Nevada Small Claims Court (2026): Limit, Fees and How to File
How small claims court works in Nevada: the dollar limit, filing fees, serving the other side, the hearing, appeals and collecting your money — each answer linked to the court rule or statute.
Quick answers for Nevada
- Small claims limit
- $10,000, for recovery of money only. A debt owed to one creditor may not be split into several cases to fit under the limit; any excess must be waived. NRS 73.010; JCRCP 88(d)
- Filing fee
- By claim amount: $45 (up to $1,000), $65 ($1,000.01-$2,500), $85 ($2,500.01-$5,000), $125 ($5,000.01-$7,500), $175 ($7,500.01-$10,000). No fee is charged when a defendant appears in response to the small claims affidavit and order. NRS 4.060(1)(b), (d)
- Appeals
- Either party may appeal to the district court by filing a notice of appeal with the justice court within 7 calendar days after service of the judgment. The appellant posts a bond: a judgment debtor posts the judgment plus interest, $100 for costs and $15 for attorney fees; a plaintiff posts $100 for costs and $15. The appeal filing fee is $25. The winner on appeal may be awarded up to $15 in attorney fees. JCRCP 98-100; NRS 73.050; NRS 4.060(1)(h)
Court: Justice Court (small claims). Last verified: 2026-10-24.
How to file a small claims case in Nevada
- Confirm your claim is for money only and is $10,000 or less; do not split one debt into several cases.
- File an affidavit of complaint with the justice court for the township where the defendant lives, works or does business, and pay the filing fee ($45 to $175 depending on the amount).
- The court sets a trial date, normally within 90 days of filing.
- Serve the defendant at least 14 days before trial and file proof of service immediately.
- If you are the defendant and have your own claim, file a counterclaim within 21 days after being served.
- Attend the informal trial with your witnesses and documents; the court may order mediation first.
- Either side may appeal to district court within 7 days after service of the judgment by filing a notice of appeal and posting the required bond.
- If the judgment is not paid, ask the court for a writ of execution or garnishment.
Can you use small claims court?
| Small claims limit | $10,000, for recovery of money only. A debt owed to one creditor may not be split into several cases to fit under the limit; any excess must be waived. Small claims rules (JCRCP 88-100): https://www.leg.state.nv.us/CourtRules/JCRCP.html Source: NRS 73.010; JCRCP 88(d) |
|---|---|
| Who can file | The plaintiff files an affidavit of complaint. A corporation, partnership, trust, association or other nongovernmental entity may be represented by its director, officer or employee. Source: NRS 73.012; JCRCP 89 |
Filing your case
| Where to file | In the justice court for the township where the defendant lives, does business or is employed (when the claim arose or when the complaint is filed). Other proper venues include where an injury occurred and, for a contract, where the obligation was or was to be performed. Source: NRS 73.010 |
|---|---|
| Filing fee | By claim amount: $45 (up to $1,000), $65 ($1,000.01-$2,500), $85 ($2,500.01-$5,000), $125 ($5,000.01-$7,500), $175 ($7,500.01-$10,000). No fee is charged when a defendant appears in response to the small claims affidavit and order. Source: NRS 4.060(1)(b), (d) |
| Serving the defendant | The plaintiff serves the affidavit of complaint under JCRCP 4.2 or 4.3, or by another method the judge orders on motion, such as registered or certified mail. Service must be made at least 14 days before trial, and proof of service must be filed right away. Source: JCRCP 91 |
Before and at the hearing
| When the hearing happens | The judge or clerk sets the trial date, which may not be more than 90 days after filing unless the court finds good cause. Source: JCRCP 90 |
|---|---|
| Does the defendant file an answer? | No formal answer is required; the defendant must appear on the trial date ready to respond. The affidavit warns that failure to appear may result in judgment. Source: JCRCP 89, 94-96 |
| Counterclaims | Counterclaims and crossclaims may be filed within 21 days after service of the affidavit and must meet the same affidavit requirements. If a counterclaim raises issues that cannot be decided in small claims, the judge may separate them and send them to justice court as a regular civil action, or reclassify the whole case. Source: JCRCP 88(b)-(c) |
