What small claims are
The small claims procedure is a way for consumers and businesses to resolve certain disputes without a solicitor.
You can make a small claim if the value of your claim is €2,000 or less. The current fee to make a small claim is €25.
The person making the claim is known as the claimant and the person the claim is against is known as the respondent.
Small claims are processed by small claims registrars in District Court offices. They are court officials responsible for small claims cases. The small claims registrar will contact both sides by phone, letter, or email and try to settle the claim without going to court.
What is included in small claims
For your claim to be suitable for the small claims procedure:
- Your claim must be for €2,000 or less.
- Both you and whoever you are making a claim against must be living or based in Ireland.
Your claim must be for:
- Goods - bought for consumer (private) or business use from someone selling them in the course of a business. For example, if you purchased faulty furniture or trade supplies.
- Services - not completed or carried out as agreed from someone selling them in the course of a business. For example, if you hired a painter or a plumber to do some work in your home. If you have paid a deposit for a service and it was not carried out, you can claim for this.
- Damage to property - you can claim against a person or business for minor damage to your property. For example, accidental damage during a delivery.
- Key Money - you can claim for the non-return of a rent deposit only if it is a room or flat in a house where the landlord lives or if it is a holiday home.
Your claim must be made within six years from the date of your purchase or incident. You must be the person who has purchased or is paying for the good, service, or property. Your claim can only be for the value of the product, service, damage or deposit.
The €25 fee cannot be claimed back as part of your application. If you bought goods or services under a private, informal arrangement for example via online forums or message board it may not be possible for you to make a small claim. Before making your small claims application you should visit our how to make a small claims application page.
What is not included in small claims
You cannot claim for:
- Time you spent dealing with the issue.
- Emotional distress.
- Costs related to making your claim, for example an engineer's report or a witness expense.
Claims outside Ireland:
- If either party lives or is based in another EU member state (excluding Denmark), the European small claims procedure should be used.
- The Irish and European small claims procedure does not apply to the United Kingdom, this includes Northern Ireland.
You cannot use the small claims procedure for:
- Debt claims, for example unpaid rent, loans, or invoices.
- Personal injury claims, for example if you were injured in an accident.
- Hire purchase/leasing agreements , for example car finance disputes or a mobile phone that you have through a bill plan.
- Certain residential rental deposits, where the landlord does not live in the property.
- Insurance claims, for example disputes over policy cover or pay-outs.
- Claims against Government bodies, this does not include city or county councils.