Small Claims Court in New York
File for just $20-$35 - some of the lowest fees in the country. NYC offers $10,000 limit and convenient night court.
NYC vs. Upstate
New York City
Upstate New York
How to File in New York
Choose the Right Court
In NYC: file in the borough where defendant lives/works. Upstate: file in local City, Town, or Village Court.
Complete Statement of Claim
Your name, defendant's name and address, claim amount (up to $10,000 NYC), and brief description.
Pay the Filing Fee
$20 for claims up to $1,000 | $35 for claims $1,001-$10,000. File at clerk's office or nycourts.gov.
Court Handles Service
Good news: NY courts mail the defendant notice - no separate service required!
Attend Your Hearing
Scheduled 4-6 weeks out. NYC offers night court starting at 6:30 PM for working people.
NYC Court Locations
Manhattan
111 Centre Street
(646) 386-5700
Brooklyn
141 Livingston St
(347) 404-9700
Bronx
851 Grand Concourse
(718) 618-2500
Queens
89-17 Sutphin Blvd
(718) 262-7100
Staten Island
927 Castleton Ave
(718) 675-8500
NY Security Deposit Laws
New York has strong tenant protections. Landlords must:
Landlords who fail to return deposits properly may owe the full deposit plus court costs.
Start with a Demand Letter
Most NYC cases settle after receiving a professional demand letter. We prepare yours citing NY law and send via certified mail for just $29.
About This Guide: Verified against NYCourts.gov and NY Uniform Justice Court Act. Updated August 2026.
Frequently asked questions
What is the small claims court limit in New York?
New York Small Claims Court offers an informal way for individuals to resolve disputes for money (up to $10,000 in NYC, less upstate) without lawyers, handling cases like security deposits, property damage, unpaid wages, and breach of contract. In NYC Civil Court, the limit is $10,000. In upstate District, City, Town, and Village Courts, the limit ranges from $3,000-$5,000.
How do I file small claims in New York City?
To file in NYC Small Claims Court: 1) Go to the NYC Civil Court clerk's office in your borough or file online at nycourts.gov, 2) Complete the Statement of Claim form, 3) Pay the $20-$35 filing fee (based on claim amount), 4) Receive your court date (usually 4-6 weeks out), 5) The court will mail the defendant a notice. NYC offers night court sessions for convenience.
How much does it cost to file small claims in New York?
New York small claims filing fees: In NYC Civil Court, $20 for claims up to $1,000 and $35 for claims $1,001-$10,000. Upstate courts have similar low fees. New York is one of the cheapest states to file small claims. There are no additional service fees as the court handles notifying the defendant.
Can I sue my landlord in New York small claims court?
Yes, you can sue your landlord in NY small claims for security deposit disputes, overcharges, or property damage up to $10,000 in NYC. New York landlords must return security deposits within 14 days with an itemized statement. Failure to comply can result in the landlord owing you the full deposit plus potential penalties.