Renovation disputes in New Brunswick: small claims up to $20,000

When a renovation ends in a money dispute, the first question is which court can hear it. In New Brunswick small claims can hear claims up to $20,000.

The limit

New Brunswick's Small Claims Court hears claims for a debt, damages or return of property valued up to $20,000. Claims above $20,000 are not accepted unless you abandon the excess; counterclaims follow the same rule.

Fees

Government pages list filing fees by claim size; two official pages show different amounts for claims over $3,000, so check the current fee before filing.

Filing and fees

A claim is started with Form 1 (Claim) at one of the regional court offices: Bathurst, Campbellton, Edmundston, Fredericton, Miramichi, Moncton, Saint John or Woodstock. The listed filing fee is $50 for a claim of $3,000 or less and $150 for a claim over $3,000. A defendant who disputes the claim pays $50 to file a response.

Serving the contractor or owner

Serving the claim is your job, at your own expense. Each defendant must receive a copy of the filed claim together with a blank response (Form 2), and service has to happen within one year after the claim is filed unless the time is extended. The General Regulation allows service on an individual by leaving a copy with the person or by prepaid registered mail or courier; registered mail or courier counts only when you get back the signed receipt or a written delivery confirmation. File proof of service (Form 20, Affidavit of Service).

If there is no answer

If the defendant has not filed a response and 30 days have passed since service, you can file a request for judgment (Form 6) with proof of service. For a claim only for a debt, the clerk enters default judgment, including filing fees and reasonable service costs. A claim for damages, typical in renovation disputes, goes to a hearing to set the amount.

Appeals

A party who disagrees with the decision can request an appeal by way of a new hearing (Form 16). Under the regulation, that request must be filed within 30 days after the decision is filed.

Liens are separate

Contractors and suppliers should check deadlines under New Brunswick's Mechanics' Lien Act as well. A small claims case does not keep a lien right alive.

Prevention Checklist

• Confirm the claim is $20,000 or less, or abandon the excess.
• Check the current filing fee.
• Send a written demand first.
• Gather documents and a timeline.
• Contractors: check lien deadlines separately.
• Serve the claim with a blank response within one year, and keep the delivery receipt.
• After 30 days without a response, file a request for judgment.

References

1. Government of New Brunswick. Small Claims Court, Web page, Limit, scope, fees. Accessed 2026-11-01.
2. Government of New Brunswick. N.B. Reg. 2012-103 under the Small Claims Act, Web page, $20,000 prescribed amount. Accessed 2026-11-01.
3. Government of New Brunswick. General Regulation under the Small Claims Act, N.B. Reg. 2012-103, PDF consolidation on lois.gnb.ca, ss. 6, 19, 20, 39, 50, 51. Accessed 2026-11-02.

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