Small Claims Court hears an enormous range of everyday disputes, but most of them fall into a handful of recurring categories. This hub is the Insights entry point to all of them: the full Claim Types directory of dispute-specific guides, the story-driven Insights articles on individual scenarios, and the Common Claim Types mini-hub, all grouped together by the kind of dispute you're dealing with.
Featured Guides
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Directory
All Claim Types
The complete directory of 18 dispute-type guides, from contractor disputes to real estate deposits.
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Contractor Disputes
Suing a Contractor in Ontario: What the Process Looks Like
Common issues in contractor disputes and how they typically move through the court.
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Insights mini-hub
Common Claim Types
Contractors, unpaid invoices and loans, and refunds — in depth.
Contractor and Property Disputes
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Contractor Disputes
Incomplete, defective, or overbilled renovation and repair work.
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Suing a Mechanic in Ontario
What actually decides these disputes, from both sides.
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Vehicle and Repair Disputes
Auto repair, used vehicle, and mechanical work disputes.
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Property Damage
Damage to a home, vehicle, or belongings caused by someone else.
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Suing a Contractor: Deficient Work, No-Shows, and What Actually Wins
A deeper evidence playbook for deficient work, incomplete jobs, and no-shows.
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Suing a Car Dealership
From a written complaint, to OMVIC, to Small Claims Court.
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Condominium Disputes
Small Claims Court vs. the Condominium Authority Tribunal.
Money, Invoices and Debt
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Unpaid Invoices and Loans
Getting paid for work performed or money lent.
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Debt Collection Disputes
Both pursuing and defending against a debt claim.
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Suing a Client Who Won't Pay
A small business owner's guide — approach it like a business decision.
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Suing a Family Member or Friend for Money Owed
The legal answer is simple. The real question rarely is.
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Unpaid Invoices and Loans: Why They're Proven So Differently
Two disputes that feel similar but need very different evidence.
Consumer and Online Purchase Disputes
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Consumer Disputes
Problems with a purchase, service, or repair as a consumer.
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Online Marketplace and Private Sale Disputes
Buying or selling through Facebook Marketplace, Kijiji, and similar platforms.
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Can I Sue for a Refund in Ontario?
A "no refunds" sign isn't always the final word.
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When “No Refunds” Isn’t Actually the Last Word
A deeper look at when a refused refund can become a real claim.
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Chargebacks vs. Small Claims Court
Check your credit card first — it might solve things faster.
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Suing Someone for a Bad Online Review
Why this is a narrower question than most people expect.
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Gym Membership Cancellation and Refund Disputes
When a gym won't process a cancellation and keeps charging you.
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Cell Phone, Internet, and Cable Contract Disputes
Disputed fees, broken promotions, and the CCTS as an alternative to court.
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Suing for a Denied or Underpaid Insurance Claim
When an insurance dispute fits Small Claims Court, and when it doesn't.
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Warranty and Defective Product Disputes
Rights beyond the manufacturer's written warranty.
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Online Scams and Fraud Disputes
When court can realistically help, and when it can't.
Landlord, Tenant and Neighbour Disputes
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Landlord and Tenant-Related Claims
Where Small Claims Court fits alongside the Landlord and Tenant Board.
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Suing a Tenant for Unpaid Rent
A landlord's perspective — often two different processes.
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Landlord Suing a Tenant
The verified one-year window for pursuing a former tenant.
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Roommate Disputes
Shared rent, damage, and belongings between roommates.
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Neighbour Disputes
Boundary lines, trees, fences, and property line disagreements.
Personal, Family and Pet-Related Disputes
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Pet-Related Disputes
Purchase, boarding, veterinary, and pet-sitting disputes.
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Can You Sue for a Dog Bite in Ontario?
A different kind of pet-related dispute: injury, not a transaction.
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Suing After a Car Accident
Where court fits in after insurance has done what it can.
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Wedding and Event Vendor Disputes
Photographers, venues, caterers, and other event vendors.
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Daycare and Childcare Disputes
Unpaid fees, withheld deposits, and care not delivered as agreed.
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Suing Over a Daycare or Childcare Contract
Two common scenarios walked through in more detail.
Helpful Tools
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Available now
Contractor dispute calculator
Estimate the value of a claim over incomplete, defective, or overbilled work.
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Available now
Sue my contractor
A guided walkthrough for a renovation or repair dispute specifically.
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Available now
Demand letter amount calculator
Work out a precise, defensible total before you send a demand letter.
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Available now
Personal loan recovery wizard
Organize a personal loan you're owed before you send a demand letter.
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Available now
Property damage claim wizard
Organize a property damage claim before you file.
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Available now
Security deposit claim calculator
Estimate what you may be owed in a deposit dispute.
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Available now
Neighbour dispute calculator
Work out what a boundary, fence, or tree dispute could actually be worth.
Related Hubs
- Business, Employment & Contract Disputes — breach of contract, employment claims, and moving or storage disputes, split out into their own hub.
- Starting a Small Claims Court Case — once you know your dispute type, this hub covers filing itself.
- Forms, Deadlines and Court Rules — the court forms, fees, and deadlines that apply no matter your dispute type.
- Insights — the full library of shorter Insights explainer articles.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is this hub different from Claim Types?
Claim Types (types-of-disputes) is this site's full directory of dispute-type guides, each covering one kind of dispute end to end. This hub is the Insights entry point to that same content, plus the deeper, story-driven Insights articles on specific dispute scenarios, grouped together in one place.
What if my dispute doesn't fit neatly into one category?
Many real disputes touch more than one category, for example a contractor dispute that also involves an unpaid invoice. Read whichever group matches the closest, and use the site search if you don't see your exact situation.
Is every dispute type suitable for Small Claims Court?
No. Some disputes, including most family law matters and certain landlord-tenant issues, are handled by other courts or tribunals. Each guide above notes where that applies.
Is this legal advice for my specific dispute?
No — these are general educational articles, not legal advice. For guidance on your specific facts, consider speaking with a lawyer or licensed paralegal. See our disclaimer for more detail.