The maximum amount that can be recovered in Small Claims Court varies by state and is between $3,500 and $25,000.
| State | Maximum Claim Amount |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $6,000 |
| Alaska | $10,000 |
| Arizona | $3,500 |
| Arkansas | $5,000 |
| California | $10,000 for individuals $5,000 for businesses |
| Colorado | $7,500 |
| Connecticut | $5,000 (may be exceeded if the judge awards damages) |
| Delaware | $25,000 |
| Florida | $8,000 |
| Georgia | $15,000 |
| Hawaii | $5,000 (no limit for security deposit claims) |
| Idaho | $5,000 |
| Illinois | $10,000 |
| Indiana | $10,000 |
| Iowa | $6,500 |
| Kansas | $4,000 |
| Kentucky | $2,500 |
| Louisiana | $5,000 (may be exceeded if the judge awards damages) |
| Maine | $6,000 |
| Maryland | $5,000 |
| Massachusetts | $7,000 (may be exceeded if the judge awards damages) |
| Michigan | $6,500 |
| Minnesota | $15,000 |
| Mississippi | $3,500 |
| Missouri | $5,000 |
| Montana | $7,000 |
| Nebraska | $3,900 |
| Nevada | $10,000 |
| New Hampshire | $10,000 |
| New Jersey | $5,000 |
| New Mexico | $10,000 |
| New York | $10,000 – New York City Court $5,000 – City or District Court $3,000 – Town or Village Court |
| North Carolina | $5,000 or $10,000 depending on the court |
| North Dakota | $15,000 |
| Ohio | $6,000 |
| Oklahoma | $10,000 |
| Oregon | $10,000 |
| Pennsylvania | $12,000 |
| Rhode Island | $5,000 |
| South Carolina | $7,500 |
| South Dakota | $12,000 |
| Tennessee | $25,000 |
| Texas | $20,000 |
| Utah | $15,000 |
| Vermont | $5,000 |
| Virginia | $5,000 |
| Washington | $10,000 for individuals $5,000 for businesses |
| Washington D.C. | $10,000 |
| West Virginia | $10,000 |
| Wisconsin | $10,000 |
| Wyoming | $6,000 |
What is Included in the Small Claim Limit?
In addition to the money owed, landlords and tenants may recover other money if they win the court case. For example, in many states, landlords must pay two to three times the amount of the security deposit they failed to return properly if a tenant files a small claims case. This additional penalty is referred to as “damages” in court.
The losing side may also be required to pay the court costs for both sides and the cost to hire an attorney (if an attorney was used). These costs will be added to the total amount of the judgment. In addition to these costs, the judgment typically gains annual interest.
Typically, the maximum small claim amount includes damages, but not interest, court costs, and attorneys’ fees.
What if the Claim Exceeds the Limit?
If the claim exceeds the limit, the plaintiff must reduce the amount or file the case in a higher court. Because Small Claims Court is typically much quicker and simpler than higher courts, it is often easier to reduce the claim amount.
