The 5 Most Common Small Claims Cases in California (And Your Actual Chances of Winning)

Every year, tens of thousands of Californians file small claims cases. But not all disputes are created equal.

Some case types are slam dunks if you have the right evidence. Others are uphill battles no matter how organized you are.

This guide breaks down the 5 most common case types filed in California small claims court, based on data from California superior courts and legal research. For each type, you'll learn:

• ✅ What evidence you need to win
• ⏱️ Typical timeline from filing to judgment
• 💰 Average judgment amounts
• ⚠️ Common mistakes that lose cases
• 📋 Specific forms and documents required

Whether you're considering filing or responding to a claim, this guide shows you exactly what to expect.

What Typically Happens

You move out of your rental. Your landlord keeps all or part of your security deposit, claiming damage or unpaid rent. You disagree—either the damage was pre-existing, the charges are inflated, or the landlord is making things up.

Why it's so common: California law requires landlords to return security deposits within 21 days with an itemized statement of deductions. Many landlords miss this deadline or fail to provide proper documentation—giving tenants a strong legal case.

Source: California Civil Code § 1950.5

Average Case Amount: $1,500 - $2,800

Typical security deposits in California range from $1,500 (one month's rent in cheaper areas) to $5,000+ (high-rent cities like San Francisco, Los Angeles). Most disputes involve $1,500-$2,800.

Your Win Rate: Very High (85-95%) If You Have Evidence

Security deposit cases are among the easiest to win because California law is very tenant-friendly. If the landlord:

• Missed the 21-day deadline
• Failed to provide an itemized statement
• Charged for "normal wear and tear"
• Can't prove damage with receipts or photos

...you will likely win. Judges have heard every landlord excuse in the book and don't have patience for landlords who violate clear statutory requirements.

Timeline: 60-90 Days from Filing to Judgment

• Day 1: File case at courthouse ($30-$50 filing fee)
• Days 7-15: Serve landlord with court papers
• Days 30-60: Court hearing scheduled (varies by county)
• Day of hearing: Present evidence, judge rules immediately or within 2 weeks
• Post-judgment: If landlord doesn't pay voluntarily, begin collection (wage garnishment, etc.)

⚠️ Common Mistakes That Lose Security Deposit Cases

Real Case Example

What Typically Happens

Scenario A (Contractor sues customer): Contractor completes work but customer refuses to pay final balance.

Scenario B (Customer sues contractor): Customer pays contractor, but work is incomplete, defective, or contractor disappears mid-project.

Both scenarios are extremely common in small claims court.

Average Case Amount: $3,000 - $8,000

Most contractor disputes fall within the small claims range. Large construction projects ($50,000+) usually end up in regular civil court, but smaller jobs like:

• Kitchen remodel ($5,000-$10,000)
• Bathroom renovation ($4,000-$8,000)
• Painting ($1,500-$4,000)
• Roofing repair ($2,000-$6,000)
• Landscaping ($2,000-$5,000)

...fit perfectly in small claims.

Your Win Rate: High with Written Contract (75-85%), Lower Without (40-60%)

The #1 factor in contractor disputes: Do you have a written contract?

If yes—and it clearly states what work would be done, the price, and deadlines—you have a strong case. If it's a handshake deal with no written agreement, it becomes he-said-she-said.

Timeline: 60-90 Days from Filing to Judgment

Similar to security deposit cases. Court hearings typically scheduled 30-60 days after filing.

⚠️ Common Mistakes That Lose Contractor Cases

What Typically Happens

Someone hits your car. You get repair estimates showing $2,500 in damage. But:

• The other driver has no insurance (or claims they don't)
• Your deductible is $1,000, so filing a claim doesn't make sense
• The other driver admits fault but refuses to pay
• Their insurance company denies the claim or offers a lowball settlement

Rather than eat the cost, you file in small claims court.

Average Case Amount: $1,000 - $5,000

Most small claims car accident cases involve:

• Bumper/fender damage
• Door dings and scratches
• Broken mirrors or lights
• Paint damage

Total damage from minor collisions and parking lot accidents typically falls in the $1,000-$5,000 range—perfect for small claims.

Your Win Rate: High (80-90%) If Liability Is Clear

Car accident cases are straightforward if you can prove who was at fault. If you have:

• Police report stating other driver caused accident
• Witnesses who saw it happen
• Photos clearly showing fault (e.g., they rear-ended you)
• Admission of fault from the other driver (text, email, recorded statement)

...you will almost certainly win.

Timeline: 60-90 Days from Filing to Judgment

Standard small claims timeline. However, be aware: If the defendant doesn't show up, you still need to prove damages. Bring all estimates and photos even if you expect a default judgment.

⚠️ Common Mistakes That Lose Car Accident Cases

What Typically Happens

You lend money to a friend, family member, or acquaintance. They promise to pay you back. Months go by—they avoid your calls, make excuses, or ghost you entirely.

You're left with a choice: Kiss the money goodbye, or file in small claims court and potentially ruin the relationship permanently.

Average Case Amount: $2,000 - $6,000

Most personal loans fall in the $500-$8,000 range. Common scenarios:

• Emergency car repair loan ($2,000-$4,000)
• Rent help loan ($1,500-$3,000)
• Business startup loan from family ($5,000-$10,000)
• Medical bill assistance ($1,000-$5,000)

Your Win Rate: Medium (50-70%) - Depends Heavily on Evidence

Personal loan cases are trickier than other small claims because:

• Often no written agreement - "I'll pay you back" over beers doesn't count
• Defendant may claim it was a gift - "She gave it to me, I didn't borrow it"
• Payments made in cash with no receipt - hard to prove you actually gave them money

Timeline: 60-90 Days from Filing to Judgment

Standard timeline, but collection can be difficult if borrower has no job or assets (see "judgment-proof" below).

⚠️ Common Mistakes That Lose Personal Loan Cases

What Typically Happens

Your neighbor's tree falls on your fence. Their sprinkler system floods your yard. Their construction crew damages your driveway. A property line dispute turns into actual damage.

Neighbor disputes are unique because:

• You have to keep living next to this person after the case
• Liability can be murky ("Your tree" vs. "It was on the property line")
• Homeowners insurance might cover it—but often doesn't for smaller claims

Average Case Amount: $800 - $4,000

Common property damage amounts:

• Fence repair/replacement: $1,000-$3,000
• Tree damage: $500-$5,000
• Water damage (flooding): $1,500-$8,000
• Driveway/pavement damage: $800-$3,000

Your Win Rate: High (75-85%) If Liability Is Clear

If you can prove:

1. The defendant's property/actions caused the damage
2. You have repair estimates showing cost
3. The damage was not your fault

...you should win.

Timeline: 60-90 Days from Filing to Judgment

Standard timeline. However, try mediation first—many counties offer free neighbor dispute mediation. It's faster and preserves the relationship better than court.

⚠️ Common Mistakes That Lose Property Damage Cases

Quick Reference: The 5 Case Types at a Glance

Bottom Line: Know Your Case Type, Know Your Odds

Not all small claims cases are equal. Some are slam dunks if you have basic evidence. Others are uphill battles no matter how well you prepare.

If you follow these rules and match one of the 5 case types above, your odds of winning are very good—assuming the defendant actually has money to pay you.

Because here's the harsh truth: Winning and collecting are two different things. You can win a $5,000 judgment, but if the defendant is unemployed with no assets, you'll never see a dime. Always consider "Can they actually pay?" before filing.