Renovation disputes in Yukon: Small Claims Court up to $25,000

In Yukon, a renovation dispute over an unpaid invoice, a deposit or the cost of fixing defects can usually go to Small Claims Court if it is worth $25,000 or less.

The limit

The court hears civil claims where the money or personal property at issue is $25,000 or less. The limit has been $25,000 since April 1, 2006.

What it cannot hear

It has no jurisdiction over actions concerning land, actions against the personal representative of a deceased person, or actions for libel or slander.

Larger claims

You can waive the amount over $25,000 and file in Small Claims Court, giving up the excess. You cannot split a larger debt into several small claims.

Before you file

The court's self-help guide suggests sending the other party a letter by a method that proves delivery, such as registered mail, stating what you are owed, the date you expect payment, and that you will file in Small Claims Court if you are not paid. If you are willing to take part in a free pre-trial conference, where a Justice of the Peace or a Territorial Court judge may help settle the matter, say so in the letter.

Time limits and fees

The guide gives six years from when you could first have claimed for unpaid accounts and damage to property, and two years for some other claims such as breach of a lease. Check the current Limitation of Actions Act for your situation before relying on these periods. Filing costs $50 for claims up to $5,000 and $100 for claims over $5,000 up to $25,000; a reply costs $25 and a notice of trial $50.

Where to file and collecting

Claims can be filed in person, by mail or by fax in Whitehorse, Dawson City and Watson Lake; a faxed claim must be followed by the original documents by mail. If you win, enforcing the judgment is your responsibility. Court staff can help with the forms, but they cannot collect the money for you, and sheriff's fees are paid separately.

Collecting

Yukon Courts publish a booklet on judgments and how to collect; winning a claim and getting paid are separate steps.

Prevention Checklist

• Check the claim is $25,000 or less, or decide to waive the excess.
• Make sure it is not a land dispute.
• Do not split a larger debt into several claims.
• Send a written demand first.
• Read the court's booklet on collecting a judgment.
• Send a demand letter by registered mail and offer a pre-trial conference.
• Check the limitation period that applies to your claim.

References

1. Yukon Courts. Small Claims Court, Web page, Limit, exclusions. Accessed 2026-11-01.
2. Yukon Courts. What Is Small Claims Court? (booklet), Web page, Waiving the excess; splitting. Accessed 2026-11-01.
3. Yukon Courts. Judgments and How to Collect a Small Claim (booklet), Web page, Collection. Accessed 2026-11-01.
4. Yukon Courts. What Is Small Claims Court? Self-Help Guide 1, PDF, 2019, Demand letter; time limits; fees. Accessed 2026-11-02.

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