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Small Claims Court Procedures: Who Qualifies and What You Get

Learn how to use small claims court to recover unpaid rent and manage debt recovery for your rental properties.

Small claims court provides a legal venue for recovering money owed to you, such as unpaid rent.

Who it's for

This process is designed for managers seeking to recover unpaid rent from tenants.

What you get

You gain access to a legal venue specifically intended for debt recovery. This allows you to seek a judgment, which is an official court decision, to collect arrears, which are the unpaid amounts owed to you.

What it costs you

You will need to pay filing fees to start the process. You must also set aside time to attend necessary court appearances.

The catch to know

The maximum amount of money you can claim is not the same everywhere. Small claims limits vary depending on which province you are in, so you must check your local cap before filing.

How to apply

  1. Verify the maximum claim amount allowed in your specific province.
  2. Gather all documentation regarding the unpaid rent and the tenant.
  3. File the necessary paperwork at your local provincial court office.
  4. Attend all scheduled court dates to present your case.