Small Claims Court is one of New York City’s most powerful and underused legal tools. You do not need a lawyer. You do not need to know the law. You need a dispute involving money, a day off work, and the willingness to show up at your local courthouse. Here is everything you need to know to file, prepare, and win — or at least have a fair hearing.
This is general information, not legal advice. Contact a lawyer or a free legal aid organization for guidance specific to your situation.
What Is Small Claims Court?
Small Claims Court is a division of the New York City Civil Court designed to resolve money disputes quickly and inexpensively, without requiring either party to have an attorney. Under New York Uniform City Court Act §1801 and related provisions of the New York City Civil Court Act, individuals (not corporations) can sue for up to $10,000 in Small Claims Court. Corporations, partnerships, and other business entities can use a parallel track called Commercial Claims Court, which has a $5,000 limit.
Common cases heard in NYC Small Claims Court include:
- Security deposit disputes between tenants and landlords
- Unpaid wages or contractor fees
- Property damage (broken items, car accidents)
- Defective goods or services not delivered
- Refunds refused by businesses
How to File a Small Claims Case in NYC
Step 1: Determine Which Court to File In
File in the borough where the defendant (the person or business you are suing) lives or does business. Each borough has its own Small Claims Court location:
- Manhattan: NYC Civil Court, 111 Centre St., New York, NY 10013 | (646) 386-5690
- Brooklyn: NYC Civil Court, 141 Livingston St., Brooklyn, NY 11201 | (347) 404-9133
- Queens: NYC Civil Court, 89-17 Sutphin Blvd., Jamaica, NY 11435 | (718) 262-7123
- Bronx: NYC Civil Court, 851 Grand Concourse, Bronx, NY 10451 | (718) 618-2500
- Staten Island: NYC Civil Court, 927 Castleton Ave., Staten Island, NY 10310 | (718) 675-8449
Step 2: Go to the Clerk’s Office and File
Visit the Small Claims Clerk’s office in person during business hours (typically 9:00 AM–5:00 PM, Monday–Friday). You will need:
- The full legal name and address of the person or business you are suing
- A brief description of your claim and the amount of money you are seeking
- The filing fee: $15 for claims up to $1,000 and $20 for claims over $1,000 (as of 2025; confirm current fees when you file)
You can also initiate a case online through the NYC Courts e-filing system at iapps.courts.state.ny.us, though many people still find in-person filing easier for Small Claims.
Step 3: Serve Notice
The court will notify the defendant of your claim by certified mail. You do not have to serve the papers yourself. If the certified mail is returned undelivered, the court clerk will advise you on next steps.
Step 4: Attend Your Hearing
Small Claims hearings in NYC are typically scheduled on weekday evenings (6:00 PM or later) to accommodate working New Yorkers — this is a feature of the system designed specifically for working people. You will present your case to a judge or arbitrator. Bring:
- All documents supporting your claim: contracts, receipts, photos, texts, emails, invoices
- Any witnesses who can speak to what happened
- A clear, organized timeline of events
Hearings are informal. You speak directly to the judge. Stick to the facts, focus on what you are owed and why, and let your documents do the work.
If You Win: Collecting Your Judgment
Winning a Small Claims judgment does not automatically mean you receive money. If the defendant does not pay voluntarily, you must enforce the judgment — a separate process that can include garnishing wages, placing a lien on property, or restraining a bank account. The court clerk can explain the enforcement process. The NYC Bar Association’s Lawyer Referral Service ((212) 626-7373) can connect you with an attorney who handles judgment enforcement if needed.
Free Legal Help Before You File
You do not need a lawyer for Small Claims Court, but getting advice beforehand can strengthen your case. These free resources are available to NYC residents:
- NYC Courts Self-Help Center: Located at each borough courthouse, staffed by attorneys who can answer procedural questions. Call your borough’s Civil Court number (listed above) to confirm hours.
- Legal Aid Society: Free civil legal services for low-income New Yorkers. Call (212) 577-3300 or visit legalaidnyc.org to determine eligibility.
- NYC Bar Association Free Legal Advice Hotline: (212) 626-7373 — provides brief consultations with volunteer attorneys on a range of civil matters.
- NYLAG (New York Legal Assistance Group): Free civil legal services. Call (212) 613-5000 or visit nylag.org.
- NYC Human Resources Administration (HRA) Legal Services: HRA contracts with legal organizations to provide free civil legal services to low-income residents. Call 311 and ask about free legal services in your area.
Special Cases: Security Deposits
Security deposit disputes are the most common Small Claims cases in New York City. Under New York General Obligations Law §7-108, your landlord must return your security deposit within 14 days of your lease end date, along with an itemized written statement of any deductions. Failure to return the deposit on time, or making improper deductions, entitles you to sue — and a landlord who fails to follow the law may be liable for the full deposit amount regardless of any claimed damages.
If your landlord has not returned your deposit and 14 days have passed: document your move-out condition with photos and your move-out date, then file in Small Claims Court in the borough where the property is located.
Who This Helps
This article is for: NYC renters in security deposit disputes; workers owed unpaid wages or contractor fees; consumers who were charged for services not rendered; anyone owed up to $10,000 who wants to resolve a dispute without hiring a lawyer; and anyone who has always assumed court was too complicated or expensive to be worth it.
How to Take Action
- File a Small Claims case: Visit the Small Claims Clerk at your borough’s Civil Court (addresses above), Monday–Friday, 9 AM–5 PM. Bring the defendant’s name, address, and your claim details. Filing fee: $15–$20.
- Online filing: iapps.courts.state.ny.us
- Free legal advice (Legal Aid Society): (212) 577-3300 | legalaidnyc.org
- Free legal advice (NYLAG): (212) 613-5000 | nylag.org
- NYC Bar Association Hotline: (212) 626-7373
- Security deposit law reference: New York General Obligations Law §7-108
- General court information: Call 311 and ask to be connected to the NYC Courts information line, or visit nycourts.gov
