What types of disputes are eligible for small claims court?

Small claims courts in Texas are courts of limited jurisdiction, which means they can only hear certain types of cases. Generally, these courts are set up to resolve disputes involving relatively small amounts of money, usually up to $10,000. Small claims court is a form of dispute resolution to help settle disagreements without the expensive and lengthy process of a full-blown trial. Common cases that can be resolved in small claims court include disputes from people who have been wrongfully evicted, unpaid wages or overtime, disputed deposits or repairs, property damage, breach of contract, and disputes when a tenant is not allowed their security deposit. Landlord-tenant disputes, such as rent increases, failure to maintain the property, and tenant rights, may also be able to be heard in small claims court. Other cases that can be heard include disputes with collection agencies, disputes involving property that is damaged or not returned in the same condition it was given, and disputes regarding contracts for the purchase of goods or services. However, these courts cannot handle cases that involve titles to real property, cases involving crimes, suits for libel or defamation, or malpractice claims. Ultimately, the best way to know if a certain dispute is eligible for small claims court is to contact your local justice court and ask them what they can handle.

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What types of disputes are eligible for small claims court?

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