§3.01 Claims Up to $5000 or $7500

Except as otherwise provided by statute, the small claims court has jurisdiction to hear the following actions:

• An action for recovery of money by any party who is not a natural person if the amount demanded does not exceed $5000 [CCP §116.220(a)(1)];
• An action by a natural person for recovery of money if the amount demanded does not exceed $7500 [CCP §116.221]; and
• In any action for recovery of money, a request for equitable relief in the form of rescission, restitution, reformation, and specific performance, in lieu of, or in addition to, money damages. [CCP §116.220(b); see §§6.03 et seq.]

The $5000 and $7500 ceilings are subject to exceptions that limit (1) multiple actions demanding more than $2500 each [see §3.05] and (2) actions against guarantors [see §3.07].

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