Small claims resources
Practical resources for small claims court: what evidence holds up, suing out-of-state defendants, and which damages you can actually recover.
How to write, send, and prove a demand letter before you file.
What proof actually persuades a judge — texts, photos, receipts, and witnesses.
Where to file, what it costs, how to serve, and what the clerk needs from you.
What to say at the hearing, how to present, and what happens after the ruling.
Calculating what you're owed and collecting after you win.
Security deposits, repairs, subleases, and rental disputes.
Unfinished work, botched repairs, and unpaid freelance or service invoices.
Purchases, refunds, warranties, vehicles, and everyday consumer claims.
All articles
Showing 73–84 of 110
Suing a Salon, Barber, or Tattoo Artist for Bad Work
Bad haircuts, botched color jobs, and tattoo mistakes are more common small claims cases than people expect — and they come with their own unique…
Read article →How to Get Back Property You Lent to Someone
Lending tools, electronics, or other belongings to a friend or acquaintance who then won't return them is a surprisingly common — and surprisingly…
Read article →Bad Airbnb or Vacation Rental Experience: Can You Sue?
A vacation rental that doesn't match its listing, an unexpected cancellation, or a disputed damage charge are all common small claims scenarios —…
Read article →Gym Membership and Cancellation Disputes: Can You Sue?
Gym membership disputes are common small claims cases — often involving continued charges after cancellation, or hidden fees buried in contract fine…
Read article →Suing a Landlord for Habitability Issues
Mold, no heat, broken plumbing, pest infestations — when a landlord won't fix serious problems, small claims court is often a realistic path,…
Read article →HOA Disputes in Small Claims Court
Homeowners association disputes — fines, assessment disagreements, or maintenance responsibility fights — are a distinct small claims category with…
Read article →Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist Scams: Can You Sue?
Online marketplace disputes are one of the fastest-growing categories of small claims cases — and one of the trickiest, since you're often dealing…
Read article →Where Do You File? Small Claims Venue Rules Explained
Picking the right courthouse to file in — called "venue" — is a detail that trips people up more than expected. File in the wrong place, and your…
Read article →Can You Sue Your Insurance Company in Small Claims Court?
Insurance disputes — a denied claim, a lowball settlement offer, or unreasonable delays — are frustrating, and small claims court can be a legitimate…
Read article →Does a Small Claims Judgment Affect Your Credit Score?
Whether you're pursuing a judgment or worried about one against you, this is one of the most searched — and most misunderstood — questions in small…
Read article →Suing for Unpaid Freelance or Contract Work
Unpaid invoices are one of the most straightforward small claims cases — as long as you have the paperwork to back it up. Here's how freelancers and…
Read article →Statute of Limitations: How Long Do You Have to File a Small Claims Case?
Every type of claim has a deadline — and once it passes, you generally lose the right to sue, no matter how valid your case is. Here's how to think…
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