A demand letter is a formal, written request that someone pay a debt, fix a problem, or stop doing something — sent before you take the step of filing a lawsuit. Done well, it resolves a surprising number of disputes on its own, because it signals that you're serious and organized enough to escalate if the other side doesn't respond.
What a strong demand letter includes
The letters that get results share a similar structure: a clear statement of what happened, the specific harm it caused, what you're asking for, and a firm but reasonable deadline to respond.
Lead with the facts, not the anger
It's tempting to open with how frustrated you are. Skip it. Open with one or two sentences stating what happened and when — dates, amounts, and specifics. A letter that reads as factual and controlled is harder for the other side to dismiss than one that reads as an outburst.
State exactly what you want
Vague demands get vague responses. Specify the dollar amount owed, the action you want taken, or the behavior you want stopped — and by what date. If you're open to a phone call to resolve it, say so; it gives the other party an easy way to respond without lawyers.
Set a deadline and say what happens next
Give a reasonable deadline — often 10 to 14 days — and state plainly what you'll do if it passes without a response (small claims court, filing a complaint, involving your attorney). You don't need to threaten; stating your next step factually is enough.
When to have it professionally drafted
A demand letter carries more weight when it's clear you know what you're doing — proper formatting, precise language, and no room for the other side to nitpick technicalities instead of addressing the substance.