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DLDemand Letter Builder

We are not a law firm and do not provide legal advice. This tool helps you format a letter using the facts you provide. For advice about your situation, contact a licensed attorney or your local legal aid organization.

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California small claims demand letter

In California small claims court, an individual can generally sue for up to $12,500, and a business or public entity for up to $6,250. You also cannot file more than two small claims cases for more than $2,500 each in one calendar year. Before filing, you must demand payment where that is possible.

Court limits and filing rules change. Read the official page linked below. This summary is not a statement that your claim belongs in that court, and it is not legal advice.

Dollar limit

$12,500 for a natural person, including a sole proprietor. $6,250 for a business or public entity.

The California Courts self-help guide says you can generally sue for up to $12,500 in small claims court, or up to $6,250 if you are a business. The Judicial Council information sheet SC-100-INFO says the claim cannot be for more than $6,250 if you are a business or public entity, or more than $12,500 if you are a natural person, including a sole proprietor. It also says you cannot file more than two cases for more than $2,500 each during a calendar year. COVID-era rental-debt exceptions are described on the self-help page and are not restated here.

Cal. Courts self-help; Judicial Council form SC-100-INFO. California Courts Self-Help, Small claims in California. Last verified: 2026-11-10.

Where a case is filed

The small claims division of the superior court.

California Courts describe small claims as a part of the superior court where you can sue a person, business, or government agency that you think owes you money. You may ask a lawyer for advice before the hearing, but you cannot have a lawyer speak for you in the hearing. Local filing locations are listed by county on the courts site.

California Courts Self-Help. California Courts Self-Help, Small claims in California. Last verified: 2026-11-10.

Demand before filing

Yes, where possible. The claim form must say you demanded payment and were refused.

Code of Civil Procedure § 116.320(b) requires the claim form to state that the plaintiff, where possible, has demanded payment and that the defendant has failed or refused to pay. SC-100-INFO says a person who sues in small claims must first make a demand, if possible, meaning you asked the defendant to pay and the defendant refused. California Courts say this is a step you must take before filing, unless a restraining order exists or you think it would be dangerous to ask. The demand can be made without using a formal letter, and the courts offer a free demand-letter program.

Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 116.320(b). California Courts Self-Help, Write a Demand Letter. Last verified: 2026-11-10.

Free sample with blanks

[Date]
[Your name]
[Your address]

[Name of the person or business]
[Their address]

Re: Demand for $[amount] — [short description]

Dear [Name],

On [date], [describe the agreement, the goods or services, or the damage, using only what happened]. The amount I am asking for is $[amount].

Court limit checked for California: $12,500 for a natural person, including a sole proprietor. $6,250 for a business or public entity. (Cal. Courts self-help; Judicial Council form SC-100-INFO).

Yes, where possible. The claim form must say you demanded payment and were refused.

Please pay $[amount] within [14] days by [check or money order]. I can provide [receipts, photos, the contract, or messages].

Sincerely,
[Your name]

Sample note: the court figure above comes from California Courts Self-Help, Small claims in California, last verified 2026-11-10. Laws change. This sample is a formatting example, not legal advice.

Official and free resources

Illinois · All small claims states · Texas

Draft a California letter

Letter type

Name a method such as check or money order. Do not enter account, routing, or card numbers.

Evidence you can attach or describe

0 / 1,500 words. Stick to dates, amounts, and what you saw. Do not add a Social Security number or account number.

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