NYC Small Claims Court Raises Monetary Cap

There is good news for pro se litigants in New York City Small Claims Court. As of December 16, 2019, the cap for recovery in that court is raised to $10,000. Previously, Small Claims Court had a maximum limit of $5,000. Small claims court is a less formal venue where litigants typically represent themselves. The increase in maximum recoverable claims will allow New Yorkers to do this more easily, instead of having to hire an attorney to represent them in a more complicated Civil Court proceeding.

Common small claims court cases include breach of contract, unpaid wages, failure to return security deposit, and unpaid loans.

If you have questions about starting or litigating a Small Claims Court Case, please feel free to contact the Legal Hotline at (212) 626-7383.

Christin Damiano is the Staff Attorney and Coordinator of the Discriminatory Harassment Project for the City Bar Justice Center.