New Jersey Small Claims Court Guide

New Jersey Small Claims — Quick Facts

How to File in New Jersey Small Claims Court

1. Send a Demand LetterBefore filing, send your landlord a formal demand letter via certified mail. Give them 14 days to respond. New Jersey courts look favorably on tenants who attempted resolution first.
2. File Your ComplaintVisit your local Superior Court — Special Civil Part and complete a small claims complaint form. Include the defendant's name and address, the amount (up to $5,000), and a brief description of the dispute. Many NJ courts offer online filing.
3. Pay the Filing FeePay the filing fee of $15–$50 at the clerk's office. New Jersey has some of the lowest filing fees in the country. If you win, you can ask the judge to include this cost in your judgment.
4. Serve the DefendantThe court will typically handle service by certified mail. If that fails, you may need to use the sheriff or a private process server. The defendant must receive notice before the hearing date.
5. Attend Your HearingArrive early with organized evidence. New Jersey small claims hearings are informal. Present your case clearly and concisely — the judge will typically rule the same day or mail the decision shortly after.

New Jersey Small Claims Filing Fees

Filing fees in New Jersey Special Civil Part range from $15 to $50 based on the claim amount. This makes New Jersey one of the most affordable states for filing small claims. Additional costs may include service of process fees and certified mail for your demand letter (~$10). If you win, the judge can order the defendant to reimburse your court costs.

New Jersey also offers fee waivers for individuals who demonstrate financial hardship. Ask the court clerk for a fee waiver application when you file.

What You Can Sue For in New Jersey Small Claims Court

• Security deposit disputes — landlord failed to return your deposit or made unfair deductions
• Property damage — someone damaged your personal property
• Breach of contract — a party failed to fulfill a written or verbal agreement
• Unpaid debts — money owed to you that hasn't been repaid
• Consumer complaints — defective products or services not delivered as promised
• Landlord-tenant disputes — repair issues, lease violations, or overcharges

New Jersey Special Civil Part handles monetary disputes up to $5,000. For claims between $5,000 and $15,000, you can file in the Special Civil Part but outside the small claims section. You cannot use small claims for injunctions, evictions, or criminal matters.

Frequently Asked Questions