Small claims procedure

Sometimes you may still have an issue with goods or services after you have tried to resolve it with the trader.

If the trader is based in Ireland, you can apply to use the small claims procedure to resolve certain types of disputes. If they are based in another EU country, you can use the European small claims procedure.

The small claims procedure is managed by District Courts around the country.

Type of claims you can make through the small claims procedure

The small claims procedure covers claims for:

• goods or services
• deposits paid for rental agreements for holiday homes or a home also occupied by the landlord
• minor damage to property.

The small claims procedure does not allow claims for:

• debts
• personal injuries
• disputes about leases or hire purchase agreements
• disputes about ongoing tenancies (these are handled by the Residential Tenancies Board).

Small claims procedure limits

The small claims procedure is intended for claims of up to €2,000, even if you paid more than this for the good or service. For example, if you paid €3,000 for something, you can make a small claim, but €2,000 is the most you can get back, if your claim is successful.

You may also only claim for costs related to the good or service. You cannot claim for any costs of using the small claims process, for example the application fee, any professional fees for expert reports or any time off work or transport costs if your case needs to go to court.

How to make a small claim

Before using the small claims procedure, you should first try to resolve your dispute directly with the business.

If you cannot resolve the issue, you can apply to use the small claims procedure:

• online
• at the relevant District Court office, either in person or by post.

There is an application fee of €25 to use the small claims procedure.

You can find out more about choosing the relevant District Court and what details to include in your application from the Courts Service website.

What happens after you make your small claims application

When the district court receives your application and fee, a court official known as a small claims registrar will review your claim.

If your claim is suitable for the small claims procedure (based on the types of claims and limits outlined above), the registrar will send your claim to the business by registered post and tell you when it is sent. Sending the claim to the business is called ‘serving notice’. You can read more about how the small claims procedure works.

If your claim does not meet the conditions for the small claims procedure, the registrar will let you know. You will receive a refund of your application fee if you submitted it with your application form.

If you have any questions about your application for the small claims procedure, speak to the small claims registrar in your local District Court office.

Further information

You can read detailed information on the small claims court in Order 53A of the Rules of the District Courts.