Small Claims Court
G.L. c. 218, § 21 — up to $7,000, with no limit for motor vehicle property damage
Up to $7,000. In Massachusetts, the district court and the Boston municipal court have a simple, informal and inexpensive procedure for contract and tort claims, other than slander and libel, where the plaintiff claims no more than $7,000. The limit does not apply to property damage caused by a motor vehicle.
The plaintiff chooses the judicial district where either side lives or has its usual place of business or work. A claim against a residential landlord arising from the rental may also be brought where the property is.
Sources for this section (1)
- G.L. c. 218, § 21 — Small claims procedure
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of September 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Massachusetts attorney.