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This is a guide to making a claim in the Small Claims Tribunal.
The Small Claims Tribunal aims to provide a quick, do-it-yourself,low-cost way to make a small claim. The tribunal deals with claims up to $7500. It can make a decision about:
- a claim by a consumer against a trader
- a claim between traders
- a claim for damage to property caused by a vehicle
- a dispute under the Dividing Fences Act
- a dispute under the Residential Tenancies Act.
How can this guide help me?
This guide sets out general information about:
- your rights as a consumer
- the procedure for lodging a small claim
- how to fill out the forms required.
When should I use this guide?
Use this guide if:
- your dispute involves $7500 or less (this limit may change) — if your claim is for more than this amount, please check with the Small Claims Tribunal
- you believe a trader has broken an agreement you had about purchasing a product or service, or
you are a trader and want to dispute an agreement with another trader who has provided you with goods or services
- you are within the time limit for making a claim — you usually have six years from the time the dispute began to bring your claim before the tribunal, so get legal advice to see if your claim is within the time limit.