Nevada’s small claims cases are heard in the justice courts, one for each township. You can sue for up to $10,000, and only for money [1][2]. The steps are simple, but the deadlines are short, and some courts add their own requirements, like a demand letter first or mediation before trial [2][3].
At a glance
What small claims can handle
A justice of the peace can hear small claims for the recovery of money only, where the amount claimed is $10,000 or less [1][2]. That covers unpaid loans, a security deposit, a repair job gone wrong or damage to your car. If you want something other than money, like the return of property, small claims isn’t the place.
You must be at least 18 to file [2].
Pick the right court
Nevada’s justice courts are organized by township. You can file where [1][2]:
- the defendant lives, works or does business, now or when the claim arose,
- the injury to a person or property happened, or
- the contract was to be performed.
In Clark County, the county’s online jurisdiction finder shows which township an address is in [2]. In Washoe County, Reno Justice Court takes cases where the defendant lives, works or does business in Reno Township, which includes Reno, Stead, Bordertown, Cold Springs, Steamboat Springs, Lemmon Valley, Verdi and Washoe Valley [3].
Step by step
1. Send a demand letter. North Las Vegas Justice Court requires a written demand for payment sent by certified mail, return receipt requested, before you file [2]. The letter must state the exact amount and why you’re owed it, and say you’ll file in small claims if it isn’t resolved within 10 business days [2]. Send a separate letter to each person or business you plan to sue, and keep copies and receipts [2].
2. Wait, then file. In North Las Vegas, wait at least 15 days after mailing the demand, then file an Affidavit of Complaint with a copy of the letter, proof of mailing, the return receipt and the fee [2]. If you’re suing a business, name it exactly and serve its officer or resident agent. The Nevada Secretary of State’s business search shows who that is [2][3].
3. Serve the defendant. Someone must deliver the complaint and court date to each defendant. The constable, sheriff, a private process server or any adult who isn’t a party can do it [2].
- North Las Vegas: serve at least 15 days before the court date, and file the Affidavit of Service at least 10 days before it, or the case comes off calendar [2].
- Reno: serve the complaint and the Order to Attend Mediation at least 20 days before the mediation date, and file proof of service right away [3].
4. Go to mediation or trial. Reno Justice Court requires mediation in small claims cases. A signed agreement becomes a binding order; if there’s no agreement, the clerk sets a trial date [3]. Reno says the court date is usually about two months after you file [3].
5. Bring your evidence. Bring at least three copies of anything you want the judge to see: receipts, contracts, photos, printed texts and emails. Don’t expect the judge to read messages on your phone [2].
| Amount claimed | Filing fee |
|---|---|
| $1,000 or less | $66 |
| Over $1,000 to $2,500 | $86 |
| Over $2,500 to $5,000 | $106 |
| Over $5,000 to $7,500 | $146 |
| Over $7,500 to $10,000 | $196 |
If you’re the one being sued
Read the papers and note the court date. In Reno, you can simply appear on the scheduled day without filing anything, or you can file an answer, which has no filing fee but must be served on the plaintiff [4]. If you have your own claim against the plaintiff, you file it the same way a plaintiff files a claim [4].
After the judgment
Winning doesn’t mean the court collects for you. It’s up to the person owed the money, the judgment creditor , to collect if the other side doesn’t pay voluntarily [2].
Appeals
Appeals move fast. At Reno Justice Court, a small claims appeal must be filed within five judicial days after the decision, not counting court dates, weekends and holidays, using a formal Notice of Appeal [5]. A transcript of the hearing is required; a copy of the court’s digital recording costs $35 and the person appealing is responsible for having it transcribed [5]. Filing an appeal doesn’t stop collection unless a bond is posted [5].
At North Las Vegas Justice Court, a typed transcript for an appeal costs $40 plus at least $3.80 a page, with a $100 deposit to start [2].
Other states
Small claims limits vary a lot. See small claims limits in every state on BestAmerica.
Sources
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What is the small claims limit in Nevada?
$10,000. Nevada's justice courts hear small claims for money only, where the amount claimed is $10,000 or less.
How much does it cost to file small claims in Nevada?
At North Las Vegas and Reno justice courts, the filing fee runs from $66 for claims of $1,000 or less to $196 for claims over $7,500 up to $10,000. Serving the defendant can cost extra.
Do I have to send a demand letter before filing small claims in Nevada?
North Las Vegas Justice Court requires a written demand sent by certified mail, return receipt requested, and you must wait at least 15 days after mailing before you file. Check your own court's rules; other courts may differ.
How long do I have to appeal a small claims decision in Nevada?
At Reno Justice Court, a small claims appeal must be filed within five judicial days after the decision, not counting court dates, weekends and holidays. You'll also need a transcript of the hearing.