Cal. Civ. Code § 33-29-2-4
Jurisdiction
Operative Text
Sec. 4. (a) This section applies after June 30, 2021. (b) The small claims docket has jurisdiction over the following: (1) Civil actions in which the amount sought or value of the property sought to be recovered is not more than ten thousand dollars ($10,000). The plaintiff in a statement of claim or the defendant in a counterclaim may waive the excess of any claim that exceeds ten thousand dollars ($10,000) in order to bring it within the jurisdiction of the small claims docket. (2) Possessory actions between landlord and tenant in which the rent due at the time the action is filed does not exceed ten thousand dollars ($10,000). (3) Emergency possessory actions between a landlord and tenant under IC 32-31-6.
Under Indiana Code §§ 33-28-3-4, 33-29-2-4, 33-31-2-3, 33-34-3-1, 33-34-3-3, and 33-34-3-4, Indiana's small claims dockets have authority to hear civil disputes where the amount or property value at stake does not exceed $10,000, as well as landlord-tenant possession cases where unpaid rent at the time of filing is $10,000 or less. Emergency possession actions between landlords and tenants under IC 32-31-6 also fall within small claims jurisdiction regardless of the dollar threshold. A party with a claim exceeding $10,000 may voluntarily waive the excess amount to bring the case within small claims court's reach.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers dealing with nonpayment or possession disputes should be aware that, under the citations listed in §§ 33-28-3-4, 33-29-2-4, 33-31-2-3, 33-34-3-1, 33-34-3-3, and 33-34-3-4, small claims court is an available forum when the rent owed at filing does not exceed $10,000. Operators who pursue emergency possession actions under IC 32-31-6 may also use the small claims docket. Compliant operators generally verify the amount owed at the time of filing to confirm the case falls within the court's jurisdictional limits before proceeding.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Tenants facing possession actions or civil claims from a landlord should know that, under Indiana Code §§ 33-28-3-4, 33-29-2-4, 33-31-2-3, 33-34-3-1, 33-34-3-3, and 33-34-3-4, these matters are often heard in small claims court when the amounts involved are $10,000 or less. Tenants also have the right to file a counterclaim in small claims court, and may waive any excess above $10,000 to keep the matter in that forum. Those who receive a small claims summons or face an emergency possession action under IC 32-31-6 may wish to consult a tenant-rights organization or legal aid provider to understand available options.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated October 14, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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