The small claims procedure of the District Court is an alternative method of dealing with a civil proceeding in respect of a small claim. The majority of claims are dealt with by administrative staff in the local District Court offices. Typical claims are:
a claim in respect of goods or services purchased from somebody selling them in the course of a business
minor damage to property (excluding personal injuries) and
the non-return of a rent deposit for certain types of dwellings.
Since 5 January 2010 the procedure has been expanded to allow for business to business claims of the same nature. The procedure does not cover claims in respect of debts, personal injuries or breaches of leases or higher purchase agreements. Generally such cases may be more effectively and speedily dealt with by way of civil bill. However I have requested my officials to review the matter.