Small Claims Tribunals (2026 Legal Guide) — Rules & Requirements
About this article
Sourced from Singapore Acts of Parliament, subsidiary legislation, and official government guidance. Written in plain language for general understanding — this is educational content, not legal advice. Our editorial standards
What is this right?
The Small Claims Tribunals (SCT) provide a quick, low-cost forum for resolving consumer and tenancy disputes:
- Claim limit: Up to $20,000 (or $30,000 if both parties agree in writing).
- Types of claims: Sale of goods, provision of services, tenancy deposits, damage to property, and unfair practices under the CPFTA.
- No lawyers: Parties must represent themselves — the process is designed to be accessible to ordinary people.
- Process: File online → consultation/mediation → if unresolved, the Tribunal hears the case and issues a binding order.
- Filing fee: $10 for claims up to $5,000; $20 for claims above $5,000.
- Timeframe: Most cases are resolved within 2–3 months.
When does it apply?
- You have a consumer dispute (bought defective goods, paid for services not rendered) or tenancy dispute (deposit, repairs).
- Your claim is $20,000 or less.
- The claim must be filed within 2 years of the cause of action (1 year for certain tenancy claims).
What to Do If You Have a Small Consumer or Tenancy Dispute You Cannot Resolve Directly in Singapore
- Try to resolve it directly with the other party first — a demand letter often works.
- File your claim online at the Community Justice and Tribunals System (CJTS) website.
- Bring all evidence to the hearing: receipts, contracts, photos, correspondence, and witnesses if available.
- The Tribunal's decision is binding and can be enforced like a court order.
What should you NOT do?
- Don't bring a lawyer — the SCT process does not allow legal representation (except for companies and in rare cases with leave).
- Don't ignore an SCT summons — failure to attend can result in a default order against you.
- Don't exaggerate your claim — the Tribunal expects honest presentation of facts.
About Consumer Rights in Singapore
If something you bought in Singapore doesn't match the contract, the Consumer Protection (Fair Trading) Act (CPFTA) and the Lemon Law (Part III) give you repair, replacement, price reduction, or a refund — and a defect that shows up within 6 months is presumed to have existed at delivery. CASE mediates disputes and can seek injunctions. Claims up to S$20,000 go to the Small Claims Tribunals, no lawyer needed. Personal data sits under the Personal Data Protection Act 2012, and licensed moneylending is capped by the Moneylenders Act (Cap. 188).
Common Questions
What is the claim limit at the Singapore Small Claims Tribunals?
The SCT handles claims up to S$20,000, or up to S$30,000 if both parties agree in writing. Filing fees are S$10 for claims up to S$5,000 and S$20 for claims above that. Most cases are resolved within 2 to 3 months, and the Tribunal's decision is binding and enforceable like a court order.
Can I bring a lawyer to the Small Claims Tribunals in Singapore?
No. The SCT process does not allow legal representation except for companies and in rare cases with leave. Parties must represent themselves — the forum is designed to be accessible to ordinary people. Bring all your evidence to the hearing: receipts, contracts, photos, correspondence, and witnesses if available.
How long do I have to file a claim at the Singapore SCT?
Claims must be filed within 2 years of the cause of action, or 1 year for certain tenancy claims. File online through the Community Justice and Tribunals System (CJTS). Ignoring a summons can result in a default order against you, so do not skip the hearing.
What is the small claims tribunals right in Singapore?
The Small Claims Tribunals (SCT) provide a quick, low-cost forum for resolving consumer and tenancy disputes:Claim limit: Up to $20,000 (or $30,000 if both parties agree in writing).Types of claims: Sale of goods, provision of services, tenancy deposits, damage to property, and unfair practices under the CPFTA.No lawyers: Parties must represent themselves — the process is designed to be accessible to ordinary people.Process: File online → consultation/mediation → if unresolved, the Tribunal hears the case and issues a binding order.Filing fee: $10 for claims up to $5,000; $20 for claims above...
When does it apply — small claims tribunals?
You have a consumer dispute (bought defective goods, paid for services not rendered) or tenancy dispute (deposit, repairs).Your claim is $20,000 or less.The claim must be filed within 2 years of the cause of action (1 year for certain tenancy claims).
What should I do if a business in Singapore owes me money or refuses to honour a contract and the amount is under $20,000?
Try to resolve it directly with the other party first — a demand letter often works.File your claim online at the Community Justice and Tribunals System (CJTS) website.Bring all evidence to the hearing: receipts, contracts, photos, correspondence, and witnesses if available.The Tribunal's decision is binding and can be enforced like a court order.
What should you NOT do — small claims tribunals?
Don't bring a lawyer — the SCT process does not allow legal representation (except for companies and in rare cases with leave).Don't ignore an SCT summons — failure to attend can result in a default order against you.Don't exaggerate your claim — the Tribunal expects honest presentation of facts.