Demand Letter Template
All states | 3 types
A legal demand letter is a document asking someone to pay the money they owe. It is often used as the last measure to resolve the issue peacefully before the parties go to court.
When To Use a Demand Letter
Common situations:
- To ask for money someone owes you (debt collection);
- When a business fails to perform services as promised and you want your money back;
- If you want your landlord to return a security deposit;
- When someone damages your personal property;
- If someone breaches a contract you both agreed to;
- To request the return of borrowed or lost property.
When not to use a demand letter:
The use of a demand letter template may not be appropriate in these situations:
- When legal deadlines (statutes of limitations) have already passed;
- If you are trying to settle a matter that the law does not allow by private agreement;
- If the issue is clearly a criminal matter (in this case, report to the police instead).
Types of Demand Letters
Different types of the letter of demand template solve different problems. Each one is used for a specific situation and includes details that match the issue.
1. General demand letter
A general demand letter is used for a wide range of situations where you want to request payment, property return, or action. It works when no specific law or contract applies, but the party wants the issue resolved peacefully.
2. Breach of contract demand letter
A breach of contract demand letter is applied when someone breaks the terms of an agreement you both signed. This document asks the other party to fix the issue, perform their duty, or pay damages for not keeping their promise.
3. Personal property demand letter
A personal property demand letter form is used when someone has your property and you want it back. It's helpful if someone refuses to return borrowed things or has taken something without permission.
How To Fill in a Demand Letter Template: Step-by-Step
Step 1: Identify the sender and the recipient
- Write your full name, address, phone number, and email in the "Sender" section;
- Write the full name and the address of the party that is respected to respond in the "Recipient" section.
Sender's Name: Emma Johnson
Sender's Address: 145 Oak Street, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, 52404
Sender's Phone Number: (319) 555-7890
Sender's Email Address: emma.johnson@email.com
Step 2: Explain the reason for your demand
- Mention the person on whose behalf you're writing;
- Describe the issue in simple words;
- Include dates, places, and what the other person did or failed to do in the "Context of Dispute" section.
I am writing to you on my own behalf to formally contact you and inform you of the following matter: I expect you to return the lawnmower you borrowed from me on May 15, 2024 for a weekend and have not returned.
I hope that we can resolve this matter peacefully and avoid the necessity of further legal action.
Step 3: Say what you want to happen
- Mention the attempts you have already made to settle everything down in the "Resolve Attempts" section;
- State exactly what you are asking for: payment, return of property, or something else;
- Name the sum you expect to get;
- Set a deadline (e.g., within 10 business days).
I called you six times within the last month and sent you four messages, but you responded to none of them.
To remedy the situation, I am demanding that you take the following steps:
Return the lawnmower or pay me $450 (its replacement value) within 10 days of receiving it.
Step 4: Mention what will happen if they don't solve the problem
- Clearly state that you may take legal action if they don't resolve the issue by your deadline.
If I do not receive the lawnmower or the payment within 10 days, I will take legal action to recover the lost value.
Step 5: Add any proof or attachments (optional)
- The demand letter format allows you to attach receipts, photos, rental agreements, or text messages, mention them in the document, and include copies.
Attached: A photo of the lawnmower loaned on May 15, 2024, and text message conversation dated May 16, 2024.
Step 6: Sign and date the letter
- Add your full name, and the date when you fill out the template for demand letter.
- Use Lawrina Sign to add your signature.
Sincerely,
Emma Johnson
(Signature)
Date: June 10, 2024
- Always keep a copy of the demand letter for yourself;
- It's best to send the filled out template letter of demand by certified mail or email with a read receipt so you can prove it was received;
- If unsure about legal terms, use an example of demand letter and consult a lawyer to review your document before sending it.
