Renovation disputes in Ontario Small Claims Court: the $50,000 limit and what to prepare

When a renovation goes wrong, the dispute is usually about money: a final invoice the owner will not pay, a deposit for work that never started, or the cost of hiring someone else to fix defects. Many people assume a lawyer and a long trial are the only way. For claims up to $50,000, Ontario's Small Claims Court is designed for people who represent themselves.

The limit rose from $35,000 to $50,000 on October 1, 2025. Older guides that still mention $35,000 are out of date.

What the court can decide

Small Claims Court hears claims for money and for the return of personal property. The $50,000 limit does not include interest and costs such as court fees. A claim worth more than $50,000 belongs in the Superior Court of Justice, but you may still file in Small Claims Court if you are willing to give up the amount above $50,000.

Before you file: build the paper trail

Renovation claims are won on documents. Collect the signed contract or quote, every change order or message that changed the scope or price, invoices and payment records, dated photos of the work and of defects, and any written estimates from other contractors for repairs. Write a short timeline: date signed, start date, what was done, when work stopped, when you asked for payment or repairs, and the answers you got.

Ask in writing first

Before filing, send a clear written demand: what you want, the amount, how you calculated it, and a reasonable deadline. It often settles the matter, and if it does not, it shows the court you tried.

Filing and appeals

Claims can be filed online. From October 14, 2025, filings in the Toronto region go through the Ontario Courts Public Portal; other regions can still use the Small Claims Court Submissions Online portal. The minimum amount that can be appealed also rose, from $3,500 to $5,000.

Construction liens are a separate track

If you are a contractor or supplier owed money, a construction lien under the Construction Act has its own short deadlines that run regardless of a small claims case. Check those deadlines first; a small claims action does not stop them.

Prevention Checklist

• Check that your claim, without interest and costs, is $50,000 or less.
• Gather the contract, change orders, invoices, payments, dated photos and repair estimates.
• Write a one-page timeline of the job.
• Send a written demand with an amount and a deadline before filing.
• Contractors: check construction lien deadlines first; they run separately.
• File online through the portal for your region.

References

1. Government of Ontario. Civil law information and resources, Web page, Small Claims Court monetary jurisdiction $35,000 to $50,000. Accessed 2026-11-01.
2. Government of Ontario. Small claims court: suing someone, Web page, Scope of claims; filing. Accessed 2026-11-01.
3. Superior Court of Justice. Small Claims Court, Web page, Court information. Accessed 2026-11-01.

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