How to File a Small Claims Case in Maryland

You paid a contractor, never got the work done, and now you want your money back. Or a landlord kept your deposit without explanation. Either way, you're looking at Maryland's small claims process — and the good news is you don't need a lawyer to use it.

Where You File and What Qualifies

Small claims in Maryland go through the District Court, specifically the small claims docket under CJP § 4-405. Your claim must be for money only, and the amount cannot exceed $5,000 (not counting interest or court costs). If you're owed more than $5,000 but less than $30,000, you can still file in District Court, but it moves to the regular civil docket where formal evidence rules apply.

The District Court doesn't handle evictions, restraining orders, or requests to force someone to do something. It awards money damages — nothing else.

Pick the Right County

File in the county where the defendant lives, works, or runs a business. If there are multiple defendants and no single county venue applies to all of them, CJP § 6-201(b) also allows filing where the cause of action arose. Baltimore City and Baltimore County are separate jurisdictions — filing in the wrong one may result in a transfer.

For tort claims like property damage, you can file where the injury occurred under CJP § 6-202(8).

Prepare Your Complaint

You'll use Form DC-CV-001, the standard civil complaint form for all District Court money claims. It asks for your name and address, the defendant's full legal name and address, whether you're suing on a contract or tort, and the dollar amount you're claiming.

Attach copies of your supporting documents — the contract, unpaid invoices, repair estimates, or photos. You'll also need to complete the military service affidavit (required by federal law), stating whether the defendant is on active duty.

If you're suing a business, check the SDAT (State Department of Assessments and Taxation) database first to confirm the exact legal name and resident agent. Suing a trade name instead of the registered LLC or corporation can make your judgment unenforceable.

Pay the Filing Fee and Serve the Defendant

The filing fee is $44 for small claims. You'll also pay for service of process — $20 for clerk certified mail or $60 for sheriff service per defendant. Self-represented litigants are exempt from mandatory e-filing, so you can file in person at your local District Court clerk's office.

An in-state defendant gets 15 days after service to file a Notice of Intention to Defend. A defendant served outside Maryland, through SDAT or the Insurance Commissioner, or a defendant that is the U.S. Government gets 60 days. If they don't respond and don't show up on the trial date, you may get a default judgment based on your verified complaint.

What Happens at the Hearing

Small claims trials are informal bench trials — no jury, no formal discovery, and relaxed evidence rules under Rule 3-701. Bring the original of every document you're relying on plus two copies (one for the judge, one for the opposing party).

The judge hears both sides, looks at the evidence, and usually rules the same day. If you win, the judgment accrues interest at 10% per year until it's paid. If you lose, you can appeal to the Circuit Court within 30 days — the appeal is a completely new trial (de novo) for claims of $5,000 or less.

Filing a small claims case in Maryland costs under $100 in court fees and doesn't require an attorney. The complete Maryland small claims filing guide walks through every form, deadline, and courtroom step so nothing catches you off guard on your hearing day.

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