A landlord kept your deposit, a contractor walked off the job, a dry cleaner ruined your coat. In Massachusetts you can sue for up to $7,000 in the Small Claims Session of the District Court, Boston Municipal Court or Housing Court, without hiring a lawyer. Check your case below, then follow six steps.
Answer a few questions. The result updates as you type.
Small claims don't require a demand in general, but a consumer suing a business under the consumer protection law (Chapter 93A) must usually send a written demand letter at least 30 days before filing. A short, dated demand letter is the best proof. Use the generator below and keep a copy.
The District Court or Boston Municipal Court where you or the defendant lives, works or has a business. Claims about an apartment can also be filed where it is; Housing Court takes only rental housing cases.
Statement of Small Claim and Notice of Trial. The court sets the trial date and mails it to both sides; the wait depends on the court.
$40 for claims up to $500, $50 up to $2,000, $100 up to $5,000, and $150 above that (including car accident claims over $7,000). Filing online adds a $7 eFiling fee. If you can't afford it, ask for a fee waiver: Affidavit of Indigency.
You don't serve the papers yourself. The court mails the Statement of Claim to the defendant: first-class mail in Massachusetts, certified mail out of state. If it comes back, the case can't go forward. The court mails the notice; make sure the defendant's address is correct.
Bring receipts, photos, texts, the contract and your demand letter, with three copies of each. The court doesn't collect for you, but if they don't pay you can ask for a payment hearing, where the court can order payments and hold a debtor who can pay but refuses in contempt.
Want every detail? The full filing guide walks you through all 7 stages, from finding the defendant's legal name to collecting your money, with a checklist.
Open the filing guideFill in the details, then download the letter as a PDF or Word file, or copy the text. Send it by certified mail or email so you can prove the date.
Miss this date and the court will dismiss your case, however strong it is. Consumer protection (Chapter 93A) claims have 4 years. Some deadlines start when the harm was discovered.
| Type of claim | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Broken written contract (lease, invoice, signed agreement) | 6 years |
| Broken verbal agreement | 6 years |
| Damaged property | 3 years |
| Personal injury | 3 years |
| Fraud | 3 years |
| Libel or slander | 3 years |
| Claims against a government agency | Before suing a Massachusetts public body for negligence, you must present a written claim to its executive officer within 2 years. |
You don't need a lawyer, but you may use one. Most people represent themselves.
You can sue for up to $7,000. There's no limit for property damage from a car accident. Extra damages allowed by law, such as under the consumer protection law, can push the award above $7,000. Businesses collecting a debt must give extra account details and verify the defendant's address. Otherwise, you can give up the amount above the limit, or file a regular civil case where the rules are stricter.
Only the defendant can appeal. They have 10 days after receiving the decision to ask for a new trial before a judge or a six-person jury, pay a $25 fee, and usually post a $100 bond. If you filed the case and lose, you can't appeal.
Free. Ask the clerk-magistrate's office before your trial date.