Small Claims Courts are informal courts where people can sue for a small amount of money (up to $2,000) without a lawyer. You may find yourself going to court as a "plaintiff" when suing the landlord, or as a "defendant" when being sued by the landlord. A judge or referee presides over the court. Both parties are given an opportunity to present their case. The hearings are designed to be quick and relaxed to give people an inexpensive method (small filing fee) of settling claims. Since attorneys are not allowed to represent clients in Small Claims Court, both you and your landlord must represent yourselves. If you are considering going to Small Claims Court, the CoPIRG Office would be glad to send you a copy of a comprehensive guide to using the Small Claims Court, "On Your Own in Small Claims Court." Send $2.00 with your request to: CoPIRG, 1520 York St., Denver, Colorado 80206.