Understand the outcomes of a small claim

A money order means one party must pay the other party a stated sum of money by a due date.

If this order is not complied with, the party entitled to payment may start execution or enforcement proceedings. Read more about executing or enforcing an order by the SCT.

A work order means one party must rectify a defect in goods or damage to property, or make good any deficiency (lack or shortage) in the performance of services. The order may specify the manner in which this should be done, for example by replacing the goods.

If this order is not complied with, the party entitled to the benefit may start execution or enforcement proceedings. Read more about executing or enforcing an order by the SCT.

The SCT can also vary a work order, or make an order for the party who has failed to comply with the work order to pay money to the other party.

Where a landlord makes a claim against a tenant for unpaid rent, the SCT can order the tenant to vacate the property. This is known as "delivery of vacant possession".

If this order is not complied with, the landlord may start execution or enforcement proceedings. Read more about executing or enforcing an order by the SCT.

A consent order records the terms of agreement between the parties. It can be issued after parties agree to settle some or all of the matters in dispute at the eNegotiation, eMediation, consultation or hearing.

Parties will receive a copy of the consent order in court or online through the Community Justice and Tribunals System (CJTS), or both.

If one party does not comply with the order, the other party may start execution or enforcement proceedings. Read more about executing or enforcing an order by the SCT.

A default order is made when one party fails to attend a scheduled consultation or hearing at the SCT.

If the claimant is absent, their claim may be dismissed. If the respondent is absent, an order may be made in the claimant's favour.

The party may apply to set aside the default order within 1 month of the date of the order. Find out more about setting aside a default order.

A discontinuance order is made when the SCT finds that a claim is not within its jurisdiction. This means the claim cannot be heard by the SCT.

All SCT proceedings will stop. The filing fees are not refundable.

If your claim is discontinued, you may still pursue the matter in other courts.

A transfer order is made when the SCT is of the opinion that a claim should be heard by another court. The order calls for the claim to be transferred to the other court.

All SCT proceedings will stop. The filing fees are not refundable.

If the SCT is of the opinion that a claim or part of it has no merit, it can dismiss the entire claim or part of it.

All SCT proceedings will stop. The filing fees are not refundable.

If a claimant fails to appear for a scheduled consultation or hearing, the claim may also be dismissed.

Orders of the Small Claims Tribunal (English) (PDF, 122 KB)

Orders of the Small Claims Tribunal (Chinese) (PDF, 296 KB)

Orders of the Small Claims Tribunal (Malay) (PDF, 113 KB)

Orders of the Small Claims Tribunal (Tamil) (PDF, 141 KB)

Legislation associated with this topic includes:

• The Small Claims Tribunals Act.
• The Small Claims Tribunals Rules.

You must still comply with an order after you file an appeal against it. The other party can execute or enforce the order if you do not comply.

If you wish to wait for the outcome of your appeal before complying with the order, you have to apply for a stay of execution.