Demand Letter Template: Free & Ready to Use

Demand Letter Template: Free & Ready to Use

You got screwed. Someone owes you money. A demand letter is your first step before court.

Here's the thing: 70% of cases settle just from a formal demand letter. People pay because they see you're serious. You don't need a lawyer. You don't need fancy language. You just need to follow the format.

What Is a Demand Letter?

A demand letter is a formal request for payment before you file in small claims court. It proves you tried to resolve this civilly. Courts expect it. Defendants hate receiving them because it means you're serious.

Key facts:

  • Cost: ~$50 if you do it yourself (stamp + certified mail)
  • Effectiveness: 70% of cases settle without court
  • Timeline: Defendant usually has 30 days to respond
  • Legal weight: Counts as evidence in court if you proceed

Free Demand Letter Template

[Your Name]br/>[Your Address]br/>[City, State ZIP]br/>[Your Email]br/>[Your Phone]

[Date]

[Defendant's Name]br/>[Defendant's Address]br/>[City, State ZIP]

DEMAND FOR PAYMENT

Dear [Defendant's Name]:

I am writing to formally demand payment in the amount of $[amount] for the following reason:

[Describe what happened. Be specific with dates, what was promised vs. what happened.]

Example: "On January 15, 2026, I hired you to repair my kitchen sink for $500. You completed the work on January 16, but the sink leaks whenever hot water runs. I requested a refund on January 20. You have not responded or fixed the problem."

I have made reasonable attempts to resolve this matter with you (include dates of calls, texts, emails if applicable). You have failed to respond or make this right.

I am entitled to $[amount] because [your reason: breach of contract, failure to deliver service, property damage, unpaid wages, etc.].

I demand payment in full by [date 30 days from today].

If I do not receive payment by this date, I will file a claim against you in [County Name] Small Claims Court without further notice. This will result in:

  • Court filing fees ($30-75, which I will seek from you)
  • A judgment against you
  • Potential wage garnishment or asset seizure
  • A negative mark on your credit/business record

Please send payment to the address above via certified mail or electronic transfer to [your preferred method].

Sincerely,

[Your Signature]br/>[Your Printed Name]

How to Send Your Demand Letter

Step 1: Make copiesbr/>Print or write 3 copies (one for them, one for your records, one for court).

Step 2: Send via certified mailbr/>Go to the post office and mail it "Certified Mail with Return Receipt Requested." This proves they received it.

Cost: ~$8-10. Worth every penny.

Step 3: Keep your receiptbr/>The postal receipt is evidence. You'll need it if you go to court.

Step 4: Wait 30 daysbr/>Track if they respond. If they don't pay, you file in small claims court.

What NOT to Do

  • Don't threaten. Never say "I'll sue you" or make threats. Stick to facts.
  • Don't be vague. "You owe me money" won't work. Explain exactly why.
  • Don't skip certified mail. Email or text won't count in court. Use certified mail.
  • Don't email it. They can claim they didn't receive it. Certified mail with receipt is proof.
  • Don't get emotional. Keep it professional. Courts take professional communication seriously.

Real-World Examples

Example 1: Security Deposit Dispute

"I moved out of [address] on [date]. You withheld $[amount] of my $[total amount] security deposit, claiming damage for [reason]. I have move-in photos dated [date] showing no prior damage. This withholding violates [state] security deposit law. I demand refund of $[amount] by [date]."

Example 2: Unpaid Invoice

"I provided [service/product] on [date] per our agreement dated [date]. Total owed: $[amount]. You have not paid. I demand payment by [date]."

Example 3: Contractor's Defective Work

"You completed [project] on [date] for $[amount]. The work does not meet the standards of our agreement: [describe issues]. I demand either (a) full refund of $[amount] or (b) completion of repairs by [date]."

Next Steps: If They Don't Pay

If the 30-day window passes with no payment:

  1. File in small claims court. Your local courthouse has forms. Filing fee is typically $30-75.
  2. Bring your certified mail receipt and demand letter. These are your proof.
  3. Show up on your court date. Most cases settle before trial.
  4. If you win: The court issues a judgment. You can then pursue collection (wage garnishment, bank seizure, etc.).

The Secret Weapon: PettyLawsuit

Here's the reality: writing and sending a demand letter yourself works. But it takes time, research, and nerve.

If you want the professional version — a demand letter written by someone who knows small claims law, sent via certified mail with tracking — that's what PettyLawsuit does for $29.

We've helped 2,500+ people collect what they're owed. 70% settle without court.

You don't need a lawyer. You don't need court. You just need to not let it slide.