About small claim

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 the claimant. The person the claim is against is the respondent.

Small claims are processed by small claims registrars in District Court offices. They will contact both sides by phone, letter, or email and try to settle the claim without going to court.

Watch a short video that explains small claims (YouTube)

What you can claim for

Before you apply, make sure:

  • Your claim is for €2,000 or less.
  • Both you and the person or business you are claiming against are based in Ireland.

Your claim must be about one of the following:

  • Goods — bought for consumer (private) or business use from someone selling in the course of business. For example, faulty furniture or trade supplies.
  • Services — not completed or not carried out as agreed by someone selling in the course of business. For example, a painter or plumber. If you paid a deposit for a service that was not carried out, you can claim for this.
  • Damage to property — minor damage caused by a person or business. For example, accidental damage during a delivery.
  • Key money — 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.

Other important rules

  • You must apply within six years from the date of the purchase or incident.
  • You must be the person who purchased or is paying for the goods, service, or property.
  • Your claim can only be for the value of the goods, service, damage, or deposit.
  • The €25 fee cannot be refunded as part of your application.
  • If you bought goods or services under a private, informal arrangement (for example through an online forum or message board), it may not be possible to make a small claim.

When you are ready, see how to make a small claims application.

What you cannot claim for

These cannot be claimed:

  • 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).

If one party is outside Ireland

  • If either party lives or is based in another EU member state (excluding Denmark), use the European small claims procedure .
  • The Irish and European small claims procedures do not apply to the United Kingdom (including Northern Ireland).

You cannot use the small claims procedure for:

  • Debt claims — for example unpaid rent, loans, or invoices.
  • Personal injury claims (Injuries Board) — for example injuries from an accident.
  • Hire-purchase or leasing agreements — for example, car finance disputes or a mobile phone under a bill plan.
  • Certain residential rental deposits (RTB) — where the landlord does not live in the property.
  • Insurance claims — for example, disputes over policy cover or pay-outs.
  • Claims against government departments or state bodies (this exclusion does not include city or county councils).