| Mediation | The court may order mediation before setting the trial date. Source: JCRCP 91 |
After the decision
| Appeals | Either party may appeal to the district court by filing a notice of appeal with the justice court within 7 calendar days after service of the judgment. The appellant posts a bond: a judgment debtor posts the judgment plus interest, $100 for costs and $15 for attorney fees; a plaintiff posts $100 for costs and $15. The appeal filing fee is $25. The winner on appeal may be awarded up to $15 in attorney fees. |
|---|---|
| Collecting your judgment | A defendant ordered to pay must pay immediately or on terms the judge sets. No attachment or garnishment is allowed before judgment; after judgment, execution may issue, including garnishment in aid of execution under NRS 21.120. Source: JCRCP 97; NRS 73.020 |
Deadline to sue
6 years for a written lease or other written contract; 4 years for an oral (unwritten) lease. NRS 11.190(1)(b), (2)(c)
Suing a landlord or tenant in Nevada
Landlords and tenants can bring money claims for rent, damage or deposits of $10,000 or less. Small claims cannot be used to recover possession of property, since it hears money claims only.
- Nevada security deposit demand letter (send before you sue)
- Nevada security deposit law
- Tenant lawyers and free legal aid in Nevada
Nevada small claims FAQ
What is the small claims limit in Nevada?
$10,000, for recovery of money only. A debt owed to one creditor may not be split into several cases to fit under the limit; any excess must be waived.
Who can file a small claims case in Nevada?
The plaintiff files an affidavit of complaint. A corporation, partnership, trust, association or other nongovernmental entity may be represented by its director, officer or employee.
Where do I file a small claims case in Nevada?
In the justice court for the township where the defendant lives, does business or is employed (when the claim arose or when the complaint is filed). Other proper venues include where an injury occurred and, for a contract, where the obligation was or was to be performed.
How much does it cost to file in small claims court in Nevada?
By claim amount: $45 (up to $1,000), $65 ($1,000.01-$2,500), $85 ($2,500.01-$5,000), $125 ($5,000.01-$7,500), $175 ($7,500.01-$10,000). No fee is charged when a defendant appears in response to the small claims affidavit and order.
How do I serve the other side in a Nevada small claims case?
The plaintiff serves the affidavit of complaint under JCRCP 4.2 or 4.3, or by another method the judge orders on motion, such as registered or certified mail. Service must be made at least 14 days before trial, and proof of service must be filed right away.
How long does a small claims case take in Nevada?
The judge or clerk sets the trial date, which may not be more than 90 days after filing unless the court finds good cause.
Does a defendant have to file an answer in Nevada small claims court?
No formal answer is required; the defendant must appear on the trial date ready to respond. The affidavit warns that failure to appear may result in judgment.
Can the defendant file a counterclaim in Nevada small claims court?
Counterclaims and crossclaims may be filed within 21 days after service of the affidavit and must meet the same affidavit requirements. If a counterclaim raises issues that cannot be decided in small claims, the judge may separate them and send them to justice court as a regular civil action, or reclassify the whole case.
Can you appeal a small claims decision in Nevada?
Either party may appeal to the district court by filing a notice of appeal with the justice court within 7 calendar days after service of the judgment. The appellant posts a bond: a judgment debtor posts the judgment plus interest, $100 for costs and $15 for attorney fees; a plaintiff posts $100 for costs and $15. The appeal filing fee is $25. The winner on appeal may be awarded up to $15 in attorney fees.
How do I collect a small claims judgment in Nevada?
A defendant ordered to pay must pay immediately or on terms the judge sets. No attachment or garnishment is allowed before judgment; after judgment, execution may issue, including garnishment in aid of execution under NRS 21.120.
Is mediation required in Nevada small claims court?
The court may order mediation before setting the trial date.
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General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.