Small claims track
Disputes & Litigation

The small claims track is intended to provide a proportionate procedure for the smallest cases (by value), such as consumer disputes, small accident claims, disputes about the ownership of goods, and certain landlord and tenant cases. This is the normal track for defended claims with a value not exceeding £5,000.

Although most claims under £5,000 will be allocated to the small claims track, the following types of claim will not normally be allocated there even if they have a value under £5,000: 

• personal injury cases where the value of the claim for pain, suffering, and loss of amenity exceeds £1,000;
• claims by tenants of residential premises seeking orders that their landlords should carry out repairs or other works to the premises where the value of the claim exceeds £1,000;
• claims by residential tennants seeking damages against their landlords for harrassment or unlawful eviction; and
• claims involving a disputed allegation of dishonesty.