If you have a dispute worth $3,500 or less — a security deposit your landlord won’t return, a contractor who took your money and disappeared, a car repair that made things worse — Arizona’s small claims court exists specifically for situations like yours.
No lawyer required. No complicated legal filings. Just show up with your evidence and tell your story to a judge.
Here’s exactly what you need to know.
The Short Answer
Arizona small claims court (Justice Court) handles civil disputes up to $3,500. The limit is $3,500 for most civil disputes. Filing costs approximately $71–$186 depending on your claim amount. Most cases are resolved within 30–90 days.
Arizona Small Claims Court Limit
The limit is $3,500 for most civil disputes.
This limit covers the total amount of money you’re asking for — not including court filing fees, which you can usually recover if you win.
If your claim is worth more than $3,500, you have two options:
- Reduce your claim to fit within the limit (you give up the rest permanently)
- File in a higher court (small claims or municipal civil court, depending on your county) — this usually means higher fees and a more formal process
How Much Does It Cost to File?
Filing fees in Arizona range from approximately $71–$186 depending on the amount you’re claiming. You pay this fee when you file. If you win, you can ask the court to order the defendant to reimburse your filing fee.
If you cannot afford the filing fee, you may qualify for a fee waiver. Ask the clerk about an “affidavit of indigency” or “waiver of fees” form.
Filing Fees by Claim Amount
| Claim Amount | Filing Fee |
|---|---|
| Up to $500 | $71 |
| $501–$1,500 | $100 |
| $1,501–$3,500 | $150–$186 |
Note: Fees vary by county. Maricopa County fees are listed above. Other counties may have different fee schedules. Service fees may apply. Verify current fees with your local Justice Court.
What Cases Can You Bring to Small Claims Court?
Justice Court in Arizona handles:
- Unpaid debts — money owed to you under a contract or agreement
- Security deposit disputes — landlords who wrongfully withhold your deposit
- Property damage — someone damaged your car, property, or belongings
- Faulty goods or services — a contractor or business that didn’t deliver what was promised
- Returned checks — you can usually add a statutory penalty on top of the check amount
- Minor personal injury — small injury claims where the amount is within the limit
Common Types of Small Claims Cases
Arizona Justice Courts handle a wide range of civil disputes within the $3,500 limit:
- Landlord-tenant disputes — unpaid rent, wrongfully withheld security deposits, lease violations, and damage claims
- Contractor and repair disputes — incomplete home improvement work, failure to pay contractors, or poor quality workmanship
- Vehicle damage and repair claims — accident damage, poor auto repair work, or rideshare damage claims
- Small business debt collection — unpaid invoices, non-payment for services rendered, or business-to-business disputes
- Personal property damage — damage to personal belongings, lost deposits, or damaged personal items
You cannot use small claims court for:
- Divorces or custody disputes
- Criminal matters
- Claims above $3,500
- Cases requiring injunctions (court orders to stop doing something)
Can You Have a Lawyer?
Arizona’s small claims limit is lower than most states. For disputes between $3,500 and $10,000, consider the Justice Court civil division instead.
Even where attorneys are allowed, most people represent themselves in small claims court. Judges are accustomed to non-lawyers and allow informal presentations. A well-organized binder of evidence often matters more than legal arguments.
How to File a Small Claims Case in Arizona
Step 1: Confirm You’re in the Right Court
Make sure your claim is:
- Worth $3,500 or less
- A civil (money) dispute, not a criminal matter
- Filed in the correct county (usually where the defendant lives or where the dispute occurred)
Step 2: Try to Resolve It First
Courts generally look favorably on plaintiffs who attempted to resolve the dispute before suing. Send the defendant a written demand letter giving them 14 days to pay or respond. Keep a copy. Send it via email (creates a timestamp) and certified mail (creates proof of delivery).
If you’ve already done this, proceed to Step 3.
Step 3: Complete the Court Forms
Visit your local Justice Court or download forms from their website. You’ll fill out a complaint form that asks for:
- Your name and contact information (plaintiff)
- The defendant’s full legal name and address
- The amount you’re claiming
- A brief description of why you’re owed this amount
Bring supporting documents: contracts, receipts, photos, text messages, emails, and anything else that supports your claim.
Step 4: File and Pay the Filing Fee
Submit your completed forms to the court clerk and pay the filing fee ($71–$186). The clerk will stamp your forms and assign you a case number and hearing date.
Step 5: Serve the Defendant
The defendant must be officially notified of the lawsuit. In most cases, the court handles this by certified mail. If certified mail fails, you may need to arrange for personal service by a process server or sheriff. Keep your proof of service — the case may be dismissed if the defendant wasn’t properly served.
Step 6: Prepare Your Case
Organize your evidence chronologically. Bring:
- Original documents (the court may keep copies)
- Photos or videos relevant to the dispute
- Written communications (texts, emails, letters)
- Witness testimony (witnesses must appear in person — written statements are often not accepted)
- Receipts and estimates for any claimed damages
Practice explaining your case clearly in 3–5 minutes. Focus on facts and amounts.
What to Bring to Court
Arizona Justice Court judges expect organized, documentary evidence. Come prepared with:
- Contract or written agreement (original or certified copy, with extras for the judge and defendant)
- Lease agreement and rental receipts (for landlord-tenant disputes)
- Invoices, receipts, and payment records (proving money paid, amounts claimed, and services rendered)
- Photos or video evidence (showing property condition, damage, work completed or not completed)
- Text messages and emails (print copies with headers showing dates and senders)
- Proof of demand letter (email read receipt, certified mail receipt, or delivery confirmation)
- Bank statements or canceled checks (evidence of payment or non-payment)
- Witness names and contact information (having prepared witnesses strengthens your case)
- Damage documentation (photos before/after, repair estimates, or receipts for replacement)
- Original identification (to establish you have the correct defendant’s legal name)
Step 7: Attend the Hearing
Arrive early. Dress professionally. When your case is called, address the judge as “Your Honor.” Present your evidence calmly and stick to the relevant facts. Let the judge guide the proceeding — small claims courts are informal by design.
Step 8: Collect Your Judgment
Winning in court is step one. If the defendant doesn’t pay voluntarily, you’ll need to enforce the judgment. Options typically include:
- Wage garnishment — having the defendant’s employer deduct payments
- Bank levy — seizing funds from the defendant’s bank account
- Property lien — placing a lien on real property they own
Collection requires additional steps and sometimes additional court filings. The court clerk can explain the options available in Arizona.
Key Statute
Arizona’s small claims procedure is governed by Ariz. Rev. Stat. § 22-503. You can verify the current rules at Justice Court.
Related Guides
- Small Claims Court Guide: How to Sue and Win Without a Lawyer — the complete how-to guide for the small claims process
- Arizona Security Deposit Laws — security deposit disputes are one of the most common small claims cases
- Arizona Eviction Notice Requirements — understand the eviction process and your defenses in Arizona
- Arizona Wage Theft Laws — Arizona wage laws, overtime rights, and how to recover unpaid wages
- Arizona Tenant Rights Guide — complete tenant rights guide for Arizona renters
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Court limits, fees, and procedures change — always verify current rules with your local court clerk before filing. Last reviewed: April 2026.