Small claims limits by state
The most you can sue for in small claims court, where most security deposit disputes end up, in all 50 states and DC. Every row links to the state’s rule and the statute behind it.
Small claims limits by state
| State | Small claims limit | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $6,000 | Statute |
| Alaska | $10,000 | Statute |
| Arizona | $5,000 | Statute |
| Arkansas | $5,000 | Official summary |
| California | $12,500 | Statute |
| Colorado | $7,500 | Statute |
| Connecticut | $5,000 | Statute |
| Delaware | $25,000 | Statute |
| District of Columbia | $10,000 | Statute |
| Florida | $8,000 | Statute |
| Georgia | $15,000 | Statute |
| Hawaii | $5,000 | Statute |
| Idaho | $15,000 | Statute |
| Illinois | $10,000 | Statute |
| Indiana | $10,000 | Statute |
| Iowa | $6,500 | Statute |
| Kansas | $10,000 | Statute |
| Kentucky | $2,500 | Statute |
| Louisiana | $5,000 | Statute |
| Maine | $10,000 | Statute |
| Maryland | $5,000 | Statute |
| Massachusetts | $7,000 | Statute |
| Michigan | $7,000 | Statute |
| Minnesota | $20,000 | Statute |
| Mississippi | $3,500 | Official summary |
| Missouri | $5,000 | Statute |
| Montana | $7,000 | Statute |
| Nebraska | $7,500 | Statute |
| Nevada | $10,000 | Statute |
| New Hampshire | $10,000 | Statute |
| New Jersey | $5,000 | Official summary |
| New Mexico | $10,000 | Official summary |
| New York | $10,000 | Official summary |
| North Carolina | $10,000 | Statute |
| North Dakota | $15,000 | Statute |
| Ohio | $6,000 | Statute |
| Oklahoma | $10,000 | Statute |
| Oregon | $10,000 | Statute |
| Pennsylvania | $12,000 | Statute |
| Rhode Island | $5,000 | Statute |
| South Carolina | $7,500 | Statute |
| South Dakota | $12,000 | Statute |
| Tennessee | $25,000 | Statute |
| Texas | $20,000 | Statute |
| Utah | $20,000 | Statute |
| Vermont | $10,000 | Statute |
| Virginia | $5,000 | Statute |
| Washington | $10,000 | Statute |
| West Virginia | $20,000 | Statute |
| Wisconsin | $10,000 | Statute |
| Wyoming | $6,000 | Statute |
Rows marked “Official summary” come from a state agency or court guide rather than the statute text. Tap a column head to sort. Not legal advice. Statutes change; check the linked section.
Questions people ask
What is the small claims limit in each state?
From $2,500 in Kentucky to $25,000 in Delaware and Tennessee. $10,000 is the most common limit, in 15 states and DC.
Some states set a lower limit for businesses or for certain courts; the state page has the details.
Can I sue my landlord over a security deposit in small claims?
Usually, yes. Deposit disputes are a common small claims case, and most fit under the limit.
Many states add a penalty when a landlord keeps a deposit in bad faith, often two or three times the amount kept, which can push a claim toward the limit. The security deposit table has each state’s rule.
Do I need a lawyer for small claims court?
No. Small claims courts are set up for people who represent themselves, with simpler forms and rules.
Filing fees are modest, and state court self-help pages explain how to file and how to serve the other side.