What Is the Maximum Amount You Can Sue For?

Ontario Small Claims Court can generally hear civil claims for up to $50,000, excluding interest and costs.

If your claim exceeds this amount, you may choose to:

• Reduce your claim to $50,000 and proceed in Small Claims Court; or

• Start your case in the Ontario Superior Court of Justice.

The appropriate option depends on the circumstances of your matter and the amount you are seeking to recover.

What Types of Claims Can Be Brought in Small Claims Court?

Small Claims Court hears many types of civil disputes, including:

• Unpaid invoices.

• Breach of contract.

• Property damage.

• Debt collection.

• Unpaid loans.

• Construction and renovation disputes.

• Consumer disputes.

• Damage to personal property.

Each case depends on its own facts and the available evidence.

Can Businesses Use Small Claims Court?

Yes. Businesses, corporations, partnerships, and sole proprietorships may all bring or defend claims in Small Claims Court, provided the matter falls within the court's jurisdiction.

Many commercial disputes involving unpaid accounts, contracts, or services are resolved through Small Claims Court.

What Can I Claim?

Depending on your circumstances, you may be able to claim compensation for:

• Money owed.

• Property damage.

• Breach of contract.

• Unpaid services.

• Return of deposits.

• Interest where permitted by law.

• Certain court costs if successful.

The available remedies depend on the facts of each case and the applicable law.

What Evidence Should I Gather?

Strong evidence can make a significant difference in any Small Claims Court matter.

Helpful evidence may include:

• Contracts or written agreements.

• Invoices and receipts.

• Emails, text messages, and letters.

• Photographs or videos.

• Estimates or repair invoices.

• Bank records or proof of payment.

• Witness statements where appropriate.

Keeping organized records can help present your case more effectively.

What Happens After I Start a Claim?

After your Plaintiff's Claim is issued and served, the defendant has an opportunity to file a Defence.

Depending on how the matter progresses, the case may involve:

• Settlement discussions.

• A settlement conference.

• Motions, where appropriate.

• Trial if the dispute cannot be resolved.

Many Small Claims Court matters are resolved before reaching trial.

Common Mistakes People Make

People starting a Small Claims Court case sometimes:

• Sue for the wrong amount.

• Fail to preserve important evidence.

• Miss court deadlines.

• Serve documents incorrectly.

• Assume verbal agreements cannot be enforced.

• Wait too long before starting a claim.

Understanding the process before filing can help avoid unnecessary delays.

Timelines vary depending on the court location, complexity of the dispute, and whether the matter settles before trial.