The small claims limit in New York
The limit is the most the court can award on one claim. It depends on who is claiming, and in some states on which court hears it.
| Court | Claiming as | Most you can claim | Rule |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York City Civil Court, Small Claims Part | An individual | $10,000 | N.Y. City Civ. Ct. Act §1801 |
| New York City Civil Court, Small Claims Part | A public agency | $10,000 | N.Y. City Civ. Ct. Act §1801 |
| City Court, Small Claims Part | An individual | $5,000 | N.Y. Uniform City Ct. Act §1801 |
| City Court, Small Claims Part | A public agency | $5,000 | N.Y. Uniform City Ct. Act §1801 |
| Town or Village Justice Court | An individual | $3,000 | N.Y. Uniform Justice Ct. Act §1801 |
| Town or Village Justice Court | A public agency | $3,000 | N.Y. Uniform Justice Ct. Act §1801 |
In New York, a corporation, partnership, or association files in the commercial claims part, not the small claims part. The court's self-help pages explain that part. N.Y. City Civ. Ct. Act §1809
More about New York
Common questions
- How much can you claim in small claims court in New York?
- In the New York City Civil Court, Small Claims Part, an individual can claim up to $10,000. In the New York City Civil Court, Small Claims Part, a public agency can claim up to $10,000. In the City Court, Small Claims Part, an individual can claim up to $5,000. In the City Court, Small Claims Part, a public agency can claim up to $5,000. In the Town or Village Justice Court, an individual can claim up to $3,000. In the Town or Village Justice Court, a public agency can claim up to $3,000. That comes from N.Y. City Civ. Ct. Act §1801, N.Y. Uniform City Ct. Act §1801, N.Y. Uniform Justice Ct. Act §1801.
- Can a business bring a small claim in New York?
- In New York, a corporation, partnership, or association files in the commercial claims part, not the small claims part. The court's self-help pages explain that part. That comes from N.Y. City Civ. Ct. Act §1809.
- Which court handles small claims in New York?
- New York City Civil Court, Small Claims Part. For disputes inside the five boroughs of New York City. City Court, Small Claims Part. For cities outside New York City. Town or Village Justice Court. For towns and villages outside cities.
- How long do you have to bring a small claims claim in New York?
- The shortest window is 3 years, counted from the day the damage happened, under N.Y. CPLR 214(4). Other kinds of claim run longer; the time-limit page lists each one.
Verify with your court
Numbers change, and a court can post its own variation. Open New York's small claims page and confirm anything you are about to rely on.
Open the court's small claims pageVerified on 2026-09-05, sources:
Verified on 2026-09-05, sources: Rules effective from 2026-02-20.
- N.Y. City Civ. Ct. Act §1801 · effective 2023-07-07 · In New York City, small claims court hears money claims of up to $10,000.
- N.Y. Uniform City Ct. Act §1801 · effective 2024-01-05 · In city courts outside New York City, small claims court hears money claims of up to $5,000.
- N.Y. Uniform Justice Ct. Act §1801 · effective 2022-09-02 · In town and village justice courts, small claims hears money claims of up to $3,000, not counting interest and costs.
- N.Y. City Civ. Ct. Act §1809 · effective 2014-09-22 · Corporations, partnerships, associations, and assignees cannot bring a small claim. Municipal bodies and school districts can. Businesses use the commercial claims part.
FairSquare assembles documents and explains your court's rules. It is not a substitute for advice about your situation.