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The small claims procedure in Ireland

Last reviewed 3 November 2026

The small claims procedure, often called the Small Claims Court, is a low-cost way to recover money from a business without hiring a solicitor. It is run by the District Court offices, the fee is modest, and many claims are settled by the Small Claims Registrar before they ever reach a judge.

What the procedure is for

The small claims procedure is designed for straightforward disputes about money: you paid for something, it was not delivered or not done properly, and the business will not put it right. According to Citizens Information, the claim cannot exceed €2,000, and both the claimant and the respondent must be living or based in Ireland.

Claims you can bring

• goods or services bought for private use from someone selling in the course of business, for example a faulty appliance, a wedding supplier who did not deliver, or poor building work;
• minor damage to your property;
• the non-return of a rent deposit for certain kinds of rented accommodation, such as a holiday home or a flat in a building where the landlord also lives.

Most residential tenancy deposit disputes are not dealt with here; they go to the Residential Tenancies Board. Since January 2010 a business can also use the procedure against another business for contracts for goods or services.

Claims you cannot bring

• debts;
• personal injuries (these go through the Injuries Resolution Board);
• breaches of leasing or hire-purchase agreements;
• for business claims, debts, liquidated damages and agreements covered by the Consumer Credit Act 1995.

Before you apply

A claim is much stronger if you have already tried to resolve it. It helps to:

• complain to the business in writing, setting out what went wrong and what you want (a refund, a repair or a replacement);
• give a reasonable deadline for a reply;
• keep copies of receipts, contracts, emails, photographs and any quotes for repairs.

The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission explains your rights when goods are faulty or services are poor, which is useful for framing the complaint.

Check that you have the respondent's correct legal name and address. A decree against the wrong company name can be impossible to enforce. The Companies Registration Office (CRO) website lets you search a company's registered name and address.

How to apply

You can apply online through the Courts Service Online website, which needs an email address, a debit or credit card and an account you create. You can then track the claim online. Alternatively, print the application form, or collect one from a District Court office, and submit it by post or in person. The application fee is €25.

The claim goes to the District Court office for the area where the respondent lives or does business, where the contract was made, or where the damage happened.

The form has three parts:

• Claimant: the person who bought the goods, asked for the work, or whose property was damaged.
• Respondent: the full and correct name and address of the person or company you are claiming against.
• Claim: dates, what went wrong, how you tried to resolve it, why you are going to court and how much you want. You can normally claim only the money you actually paid or spent on repairs, so attach the evidence.

What happens next

The Small Claims Registrar sends a copy of the claim to the respondent, who usually has 15 calendar days to reply. There are four possible responses.

The respondent admits the claim

They can pay the amount through the Registrar, agree a conditional refund (for example once you return the goods), consent to judgment, or ask to pay in instalments. The Registrar checks with you before accepting a conditional refund or instalments.

The respondent disputes the claim

The Registrar sends you their Notice of Dispute and tries to negotiate a settlement. If that fails, the case is listed for a hearing in the District Court.

The respondent counterclaims

They can make a claim against you, paying the same €25 fee. The case then goes to a hearing.

The respondent ignores the claim

If there is no reply in time, the claim is treated as admitted. You swear an Affidavit of Debt, a Notice to Pay is issued, and if the respondent still does not pay within 28 calendar days you can get a decree for the Sheriff.

The hearing

If a hearing is needed, it takes place in the District Court before a judge, and the Registrar can help you prepare. Bring the originals of all your documents, a short written timeline of what happened, and any witnesses who saw the problem. Each side explains its position, the judge may ask questions, and then makes a decision. Keep your account factual and stick to what you can prove with documents.

Enforcing a decree

If the judge finds in your favour and the respondent still does not pay, the Registrar can help you pass the decree to the Sheriff, or the County Registrar in some areas, to enforce it. Enforcement depends on the respondent having money or goods that can be seized, which is another reason to check their correct details at the start. A business that has closed or become insolvent may not be worth pursuing.

Cross-border claims

If the trader is in another EU member state, the small claims procedure here does not apply. The European Small Claims Procedure covers cross-border claims of up to €5,000 and can also be started from the local District Court office. The European Consumer Centre Ireland can help with complaints against EU traders before you go that far.

Is it worth it?

For a genuine claim under €2,000 against a solvent business, the small claims procedure is usually the most practical route. The fee is low, you do not need a solicitor, and the Registrar's involvement often prompts a settlement. For larger sums, debts or disputes that turn on complicated facts, other District Court procedures or legal advice are more suitable. The full list of guides covers other areas of Irish law that may apply.