Laws are going to vary by location, but odds are good that itu2019s at least 1 year for simple property damage, but it could be more for a breach of contract. However, odds are good that if thereu2019s a real issue it will not take that long as the landlord will take action after some period of notice has been exceeded. This period would be spelled out in a demand letter giving you X number of days to make restitution or face a civil suite. Now, they may not have to send you such a letter, the process may have been spelled out in your lease.Also, keep in mind, most land lords are not going to wait 4,6, or more months to come after you - theyu2019ll act quick as their likelihood that they will recover money from you will decrease with time - however if they simply want to come after you in small claims to get a judgment and punish you by getting an entry in your credit report they may do that purely in an effort to make it harder for you to rent from others and repeat the processu2022 this assumes that something actually happened BTWu2026If youu2019re innocent, you need to show up and not loose by default. Bring any credible evidence you have, photos are great, emails toou2022 Texts are likely not so great, and texting should never be used for business transactions as they are harder to prove up. If you have them, use them, but an old email gives a better u201cpaperu201d trail.