2026 Guide Ohio 25 Dispute Types
Ohio Small Claims Court — Dispute Guides
Select who you're suing for a guide tailored to Ohio's court rules, the $6,000 limit, and your specific dispute type.
$6,000
SC limit
$35–$151
Filing fee
Small Claims Division
Court name
Who Are You Suing in Ohio?
Landlord
$500–$5,000 Security deposits, unpaid repairs & habitability disputes
Ohio guide
Contractor
$500–$10,000 Incomplete work, shoddy repairs & contractor fraud
Ohio guide
Employer
$200–$7,500 Unpaid wages, last paycheck & withheld commissions
Ohio guide
Amazon
$50–$2,000 Damaged goods, undelivered orders & third-party seller disputes
Ohio guide
Car Dealer
$500–$10,000 Undisclosed damage, deposit disputes & lemon car issues
Ohio guide
Insurance Company
$500–$10,000 Claim denials, underpayment & bad faith delays
Ohio guide
Neighbor
$200–$5,000 Property damage, fence disputes & nuisance claims
Ohio guide
Mechanic / Auto Shop
$200–$5,000 Overcharges, unauthorized repairs & damage while in their care
Ohio guide
Roommate
$200–$5,000 Unpaid rent, stolen deposits & property damage
Ohio guide
Airline
$100–$3,000 Canceled flights, baggage loss & denied boarding compensation
Ohio guide
Airbnb / VRBO
$200–$3,000 Host disputes, property damage & refund denials
Ohio guide
Moving Company
$500–$8,000 Damaged belongings, inflated bills & hostage loads
Ohio guide
Online Seller (eBay, Facebook, Craigslist)
$100–$3,000 Misrepresented items, non-delivery & fraud
Ohio guide
Dog Owner
$200–$10,000 Bite injuries, property damage & vet bills
Ohio guide
Friend or Family Member
$100–$5,000 Unpaid loans, bounced checks & personal money disputes
Ohio guide
Uber or Lyft
$100–$5,000 Accidents, overcharges & property damage
Ohio guide
Hotel
$100–$5,000 Injury, overcharges & accommodation disputes
Ohio guide
Store / Retailer
$50–$3,000 Return disputes, defective products & overcharges
Ohio guide
Car Accident (Other Driver)
$500–$10,000 Vehicle damage, injuries & uninsured drivers
Ohio guide
Cell Phone Company
$100–$2,000 Overcharges, broken contracts & deposit disputes
Ohio guide
Gym / Fitness Club
$100–$1,500 Membership cancellation disputes & unauthorized charges
Ohio guide
Wedding Vendor
$500–$10,000 Deposit disputes, no-shows & broken vendor contracts
Ohio guide
Doctor / Medical Provider
$200–$5,000 Billing errors, overcharges & surprise bills
Ohio guide
Property Manager
$300–$8,000 Mismanagement, fee disputes & unauthorized charges
Ohio guide
Internet / Cable Provider
$100–$2,000 Overcharges, broken speed promises & equipment deposits
Ohio guide
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Ohio Small Claims — At a Glance
Court name Small Claims Division
Maximum claim $6,000
Filing fee $35–$151
Written contract SoL 6 years
Property damage SoL 4 years
Oral contract SoL 6 years
Ohio tip
Ohio's limit was recently increased from $3,000 — verify your county court has updated their forms.Frequently Asked Questions
What is the small claims limit in Ohio?
The small claims limit in Ohio is $6,000. This is the maximum dollar amount you can sue for in the Small Claims Division. 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 Ohio?
To file a small claims case in Ohio: (1) get the plaintiff's claim form from the Small Claims Division or its website; (2) complete it with the defendant's full legal name and address; (3) file at the courthouse and pay the $35–$151 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 Ohio?
In Ohio, 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 Ohio?
Attorney representation rules in Ohio 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 Ohio?
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 Ohio judgment collection guide for step-by-step enforcement instructions.