Small Claims Court in British Columbia (2026)
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
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British Columbia Small Claims: Key Facts
Court
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
Defendant must be served at least 14 days before the hearing. Personal service is preferred; substituted service (leaving with adult at residence) requires court permission.
Step-by-Step: Filing in British Columbia
- 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 at least 14 days before the hearing.
- 6
Attend the Settlement Conference.
- 7
If unresolved, attend Trial with your evidence.
- 8
Enforce the judgment if the defendant doesn't pay.
What Happens at the Hearing
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.
British 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.
- •Strata property disputes (up to $50,000) go to CRT, not Small Claims.
Common Questions
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
Last updated: July 2026
The form that starts it, explained
Small claims in other provinces