§3.08 Venue

Venue requirements in small claims actions are the same as in other civil actions. Local rules may prescribe the proper court locations for small claims actions. [CCP §116.370(a); see, e.g., Los Angeles Sup Ct Local Rules 2.0(b)(2).]

In general, a small claims action may be filed in any one of the following locations [CCP §395(a)]:

• In the county where the defendants or some of the defendants reside at the beginning of the action;
• If the action is based on contract, in the county where the contract was to be performed by the defendant or where the contract was made; or
• If the action is based on injury to person or property, in the county where the injury occurred.

A corporation or association may be sued in the county where [CCP §395.5]:

• The contract was made or was to be performed,
• The obligation or liability arose,
• The breach occurred, or
• The corporation’s principal place of business is situated.