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Small Claims in British Columbia

Clear, province-specific guidance on small claims procedures, filing limits, fees, and court processes in British Columbia.

Always confirm current rules with the appropriate court in your jurisdiction.

Important Note

This information is for general guidance and is not legal advice. Small claims rules, fees, and claim limits may change. Always confirm curent details with your local court.

  • Court Locations
    Use BC’s Courthouse Directory to find the nearest registry.
    Registry staff can help confirm which location applies to your situation.

  • Response Timelines

    • Serve claim: within 12 months

    • Defendant reply:

    • 14 days in BC

    • 30 days elsewhere in Canada/US

    • 60 days outside North America

    • No reply → claimant may request default judgment

    • Judgment is usually payable within 30 days

  • Mediation / Settlement
    You can settle anytime by agreement.
    Small Claims settlement conferences may be scheduled with a judge or mediator.

    ​

    CRT Mediation
    If you filed with the CRT, all communication and mediation happens online.

    ​

    Court Hearing
    At a hearing, each party:

    • Tells their story

    • Shows evidence

    • Calls witnesses

    • Answers the judge’s questions

    ​

    CRT hearings are online or by phone.
    A written decision is issued afterward.

    ​

    Judgment & Enforcement
    If you win:

    • Keep your judgment

    • You may enforce by:

    • Wage garnishment

    • Bank garnishment

    • Seizure of assets

    ​

    If you lose:
    You may appeal or request review only in specific situations.

  • Where to File

    • $5,000 or less: file through CRT online

    • $5,001–$35,000: file your Notice of Claim at Provincial Court

    ​

    You may file:

    • In person

    • By mail

    • Online through CSO or Filing Assistant

    ​

    Choose the Right Court Location
    File at the registry closest to:

    • Where the defendant lives or does business

    • Or where the incident happened

    ​

    Keep Copies
    Keep:

    • The stamped claim form

    • Receipts

    • Online reference numbers

    ​

    Serving the Defendant
    You must serve:

    • Your filed Notice of Claim

    • A blank Reply form

    ​

    How to serve:
    For a person:

    • In-person delivery

    • Or registered mail

    ​

    For a business:

    • To the registered office

    • Or to a director/manager at their place of business

    ​

    Time Limits
    You have 12 months to serve the defendant after filing.

    Proof of Service


    Keep:

    • Tracking receipt

    • Certificate of Service (if hand-delivered)

    ​

    Once served, the defendant has 14 days to file a Reply (longer if outside BC).

  • Civil Resolution Tribunal (CRT)
    Use the CRT for:

    • Claims $5,000 or less

    • Strata disputes

    • Certain motor vehicle accidents

    • Society and cooperative association disputes

    ​

    CRT is required for many smaller claims. Some disputes are mandatory, some are optional if both sides agree.

    ​

    BC Provincial Court – Small Claims
    Use Provincial Small Claims Court for:

    • Claims $5,001 to $35,000

    • Debts, property damage, contract issues, or personal losses

    ​

    Larger than $35,000:
    You can file, but you must abandon anything above $35,000 and cannot claim it later.

    ​

    Smaller than $5,001:
    Usually goes to the CRT unless:

    • CRT refuses

    • The dispute is exempt

    • You are enforcing a CRT order


    Visit the Civil Resolution Tribunal website for details and online filing.

  • Civil Resolution Tribunal (CRT)
    Use the CRT for:

    • Claims $5,000 or less

    • Strata disputes

    • Certain motor vehicle accidents

    • Society and cooperative association disputes

    ​

    CRT is required for many smaller claims. Some disputes are mandatory, some are optional if both sides agree.

    ​

    BC Provincial Court – Small Claims
    Use Provincial Small Claims Court for:

    • Claims $5,001 to $35,000

    • Debts, property damage, contract issues, or personal losses

    ​

    Larger than $35,000:
    You can file, but you must abandon anything above $35,000 and cannot claim it later.

    ​

    Smaller than $5,001:
    Usually goes to the CRT unless:

    • CRT refuses

    • The dispute is exempt

    • You are enforcing a CRT order


    Visit the Civil Resolution Tribunal website for details and online filing.

In This Guide

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