The limits
| Court | Limit | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Small claims (Justice Court) | Up to $10,000 | Money only. Simplified procedure. NRS 73.010. |
| Justice Court civil | Up to $15,000 | Formal rules of procedure apply. NRS 4.370. |
| District Court | Over $15,000 | Full litigation. |
Why small claims is often the better route
Attorney fees are not awarded to either side in small claims court (NRS 73.040). That means hiring a lawyer for a $4,000 dispute rarely makes financial sense, because the fee comes out of your recovery. The court is set up so that an organized owner can present the case alone.
We are direct about this. If your dispute is under about $7,500, we will usually tell you that small claims, a Contractors Board complaint, or both are the better path.
What to bring
- The contract and proof of what you paid
- Dated photographs, printed
- An independent inspection report
- Written repair bids showing the amount you are asking for
- A one page timeline
- Copies of your written demand and any response
Judges decide these cases quickly. Lead with the contract, the report, and the bids. See how to document your dispute.
Before you file
- Send a written demand first. Our demand letter builder can help.
- Sue the correct party. Use the exact business name on the contractor's license record.
- File in the Justice Court for the township where the contractor is located or the work was done.
- Consider filing a Contractors Board complaint as well. The two are not exclusive, and both have deadlines.
After you win
A judgment is not the same as payment. If the contractor does not pay, a judgment against a licensed contractor can support a claim on the license bond or, for an owner-occupied home, an application to the Residential Recovery Fund within two years.
The Civil Law Self-Help Center in Clark County and the Justice Court websites publish forms and step by step instructions.
This page is general information about Nevada law, not legal advice. Every dispute turns on its own facts and documents.