If you are considering filing a claim in California Small Claims Court, one of the first questions you should ask is: how much can you sue for?
California law sets strict limits on the amount of money that can be awarded in small claims cases, and those limits vary depending on who is filing the claim.
This guide explains the current California small claims court limits, who they apply to, and how those limits affect your case.
Table of Contents
What Is the Small Claims Court Limit in California?
In California Small Claims Court, the maximum amount you can sue for depends on whether you are an individual or a business.
Current Small Claims Limits in California
These limits apply per case, not per defendant.
For an overview of how small claims court works in California, see:
👉 Internal link: California Small Claims Court – Complete Guide
Why Are Businesses Limited to $5,000?
California law places a lower limit on business plaintiffs to discourage companies from using small claims court as a routine collection tool.
If a business wants to sue for more than $5,000, it must generally file a case in a higher court, such as Superior Court.
Individuals, on the other hand, are allowed a higher limit to make small claims court more accessible for personal disputes.file your case
How Many Small Claims Cases Can You File Per Year in California?
Even if you are an individual, there are limits on how often you can file large claims.
- You may file unlimited small claims cases under $2,500
- You may file no more than two cases over $2,500 in a single calendar year
This rule prevents repeated high-value filings in small claims court.
Once you understand the claim limits, the next step is learning how to file a small claims case in California.
Does the Limit Include Court Costs and Fees?
No.
The small claims court limit applies to damages only, not to filing fees or service costs.
For a breakdown of filing fees, see:
👉 Internal link: California Small Claims Court Filing Fees/california-small-claims-filing-fees/
What Types of Claims Are Subject to the Limit?
Most monetary disputes fall under the California small claims limit, including:
- Unpaid loans or services
- Property damage
- Breach of informal agreements
- Security deposit disputes
- Certain landlord-tenant disputes
If your case involves a landlord-tenant issue, such as unpaid deposits or improper charges, it may still qualify as long as the amount sought is within the limit.
👉 Internal link: Landlord-Tenant Small Claims in California/landlord-tenant-small-claims-california/
What If Your Claim Exceeds the Small Claims Limit?
If your claim is worth more than the small claims court limit, you generally have two options:
- Reduce (waive) the amount you are asking for so it fits within the limit
- File in a higher court, such as California Superior Court
Once you waive the excess amount to stay within small claims court, you usually cannot sue later for the remaining balance.
Can You Sue Multiple Defendants for $10,000 Each?
No.
The small claims limit applies to the total amount sought in the case, not per defendant.
You cannot multiply the limit by naming multiple defendants in the same lawsuit.
California Small Claims Court Limits FAQs
What is the maximum small claims amount in California?
Individuals can sue for up to $10,000, while businesses are limited to $5,000 per case.
Can I sue for $10,000 more than once in California?
You can only file two cases over $2,500 per calendar year, even though the maximum limit is $10,000.
Do interest or penalties count toward the limit?
Yes. Any monetary amount you ask the court to award generally counts toward the small claims limit.
Can landlord-tenant disputes be filed in small claims court?
Yes, as long as the amount sought does not exceed the applicable limit and the dispute involves monetary damages.
What if my damages are slightly over $10,000?
You must either reduce the claim amount or file in a different court. Small claims court cannot award more than the legal limit.
Next Steps
If your claim falls within the California small claims limit, the next step is filing your case correctly and serving the defendant.
👉 Internal link: How to File a Small Claims Case in California
Author Disclosure
Written by Emily Carter, J.D.
Housing law researcher and Small Claims Court specialist with over 8 years of experience in landlord–tenant disputes.
This content is for educational purposes only and does not provide legal advice.
This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
