Small Claims for a Withheld Deposit by State
When the landlord missed the return deadline and the demand letter did not work, small claims is the next step. The court, the dollar limit, the form, and the fee change at the state line. This directory puts all eight states side by side.
Small claims for a withheld deposit, state by state
- California. Superior Court, Small Claims division. Limit: 12,500 dollars individual; 6,250 dollars business. Form: SC-100. Fee: 30 to 100 dollars by claim size and filing history. California guide
- Texas. Justice Court. Limit: 20,000 dollars. Form: Small Claims Petition. Fee: 54 dollars plus separate service. Texas guide
- Florida. County Court, Small Claims division. Limit: 8,000 dollars. Form: Statement of Claim. Fee: confirm with the clerk. Florida guide
- New York. Small Claims Part: NYC Civil Court, City Court, Town or Village Court. Limit: 10,000 dollars NYC; 5,000 dollars City; 3,000 dollars Town or Village. Form: court application form. Fee: 10 to 20 dollars by court and claim size. New York guide
- Washington. District Court, small claims division. Limit: 10,000 dollars natural person; 5,000 dollars others. Form: Notice of Small Claim. Fee: 35 or 50 dollars by county. Washington guide
- Oregon. Circuit Court, Small Claims Department. Limit: 10,000 dollars. Form: Small Claim and Notice of Small Claim. Fee: 57 or 102 dollars by claim size. Oregon guide
- Colorado. County Court, Small Claims Division. Limit: 7,500 dollars combined. Form: JDF 250. Fee: 31 or 55 dollars by claim size, fee schedule as reported. Colorado guide
- Illinois. Small Claims Division of the Clerk of the Circuit Court. Limit: 10,000 dollars, exclusive of interest and costs. Filing by e-File or at the clerk office, with the lease or contract attached. Service by certified mail for an in-state defendant, sheriff, or licensed special process server. Illinois guide
Before you file
Two steps come before any filing in this directory. First, check the return deadline for your state in the Security Deposit Return Deadlines by State directory, because the landlord must have missed the clock before a claim exists. Second, send a written demand. California asks about the demand on the filing form itself, and Oregon requires a good-faith collection attempt with a statement on the claim form. See How to Write a Security Deposit Demand Letter for what the letter should contain.
Not sure your claim fits the limit? Use the Small Claims Limit Lookup to check your state's limit and court before you file.
The other directories
- Security Deposit Return Deadlines by State
- Car Title Transfer by State
- Duplicate Title Replacement by State
- Final Paycheck Laws by State
- Wage Claim Filing by State
- Name Change Laws by State
- Vehicle Registration Renewal by State
- Mailchimp Export Methods by Destination
- Unclaimed Property by State
- Birth Certificates by State
- Illinois Admin Process Directory
- U.S. Passport Guides by Situation
- U.S. Federal Credentials Directory
- Court Fee Waivers by State
- Expired Vehicle Registration Renewal by State
- Temporary Registration Permits by State
- US Admin Process Directory
Facts verified against official sources 2026-10-25. General process information, not legal advice.
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