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.
Get your British Columbia small claims package — $14
Demand letter, claim summary, evidence checklist, and post-judgment collection guide — ready to use.
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: $125 (online, mandatory first step for claims up to $5,000). BC Small Claims Court: $100–$350 depending on amount.
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 bccrt.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: June 2026
Get your British Columbia small claims document package for $14.
Get documents →Small claims in other provinces