Santa Cruz County Small Claims Court

Court Information

Court name

Santa Cruz County Superior Court -- Small Claims Division (Watsonville Courthouse)

Address

1 Second Street, Room 300, Watsonville, CA 95076

Phone

(831) 786-7200

Hours

Mon-Fri 8:00am-3:00pm (filing counter); phone lines Mon-Fri 8:00am-1:00pm; e-filing accepted 24 hours

Official website

https://www.santacruz.courts.ca.gov/divisions/small-claims-division

Typical hearing wait

7 weeks

Filing Fees

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

Claim amount	Filing 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

File your Plaintiff's Claim (Form SC-100) at the Watsonville Courthouse, 1 Second Street, Room 300, Watsonville, CA 95076 -- the only location where Santa Cruz County small claims cases are filed and heard. You may file in person, by mail, or electronically through the court's File at Home online system. Bring the original claim plus one copy for each named party and one for yourself, and pay the filing fee (or file Form FW-001 to request a fee waiver).

Serving the Defendant

After filing, the defendant must be served with the claim and notice of hearing at least 15 days before the hearing (20 days if served outside California), by personal service, substituted service, or certified mail. If you ask the court to attempt certified mail service ($15 per party), call the court or the Small Claims Advisor about two weeks after filing to confirm it was accepted -- if the defendant does not accept it, you must have someone serve them personally. Proof of service must be on file before the hearing, or your case may be dismissed.

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

Hearing Tips

Bring 3 copies of all evidence (contracts, receipts, photos, texts/emails, witness statements, etc.) -- one for you, one for the judge, and one for the opposing party.
The court provides qualified interpreters for small claims hearings at no cost; email the court's Language Access Coordinator at access@santacruzcourt.org in advance to request one (or ask in person when your case is called).
Arrive early. When your case is called, go to the front tables -- the Plaintiff goes first, then the Defendant.
To appear remotely by Zoom, file Form RA-010 to notify the court and other parties in advance, and submit/serve your evidence before the hearing date rather than handing it up in person.
Mediation is available to all parties before trial.

✓ 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 →

Let us handle the legal work for you

Accessible Justice files your claim, prepares your documents, and guides you through the process — no upfront cost.

Start my security deposit case →