$10,000Claim Limit
$15–$20Filing Fee
3 yrsSOL Period
30 daysAppeal Window
New York Small Claims Rules
| Court Name | Small Claims Court — City / Town / Village Court — Small Claims Part |
| Claim Limit | $10,000 ($5,000 for businesses) |
| Filing Fee | ~$15–$20 (varies by claim amount and county) |
| Statute of Limitations | 3 years for most contract disputes |
| Attorneys | ✓ Attorneys allowed Attorneys are allowed but courts are designed for self-representation |
| Service of Process | Certified mail (by court) |
| Appeal Deadline | 30 days from judgment |
| Judgment Valid For | 20 years |
| Online Filing | ✗ In-person at courthouse |
| Official Court Website | https://www.nycourts.gov/courthelp/SmallClaims → |
New York Security Deposit & Wage Rules
| Deposit Return Deadline | 14 days (NYC) / reasonable time elsewhere |
| Penalty for Violation | Up to 2× the deposit (NYC) |
| Wage Claims SOL | 6 years (written) / 3 years (oral) |
💡 Before suing in New York, send a written demand letter first. Generate one free →
What You Need to Know About New York Small Claims
New York has one of the lowest filing fees in the country — just $15–$20 — making it highly accessible. The limit is $10,000 for individuals and $5,000 for businesses. New York City has its own small claims court system with evening sessions specifically designed to accommodate working people. Judgments are valid for 20 years. NYC also has stricter deposit rules than the rest of the state.
Filing Tips for New York
1
New York has the lowest filing fee in the US at just $15–$20 — highly accessible
2
NYC small claims court offers evening sessions — convenient for those who work during the day
3
Businesses are limited to $5,000 claims; individuals can claim up to $10,000
4
NYC has stricter deposit rules than the rest of New York State — verify which rules apply to your situation
Common Cases in New York
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