attorneys are advisable.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the small claims limit in Virginia?
What is the small claims limit in Virginia is an important aspect of small claims court in Virginia. Requirements and limits vary by state. Our state-by-state data above covers the key figures you need, sourced from official government websites.
How do I file a small claims case in Virginia?
Eligibility requirements for small claims court in Virginia 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 long do I have to file a small claims case in Virginia?
Time limits for small claims court in Virginia 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.
Can I bring a lawyer to small claims court in Virginia?
Eligibility requirements for small claims court in Virginia 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.
What happens if I win but the other party doesn't pay in Virginia?
small claims court in Virginia 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.