SingaporeSmall Claims Court in Singapore
The Small Claims Tribunals (SCT) in Singapore hear civil claims up to S$20,000 (or S$30,000 with mutual consent), covering disputes like unpaid invoices, faulty goods, rental deposits, and minor service failures — excluding defamation, personal injury, and employment claims.
What the Law Says
The jurisdiction and scope of the Small Claims Tribunals (SCT) are governed by the Small Claims Tribunals Act (Cap. 301) and the Rules of the Small Claims Tribunals (SCT Rules). The SCT is a division of the State Courts designed for quick, low-cost resolution of minor civil disputes without lawyers.
Under section 3(1) of the Small Claims Tribunals Act, the SCT may hear claims for money or recovery of goods where the amount or value does not exceed S$20,000. Where both parties consent in writing before filing, the limit rises to S$30,000 (section 3(2)).
Eligible claims include: (a) disputes arising from contracts for sale of goods or supply of services; (b) landlord-tenant disputes over security deposits (excluding claims for possession or rent arrears beyond deposit); (c) claims against contractors for defective work; (d) consumer complaints about faulty products or unfulfilled services; and (e) motor vehicle accident claims for property damage only (not personal injury).
Statutory TextThe Tribunal may hear and determine any claim for money or for the recovery of goods where the amount or value claimed does not exceed $20,000.
— Small Claims Tribunals Act (Cap. 301), s 3(1)
What to Do
Confirm your claim falls within SCT’s jurisdiction (monetary limit, subject matter, and time bar — must be filed within 6 months of the dispute arising, per SCT Rule 5(1));
File online via the State Courts’ eLitigation portal or at the SCT Registry (State Courts Building), pay the prescribed fee (S$25–S$100 depending on claim value), and serve the claim form on the respondent.
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Not legal advice. This article is general information based on publicly available sources, written for educational purposes. Laws change and individual situations vary. Consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction before acting on anything you read here. Last reviewed: 2026-10-03.