Small Claims in Massachusetts is a court system designed to handle civil disputes between individuals or businesses, typically involving monetary damages under $7,000. The process is designed to be simpler and less expensive than a typical lawsuit, allowing individuals to resolve their legal disputes without hiring an attorney. There are two types of Small Claims in Massachusetts: District Court Small Claims and Housing Court Small Claims. In District Court Small Claims, individuals can file a claim for up to $7,000 in damages and receive a hearing on the matter in a local court. Housing Court Small Claims are similar to District Court Small Claims, but are limited to disputes between landlords and tenants. In Housing Court Small Claims, individuals can file for up to $7,000 in damages and receive a hearing on the matter in a local court. Both types of Small Claims require individuals to serve notice to the other party before filing a claim, pay a filing fee, and present evidence in support of their claim.