What is small claims court?
Small claims court is an expedited and informal court process. Tenants can consult with an attorney about their small claims court case; however, tenants must represent themselves in their small claims court hearings.
See resources on small claims court below.
Assistance for Tenants Sued for COVID-19 Rental Debt in Small Claims Court:
As of November 1, 2021, tenants can be sued by their landlord for the rent they were unable to pay during the COVID-19 pandemic. A suit for COVID-19 rental debt is different than an eviction (unlawful detainer), but it is still important for tenants who receive a COVID-19 rental debt lawsuit to engage in the court process and appear at their small claims court hearing.COVID-19 Rental Debt Resource Library:
- Post-Judgment Guide: After your small claims hearing
- Webinar: After your COVID-19 Rental Debt Hearing
- How to Vacate a Default Judgment
- Judgment Debtor Examination Fact Sheet
- Impact of Rental Debt on Credit Report and Tenant Screening Fact Sheet
For Legal Services Providers
Legal Services Providers can access training and materials on COVID-19 rental debt in small claims court by downloading Small Claims Back Rent Tool Kit – Download here
Assistance to Tenants to Sue Their Landlords in Small Claims Court:
Tenants can file an action in small claims court against their landlord for up to $10,000 where they believe their landlord is violating the law.
Tenants experiencing harassment can also reference LAFLA’s Tenant Harassment Project page.
Tenants’ Affirmative Small Claims Resource Library:
More information about the small claims process –
- Tenants Small Claims Process Overview
- Webinar: Tenants’ Small Claims Workshop
- Service of Process via the LA County Sheriff
- Collecting a Small Claims Judgment – details about the steps to obtain a levy, lien, or garnishment to collect a court judgment
Sample forms and templates:
- Security Deposit in Small Claims Guide
These resources are designed for tenants on housing-relating issues only. Individuals interested in other types of small claims suits can attend Small Claims workshops provided by the Los Angeles County Department of Consumer and Business Affairs (DCBA).
DCBA also offers small claims advisory services, including: