Getting Started

Is Small Claims Right for Me?

  • •        Anyone 18 or older.

    •        Under 18? A parent or guardian can sue on your behalf.

  • •        Money only — up to $5,000 in City Court (Ithaca City Court is a City Court).

    •        You cannot split a claim worth more than $5,000 into smaller claims to get around the limit.

    •        You cannot sue to force someone to do something, or for pain and suffering. For example, you can't use small claims to get your laptop back from a friend who won't return it—only to sue for its money value.

  • •        Suing as yourself, file as a “Small Claim.”

    •        Suing as a business, you must file as a “Commercial Claim” instead.

  • •        Filing fee: $15 (claims up to $1,000) or $20 (claims $1,001–$5,000).

    •        You do not need a lawyer.

    •        Want more than $5,000? You can file a regular civil case in City Court instead (up to $15,000), but that process is more formal—consider talking to a lawyer.

Where to File

Ithaca City Court — Clerk’s Office

  • Address: 118 E. Clinton Street, Ithaca, NY

  • Use the statewide Court Locator (nycourts.gov) or call 1-800-COURTNY (1-800-268-7869) to confirm open hours before you go.

Is Ithaca the Right Location?

  • File at Ithaca City Court if the defendant lives, works, or has a place of business in Tompkins County.

  • Landlord/tenant claims: you may also be able to file where you pay your rent, if that's in Tompkins County (or an adjoining county) and the claim relates to your lease or tenancy.

  • If the defendant doesn't live, work, or do business anywhere in New York State, you cannot file in NY small claims court.

  • Reminder: this is not the NYC small claims system — different courts and dollar limits apply there.