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 loans, bounced checks & personal money disputes
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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?
To sue a business in small claims court: (1) find the business's registered agent or official address for service of process — search the Secretary of State's business database in the state where the business is registered; (2) name the business correctly in your claim (use its full legal name, not just a trade name); (3) file your claim in the county where the business has its principal place of business or where the dispute occurred; (4) pay the filing fee and serve the business according to your state's service rules. Corporations must be served on an officer or their registered agent — not just any employee.
Do I need a lawyer to sue someone in small claims court?
No — you do not need a lawyer to sue in small claims court. The process is explicitly designed for self-representation. In many states, attorney representation in small claims court is even restricted to keep proceedings simple and accessible. That said, if the amount in dispute is large or the legal issues are complex, a brief attorney consultation before your hearing (not at the hearing) can help you prepare.
How much does it cost to sue someone in small claims court?
Small claims filing fees typically range from $30 to $100 depending on the state and the amount of your claim. States with tiered fees charge more for larger claims. You may also pay for service of process ($30–$80). If you win, you can ask the judge to include your filing costs in the judgment. Use our state-by-state calculator above to find the exact fee for your state.
What is the maximum amount I can sue for in small claims court?
The maximum you can sue for in small claims court varies by state — from $2,500 in Kentucky to $25,000 in Delaware and Tennessee. Most states fall in the $5,000–$10,000 range. If your actual damages exceed the limit, you can voluntarily reduce your claim to fit within the limit (and waive the excess) or file in regular civil court for the full amount.
How long does a small claims case take?
A typical small claims case is scheduled for a hearing within 30–70 days of filing. The hearing itself usually lasts 15–30 minutes. If both sides are prepared and the issues are clear, judgment is often entered the same day. More complex cases or contested facts may require additional hearings, extending the process to 2–4 months total.
What happens if I win but the defendant doesn't pay?
If the defendant refuses to pay after you win, you have enforcement options: wage garnishment (available in most states), bank account levy, and recording a judgment lien on their real property. You will need to take additional court steps to use these tools — winning the judgment is just the first step. Your judgment also earns post-judgment interest (typically 5–12% per year) while unpaid. See our state-by-state judgment collection guide for specific tools and limits.