$12,500Claim Limit
$30–$75Filing Fee
2 yrsSOL Period
30 daysAppeal Window
California Small Claims Rules
| Court Name | Small Claims Court — Small Claims Division of Superior Court |
| Claim Limit | $12,500 ($6,250 for businesses) |
| Filing Fee | ~$30–$75 (varies by claim amount and county) |
| Statute of Limitations | 2 years for most contract disputes |
| Attorneys | ✗ Attorneys NOT allowed Attorneys are NOT allowed in California small claims court |
| Service of Process | Process server, sheriff, or certified mail (sent by clerk) |
| Appeal Deadline | 30 days from judgment |
| Judgment Valid For | 10 years |
| Online Filing | ✓ Available — File Online → |
| Official Court Website | https://www.courts.ca.gov/selfhelp-smallclaims.htm → |
California Security Deposit Rules
| Return Deadline | 21 days |
| Penalty for Violation | Up to 2× the deposit amount |
| Wages SOL | 3 years (written contract) / 2 years (oral) |
💡 Before suing your landlord over a security deposit in California, always send a written demand letter first. Generate one free →
What You Need to Know About California Small Claims
California has one of the highest small claims limits in the country at $12,500 for individuals ($6,250 for businesses). Attorneys are not allowed to appear. California also has robust online resources and, in many counties, online filing. The statute of limitations is 2 years for most written contracts.
Filing Tips for California
1
Attorneys are prohibited — both sides must represent themselves
2
Individuals can claim up to $12,500; businesses are capped at $6,250
3
You can file online in many California counties — check your county's court website
4
Send your demand letter at least 10 days before filing — California courts expect this
5
The $30 filing fee is one of the lowest in the country
Common Cases in California
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