Demand Letter for Payment
A firm, polite letter asking someone to pay what they owe by a set date.
Good for: Anyone owed money by a customer, client, borrower, or former tenant who wants to ask in writing before taking other steps.
Before you sign
- Be calm and stick to the facts. A clear, polite letter is more likely to get paid than an angry one.
- Send it in a way you can prove, such as certified mail with a return receipt, and keep a copy.
- If the amount is small, the next step is often small claims court. A demand letter shows you tried to settle it first.
- Do not threaten anything you do not plan to do. This letter does not threaten.
What this is not
These are standard forms for you to fill in, plus plain-language information. This is not legal advice and this site is not a law firm. We do not file anything for you or check your answers. Rules differ from state to state, so read the finished form before you sign it.