Small Claims Court in British Columbia (2026)
This page is the free British Columbia guide. No sign-in. Read on, or take the checklist as a PDF.
Facts checked October 2026 · See what changed · How we check
File a claim for up to $35,000 in British Columbia without a lawyer. Here's exactly what to do, step by step.
British Columbia small claims guide
Keep it with the rest. This one files behind tab 12 of the Home File.
1
British Columbia Small Claims: Key Facts
Open this section ↓↑ Close this sectionCourt
Provincial Court (Small Claims): CRT mandatory first for disputes up to $5,000
Claim limit
$35,000: BC Provincial Court Small Claims limit is $35,000. The Civil Resolution Tribunal (CRT) handles general small claims up to $5,000 and is mandatory first for those; the Provincial Court Small Claims hears claims of $5,001–$35,000.
Filing fee
CRT online: $75 (claims $3,000 or less) or $125 (claims $3,001–$5,000); by mail/email: $100 or $150. BC Small Claims Court: $100 to file a notice of claim for claims up to and including $3,000, $156 for claims over $3,000 (Schedule A). Filing electronically through Court Services Online adds a $7 e-filing fee per document package.
Starting form
Notice of Claim Form 1 (BC Provincial Court, $5,001-$35,000); claims up to $5,000 start at the CRT online (no separate form)
How to file
Claims up to $5,000 must start at the Civil Resolution Tribunal (CRT) online. The CRT handles general small claims up to $5,000. Claims of $5,001–$35,000 are filed directly in BC Provincial Court (Small Claims).
Serving the defendant
Serve each defendant within 12 months of filing, by leaving a copy with them or by registered mail. The defendant then has 14 days to file a reply if served in BC (30 days if served outside BC). Any other method of service needs the registrar's permission.
2
Step-by-Step: Filing in British Columbia
Open this section ↓- 1
Try to resolve informally. Send a written demand first.
- 2
For claims up to $5,000, file with the Civil Resolution Tribunal (CRT) at civilresolutionbc.ca (mandatory first step).
- 3
For claims of $5,001–$35,000, or if the claim is excluded from CRT jurisdiction, file in BC Provincial Court (Small Claims).
- 4
Complete the Notice of Claim form at the court registry.
- 5
Serve the defendant within 12 months of filing (in person or by registered mail).
- 6
Attend the Settlement Conference.
- 7
If unresolved, attend Trial with your evidence.
- 8
Enforce the judgment if the defendant doesn't pay.
- 1
3
What Happens at the Hearing
BC Small Claims uses a two-step process: a Settlement Conference followed by a Trial if unresolved.Open this section ↓BC Small Claims uses a two-step process: a Settlement Conference followed by a Trial if unresolved. Most cases settle at the conference.
After You Win: Collecting Your Judgment
Once you have a judgment, you can file a Certificate of Judgment and register it as a charge against real property, garnish wages, or seize personal property.
If the Defendant Counterclaims
Defendant can file a Counterclaim in the same proceeding. Claims exceeding $35,000 must waive the excess or go to BC Supreme Court.
↑ Close this sectionBritish Columbia-specific things to know
- •Claims up to $5,000 must go through the CRT before BC Small Claims Court; claims of $5,001–$35,000 are filed directly in Provincial Court.
- •The CRT is online-only and designed for self-represented litigants.
- •Limitation period: 2 years from discovery of the claim.
- •Most strata property disputes, of any amount, go to the CRT, not Small Claims.
4
Common Questions
Do I need a lawyer for small claims in British Columbia?Open this section ↓Do I need a lawyer for small claims in British Columbia?
No. Small Claims Court is designed for self-represented litigants. You may bring a lawyer if you choose, but it's usually not cost-effective for smaller claims. Most people represent themselves.
What if my claim is more than $35,000?
You can either waive the amount above $35,000 and file in Small Claims Court, or file in a higher court (Superior/Queen's Bench/Court of King's Bench) where lawyers are typically needed and the process is more formal and expensive.
How long do I have to file? (Limitation period)
Most claims in British Columbia must be filed within 2 years of when you knew or reasonably should have known about the issue. Check your specific situation, some claims have shorter deadlines.
What if the defendant doesn't show up?
If the defendant was properly served and doesn't appear, the court will typically proceed and you may receive a default judgment in your favour. You still need to present your evidence.
Official sources
Facts checked October 2026
The form that starts it, explained
↑ Close this sectionSmall claims in other provinces
Done for you
Small Claims Package$14
- Demand letter
- Claim summary worksheet
- Evidence checklist
- Post-judgment collection guide
Demand letter + claim worksheet + filing guide
Instant download · 30-day money-back guarantee
Built by Nathan, nine years in the Canadian Army, paperwork done the hard way first.
Informational guide only. Guidepost is not a law firm. This guide explains the typical process and is not legal advice. Requirements can change. Verify current rules with the relevant government authority or a qualified professional before you act.