San Bernardino County Small Claims Courthouses
San Bernardino County is the largest county in the United States by area, covering over 20,000 square miles. The county operates multiple courthouses to serve communities from the Inland Empire to the Mojave Desert.
Venue selection is critical: San Bernardino County's massive size means you could drive 100+ miles to the wrong courthouse. File at the courthouse nearest to where the defendant lives or where the contract was signed. Choosing the right venue matters significantly in this county.
How to File Small Claims in San Bernardino County
1 Determine Eligibility
Your claim must be $12,500 or less for individuals ($6,500 for businesses). Common San Bernardino County cases include:
- Auto repair and used car dealer disputes
- Landlord-tenant security deposit claims
- Property damage and neighbor disputes
- Unpaid invoices and contract breaches
- Consumer fraud and defective goods
- Construction and contractor disputes
2 Send a Demand Letter
California law doesn't require a demand letter, but I always recommend sending one first. It resolves many cases without court and strengthens your position if you do file.
I draft attorney demand letters for $575 flat fee (includes draft lawsuit + FedEx certified mail). This often resolves the dispute within 10-14 days.
3 Gather Your Evidence
Organize all documents that prove your case:
- Written contracts or agreements
- Emails, text messages, and correspondence
- Receipts, invoices, and payment records
- Photos of damage or defective work
- Witness statements
- Auto repair estimates and inspection reports
- Vehicle purchase documents and Carfax reports
4 Complete Form SC-100
Fill out the Plaintiff's Claim and ORDER to Go to Small Claims Court (form SC-100). You can get it from any San Bernardino County courthouse or download it from the California Courts website.
Be specific about what happened, when it happened, and why the defendant owes you money.
5 File Your Claim
File in person at the appropriate courthouse or mail your completed form with the filing fee:
- $75 for claims up to $1,500
- $100 for claims $1,500.01 to $5,000
- $125 for claims $5,000.01 to $12,500
Fee waivers are available if you qualify based on income.
6 Serve the Defendant
You cannot serve the defendant yourself. Have someone 18+ who is not involved in the case serve the papers, or use a professional process server (typically $50-$200 in San Bernardino County, depending on distance).
7 Prepare for Your Hearing
Organize your evidence in chronological order. Bring 3 copies of everything: one for you, one for the judge, one for the defendant. Practice explaining your case in 5 minutes or less.
8 Attend Your Hearing
Arrive 30 minutes early. Dress professionally. Address the judge as "Your Honor." Stick to the facts and avoid emotional arguments.
Before Filing, Try a Demand Letter First
Many small claims cases settle after receiving an attorney-drafted demand letter — faster and cheaper than court.
Includes demand letter, draft lawsuit, and FedEx certified mail delivery. Written by Sergei Tokmakov, California attorney (Bar #279869).
Get Attorney Demand LetterCommon Case Types in San Bernardino County
San Bernardino County's diverse geography and economy create unique small claims patterns:
Auto Repair and Used Car Disputes
With I-15 and I-10 running through the county, San Bernardino has numerous auto dealerships and repair shops. Small claims cases involving defective repairs, undisclosed vehicle damage, and warranty disputes are extremely common.
Long-Distance Venue Issues
San Bernardino County is 20,000+ square miles. If a defendant lives in Barstow and you file in Fontana, they can challenge venue. Choosing the correct courthouse based on where the defendant lives or where the transaction occurred is critical.
Landlord-Tenant Security Deposit Disputes
Rental markets in Fontana, Rancho Cucamonga, and San Bernardino generate frequent security deposit disputes. California's strict deposit return timeline (21 days) is often violated.
Consumer Fraud and Defective Goods
Disputes over defective products, misleading sales practices, and warranty claims are common in San Bernardino County small claims court.
Frequently Asked Questions
The limit is $12,500 for individuals and $6,500 for businesses and entities. This is a statewide California limit that applies to all counties, including San Bernardino.
File at the courthouse nearest to where the defendant lives or where the contract was signed. Options include San Bernardino Justice Center, Fontana, Rancho Cucamonga, Victorville, and Barstow. Venue selection is critical in this county due to its massive geographic size.
Filing fees are $75 for claims up to $1,500, $100 for claims $1,500.01 to $5,000, and $125 for claims $5,000.01 to $12,500. Fee waivers are available if you qualify based on income.
Yes, you can sue a used car dealer for amounts up to $12,500. Common claims include undisclosed damage, odometer fraud, failure to provide smog certification, and breach of warranty. Document everything: purchase agreement, Carfax report, inspection findings, and all communications with the dealer.
From filing to hearing, expect 60-90 days. The court schedules hearings based on availability. After judgment, collecting the money can take additional time if the defendant doesn't pay voluntarily.
You generally must file at the courthouse closest to where the defendant lives or where the transaction occurred. If you file at the wrong courthouse, the defendant can challenge venue and force you to refile in the correct location. Check the defendant's address carefully before filing.
You can collect through wage garnishment, bank levies, or property liens. San Bernardino County has enforcement procedures to help you collect, though it requires additional paperwork and fees.