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Contra Costa County Small Claims Court

Everything California tenants need to file a security deposit claim — address, fees, deadlines, and hearing tips.

Court Information

Court name
Contra Costa County Superior Court — Small Claims Division (Wakefield Taylor Courthouse)
Address
725 Court Street, Martinez, CA 94553
Phone
(925) 608-1000
Hours
Mon-Fri 8:00am-4:00pm (clerk), 8:00am-5:00pm (building)
Official website
https://contracosta.courts.ca.gov/divisions/small-claims
Typical hearing wait
7 weeks

Other Courthouses in This County

This county hears small claims cases at more than one courthouse. Confirm the correct location on your Notice of Hearing before you file or appear.

Court name
Contra Costa County Superior Court — Small Claims Division (George D. Carroll Courthouse)
Address
1000 Center Drive, Pittsburg, CA 94565
Phone
(925) 608-1000
Covers
Department 54
Court name
Contra Costa County Superior Court — Small Claims Division (Richmond Courthouse)
Address
100 37th Street, Richmond, CA 94805
Phone
(925) 608-1000
Covers
Department 50

Filing Fees

Max claim: $12,500  ·  Required forms: SC-100, SC-104

Claim amountFiling fee
$1 – $1,500$30
$1,501 – $5,000$50
$5,001 – $12,500$75

Fee waiver available if you qualify (form FW-001).

How to File

Small claims cases in Contra Costa County are filed and heard at three locations: Martinez (725 Court St), Pittsburg (1000 Center Dr), and Richmond (100 37th St). File at the courthouse for the jurisdiction where the defendant lives or where the dispute occurred. Clerk's office hours are Mon-Fri 8:00am-4:00pm. Remote appearances require form RA-010 per CCP §367.75.

Serving the Defendant

Serve the defendant at least 15 days before the hearing (20 days if the defendant lives outside Contra Costa County). Service can be made by the Contra Costa County Sheriff for a fee, by a registered process server, or by any adult who is not a party. File proof of service (SC-104) with the court before the hearing.

Allowed methods: Personal service, Substituted service, Certified mail
Deadline: Serve at least 15 days before the hearing date.

Hearing Tips

✓ Interpreters available   ✓ Phone appearance allowed

Know Your Rights Under California Law

California Civil Code § 1950.5 requires landlords to return your deposit or provide an itemized statement within 21 days of move-out. If they fail to do so, you may be entitled to your deposit back plus up to 2× the deposit amount in statutory damages.

Read the full California Security Deposit Law guide →

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