2006 New York Code - Small Claims Defined

 
    § 1801. Small claims defined. The term "small claim" or "small claims"
  as used in this act shall mean and include any cause of action for money
  only  not  in  excess of five thousand dollars exclusive of interest and
  costs, provided that the defendant either resides, or has an office  for
  the  transaction of business or a regular employment, within the city of
  New York.