2026 Guide Massachusetts 25 Dispute Types
Massachusetts Small Claims Court — Dispute Guides
Select who you're suing for a guide tailored to Massachusetts's court rules, the $7,000 limit, and your specific dispute type.
$7,000
SC limit
$40–$150
Filing fee
Small Claims Session
Court name
Who Are You Suing in Massachusetts?
Landlord
$500–$5,000 Security deposits, unpaid repairs & habitability disputes
Massachusetts guide
Contractor
$500–$10,000 Incomplete work, shoddy repairs & contractor fraud
Massachusetts guide
Employer
$200–$7,500 Unpaid wages, last paycheck & withheld commissions
Massachusetts guide
Amazon
$50–$2,000 Damaged goods, undelivered orders & third-party seller disputes
Massachusetts guide
Car Dealer
$500–$10,000 Undisclosed damage, deposit disputes & lemon car issues
Massachusetts guide
Insurance Company
$500–$10,000 Claim denials, underpayment & bad faith delays
Massachusetts guide
Neighbor
$200–$5,000 Property damage, fence disputes & nuisance claims
Massachusetts guide
Mechanic / Auto Shop
$200–$5,000 Overcharges, unauthorized repairs & damage while in their care
Massachusetts guide
Roommate
$200–$5,000 Unpaid rent, stolen deposits & property damage
Massachusetts guide
Airline
$100–$3,000 Canceled flights, baggage loss & denied boarding compensation
Massachusetts guide
Airbnb / VRBO
$200–$3,000 Host disputes, property damage & refund denials
Massachusetts guide
Moving Company
$500–$8,000 Damaged belongings, inflated bills & hostage loads
Massachusetts guide
Online Seller (eBay, Facebook, Craigslist)
$100–$3,000 Misrepresented items, non-delivery & fraud
Massachusetts guide
Dog Owner
$200–$10,000 Bite injuries, property damage & vet bills
Massachusetts guide
Friend or Family Member
$100–$5,000 Unpaid loans, bounced checks & personal money disputes
Massachusetts guide
Uber or Lyft
$100–$5,000 Accidents, overcharges & property damage
Massachusetts guide
Hotel
$100–$5,000 Injury, overcharges & accommodation disputes
Massachusetts guide
Store / Retailer
$50–$3,000 Return disputes, defective products & overcharges
Massachusetts guide
Car Accident (Other Driver)
$500–$10,000 Vehicle damage, injuries & uninsured drivers
Massachusetts guide
Cell Phone Company
$100–$2,000 Overcharges, broken contracts & deposit disputes
Massachusetts guide
Gym / Fitness Club
$100–$1,500 Membership cancellation disputes & unauthorized charges
Massachusetts guide
Wedding Vendor
$500–$10,000 Deposit disputes, no-shows & broken vendor contracts
Massachusetts guide
Doctor / Medical Provider
$200–$5,000 Billing errors, overcharges & surprise bills
Massachusetts guide
Property Manager
$300–$8,000 Mismanagement, fee disputes & unauthorized charges
Massachusetts guide
Internet / Cable Provider
$100–$2,000 Overcharges, broken speed promises & equipment deposits
Massachusetts guide
Small Claims Demand Letter Template
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A professionally written demand letter template that puts the other party on notice before you file. Courts expect a demand letter before you sue — and it gets you paid 40% of the time without ever stepping foot in a courtroom. Works in all 50 states.
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Massachusetts Small Claims — At a Glance
Court name Small Claims Session
Maximum claim $7,000 — The cap does not apply to property damage from a motor vehicle accident.
Filing fee $40–$150
Written contract SoL 6 years
Property damage SoL 3 years
Oral contract SoL 6 years
Massachusetts tip
Massachusetts allows online filing through eFileMA for many counties.Frequently Asked Questions
What is the small claims limit in Massachusetts?
The small claims limit in Massachusetts is $7,000. This is the maximum dollar amount you can sue for in the Small Claims Session. If your actual damages exceed this amount, you can reduce your claim to fit within the limit or file in a higher civil court for the full amount.
How do I file a small claims case in Massachusetts?
To file a small claims case in Massachusetts: (1) get the plaintiff's claim form from the Small Claims Session or its website; (2) complete it with the defendant's full legal name and address; (3) file at the courthouse and pay the $40–$150 filing fee; (4) serve the defendant; (5) attend your hearing with all evidence.
How long do I have to file a small claims case in Massachusetts?
In Massachusetts, the statute of limitations for written contracts is 6 years and for oral contracts is 6 years. You must file before this deadline — courts dismiss time-barred claims regardless of merit. The clock starts from the date of the dispute or breach.
Can I bring a lawyer to small claims court in Massachusetts?
Attorney representation rules in Massachusetts small claims court vary. Most small claims cases are handled without lawyers — the simplified process and short hearing times make self-representation practical. If the amount is significant or the issues are complex, a brief attorney consultation before the hearing (not at the hearing) can help you prepare your case.
What happens if I win but the other party doesn't pay in Massachusetts?
If the other party refuses to pay your judgment, you can use enforcement tools: wage garnishment, bank account levy, or a property lien recorded with the county. All require a Writ of Execution from the court. Your judgment also earns post-judgment interest while unpaid. See our full Massachusetts judgment collection guide for step-by-step enforcement instructions.