The small claims limit in Nashville is $25,000. Filing fees are $150 to $220. Enter your claim amount below to check eligibility and see how to file.
Last updated: May 2026 · Data: MIT Living Wage Calculator, C2ER, U.S. Census, BLS, IRS, state and city sources
Enter your claim amount to see if it qualifies for small claims court in Nashville.
Small claims court in Nashville handles disputes up to $25,000. Attorneys ARE permitted in Tennessee General Sessions Court (small claims), and many parties hire one for larger claims. The same $25,000 limit applies to individuals and businesses, and there is no dollar limit on suits to recover personal property. Cases are filed at the Davidson County General Sessions Court (Small Claims).
| Detail | Nashville Small Claims |
|---|---|
| Maximum Claim | $25,000 |
| Filing Fee Range | $150 to $220 |
| Attorneys Allowed? | Yes - permitted but optional |
| Where to File | Davidson County General Sessions Court (Small Claims) |
| Typical Hearing Time | 30 to 90 days after filing |
| Business Claim Limit | $25,000 |
Nashville is the capital of Tennessee and a fast-growing Sun Belt metro known as Music City, with an economy anchored by healthcare management (including HCA Healthcare), music and entertainment, tourism, higher education at Vanderbilt, and a booming corporate-relocation and technology sector.
| Local Metric | Nashville (2026 estimate) |
|---|---|
| Metro population | 690,000 |
| County / jurisdiction | Davidson County |
| Cost of living index (US avg = 100) | 101 |
| MIT living wage, single adult | $21.00/hour |
| MIT living wage, one earner supporting a family of four | $42.50/hour |
| Applicable minimum wage | $7.25/hour |
| Average rent, 1-bedroom | $1,650/month |
| Average rent, 2-bedroom | $2,000/month |
| Median home price | $450,000 |
| Median household income | $72,000/year |
| Combined sales tax rate | 9.25% |
| Effective property tax rate | 0.65% of value/year |
Local figures are 2026 estimates compiled from the MIT Living Wage Calculator, the C2ER Cost of Living Index, U.S. Census and Zillow housing data, and city and county sources. Verify current figures before relying on them.
The maximum claim in Nashville is $25,000, set by Tennessee law. The same $25,000 limit applies to individuals and businesses, and there is no dollar limit on suits to recover personal property. Larger disputes must be filed in a higher court.
Attorneys ARE permitted in Tennessee General Sessions Court (small claims), and many parties hire one for larger claims.
File at the Davidson County General Sessions Court (Small Claims), generally in the county where the defendant lives or does business or where the dispute happened. Filing fees are typically $150 to $220 depending on the claim amount.
Filing fees in Nashville run about $150 to $220, and fee waivers are available for low-income filers. You may also have small costs to serve the defendant by certified mail or through the constable or sheriff.
Most small claims hearings in Nashville are scheduled within roughly 30 to 90 days of filing. Bring all contracts, receipts, photos, and any witnesses to the hearing.