You start your case by filling out an SC-100 Plaintiff's Claim form and filing it with the court clerk. Be sure you name the Defendant correctly or you may not be able to collect your judgment.
An individual, which includes a sole proprietorship, may file a claim up to a maximum of $12,500. Only the actual party to the claim may file. You must represent yourself at the small claims hearing. Attorneys or others are not permitted to represent a party in small claims court.
Conclusion: Going to small claims court may be worth it for $500, but it will determine how you weigh your costs versus benefits. At a minimum, it is worth it to send a demand letter.
Corporations, partnerships, unincorporated associations, governmental bodies, and other legal entities cannot claim more than $5,000. Also, no claimant (natural person or legal entity) may file more than two small claims court actions for more than $2,500 anywhere in the state during any calendar year.
Generally, you can only sue for up to $12,500 in small claims court (or up to $6,250 if you're a business). You can ask a lawyer for advice before you go to court, but you can't have one with you in court. Starting November 1, 2021, you can sue or be sued for COVID-19 rental debt in small claims.
Small Claims Court Location LocationBusiness Office HoursBusiness Office Telephone Number & Hours Central 330 W. Broadway, Room 225 San Diego, CA 92101 a.m. - p.m. Monday - Friday (858) 634-1919 a.m. - a.m. Monday - Friday
The Small Claims Hearing You must submit copies of your evidence to the court and to each party in your case at least 10 days prior to the hearing. When submitting evidence, you must complete form LASC CIV 278 and use LASC CIV 279 mailing labels.
The Liability Claim Form can be downloaded, mailed or faxed to you. The form must be mailed or faxed to the Risk Management Department. To have the form mailed, faxed or emailed to you, contact the Public Liability Division of the Risk Management Department at 619-236-6670.
Informal complaints may take any form, including email or letter. If you choose not to file your complaint online, it may be mailed to the Ethics Commission, 451 A St., Suite 1410, San Diego, CA 92101, or emailed to ethicscommission@sandiego.