Short answer. In Massachusetts, small claims (Small claims, Boston Municipal Court, District Court or Housing Court) cover claims up to $7,000. Where to file: District Court or Boston Municipal Court where at least one party lives, works or has a business, or (landlord-tenant) where the rental property is; Housing Court where the rental property is. The fee to start a case is $40 to $150, depending on the claim.
Can I file my claim in Massachusetts small claims?
Enter an amount to compare it with the Massachusetts limit of $7,000.
Massachusetts small claims at a glance
- Limit
- $7,000. Not more than $7,000 unless the claim is for property damage from a car accident. Some consumer protection and landlord-tenant claims may carry statutory damages above $7,000.
- Court
- Small claims, Boston Municipal Court, District Court or Housing Court
- Who can file
- A person, a person doing business under a trade name, a corporation or a trust. Claims for money owed in a trade or business have extra requirements.
- Lawyers
- Allowed
- Where to file
- District Court or Boston Municipal Court where at least one party lives, works or has a business, or (landlord-tenant) where the rental property is; Housing Court where the rental property is.
- Serving the other side
- The clerk mails the Statement of Claim and Notice to the defendant.
- Appeal
- A defendant may appeal within 10 days; a plaintiff only in very specific instances. Both sides waive a jury trial in small claims.
Massachusetts filing fees
| Fee | Amount | Note |
|---|---|---|
| claim of $500 or less | $40 | |
| $501 to $2,000 | $50 | |
| $2,001 to $5,000 | $100 | |
| $5,001 to $7,000 | $150 | |
| car accident claim above $7,000 | $150 | |
| eFiling service fee | $7 |
From mass.gov. A defendant who appeals pays an appeal fee and posts $100 unless the court waives it.
Filing a small claim in Massachusetts, step by step
- Check that your claim fitsUse the checker above: the Massachusetts limit is $7,000, and the official wording is in the summary. Count only what you can show with papers or photos.
- Pick the right courtDistrict Court or Boston Municipal Court where at least one party lives, works or has a business, or (landlord-tenant) where the rental property is; Housing Court where the rental property is.
- Fill out the claim and pay the feeThe filing fee in Massachusetts is $40 to $150, depending on the claim. From mass.gov. A defendant who appeals pays an appeal fee and posts $100 unless the court waives it. Online filing: see the official link below.
- Have the other side servedThe clerk mails the Statement of Claim and Notice to the defendant.
- Get ready for the hearingLawyers: allowed. Bring the contract, receipts, photos, messages and a short timeline, with copies for the judge and the other side.
- After the decisionA defendant may appeal within 10 days; a plaintiff only in very specific instances. Both sides waive a jury trial in small claims.
Official Massachusetts links
Last checked November 2026.
General information checked against the official Massachusetts pages above, not legal advice. MCC Solutions isn't a law firm and isn't affiliated with any court. Rules and fees change: the official page and the clerk have the final word. The checker runs in your browser, and nothing you enter is sent or saved.
Massachusetts small claims questions
What is the small claims limit in Massachusetts?
$7,000. Not more than $7,000 unless the claim is for property damage from a car accident. Some consumer protection and landlord-tenant claims may carry statutory damages above $7,000.
How much does it cost to file a small claim in Massachusetts?
claim of $500 or less: $40; $501 to $2,000: $50; $2,001 to $5,000: $100; $5,001 to $7,000: $150; car accident claim above $7,000: $150; eFiling service fee: $7. From mass.gov. A defendant who appeals pays an appeal fee and posts $100 unless the court waives it.
Can a lawyer represent me in Massachusetts small claims?
Allowed in Massachusetts, per the official page. A person, a person doing business under a trade name, a corporation or a trust. Claims for money owed in a trade or business have extra requirements.
Where do I file a small claim in Massachusetts?
District Court or Boston Municipal Court where at least one party lives, works or has a business, or (landlord-tenant) where the rental property is; Housing Court where the rental property is.
Can I appeal a small claims decision in Massachusetts?
A defendant may appeal within 10 days; a plaintiff only in very specific instances. Both sides waive a jury trial in small claims.
How is the other side served in a Massachusetts small claims case?
The clerk mails the Statement of Claim and Notice to the defendant.
Compare every state: small claims limits by state · Maryland small claims · Michigan small claims