How to make a small claims application

Before you make your application

Before you make your small claims application, it is helpful to communicate with the person or business and attempt to sort out the situation. You can contact them by phone, email, or talk to them in person.

If you cannot find a solution by talking to the person or business, then you can make a formal complaint in writing to them. The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) have further information about how to do this.

If you have made a formal complaint you should keep a record of making it and any response that you receive. If you have not received a response or are unhappy with the response that you receive, you should let the person or business know in writing (letter or email) that you are going to make a small claims application. You should also be aware of your consumer rights.

Making your small claims application

When you are making a small claims application, you are known as the claimant and the person you are claiming against is known as the respondent. The steps below give information on how you can make your small claims application.