Demand Letter Examples

Real examples showing exactly what an effective demand letter looks like — for security deposits, unpaid wages, contractor disputes, insurance claims, and more.

Learn From Real Examples Before You Write

Each example below is a complete, ready-to-reference demand letter with legal citations, proper formatting, and proven language. Study what works, then generate your own for free.

Tenant demands return of $2,400 security deposit after moving out of a New York apartment. Includes state-specific deadlines, statutory penalty citations, and proper escalation language.

📍 New York 💰 $2,400 ⏱️ 14-day deadline
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Employee demands $4,850 in unpaid overtime and withheld final paycheck from a California employer. References FLSA violations, state labor code, and waiting time penalties.

📍 California 💰 $4,850 ⏱️ 10-day deadline
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Homeowner demands $8,500 refund from a contractor who abandoned a kitchen renovation in Texas. Covers breach of contract, incomplete work documentation, and contractor licensing violations.

📍 Texas 💰 $8,500 ⏱️ 15-day deadline
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Policyholder demands $12,300 for an improperly denied homeowner's insurance claim in Florida after hurricane damage. Addresses bad faith insurance practices and statutory remedies.

📍 Florida 💰 $12,300 ⏱️ 30-day deadline
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Property owner demands $6,200 from a neighbor whose tree fell and damaged a fence and vehicle in Illinois. Covers negligence, duty of care, and documentation of damages.

📍 Illinois 💰 $6,200 ⏱️ 21-day deadline
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Consumer demands $1,899 refund for a defective appliance from a major retailer in Pennsylvania. Covers warranty violations, the Magnuson-Moss Act, and state consumer protection statutes.

📍 Pennsylvania 💰 $1,899 ⏱️ 14-day deadline
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Consumer disputes $2,847 in unfair damage charges from a rental car company in Texas. Includes return receipt evidence, photo documentation strategy, and credit card chargeback approach.

📍 Texas 💰 $2,847 ⏱️ 14-day deadline
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Frequently Asked Questions About Demand Letters

Are these real demand letters?

These examples are realistic, professionally written demand letters based on common legal scenarios. Names, addresses, and identifying details are fictional, but the legal citations, formatting, and language reflect what attorneys actually use. Each example includes real state-specific statutes and deadlines.

Can I copy and use these examples directly?

These examples are for reference — they'll show you what an effective demand letter looks like. For a letter tailored to your specific situation with the correct state laws, amounts, and deadlines, use our free demand letter generator. It creates a customized letter in under 3 minutes.

What makes a demand letter effective?

Effective demand letters share five traits: (1) clear statement of facts, (2) specific legal basis citing relevant statutes, (3) exact dollar amount demanded, (4) firm but reasonable deadline, and (5) explicit consequences for non-compliance. Our examples demonstrate all five.

Do I need a lawyer to send a demand letter?

No. Anyone can write and send their own demand letter. In fact, many small claims courts prefer or require that you attempt to resolve the dispute through a demand letter before filing suit. A well-written demand letter often resolves disputes without court involvement.

How should I send my demand letter?

Always send via certified mail with return receipt requested (USPS Form 3811). This creates a legal record that the recipient received your letter. Keep copies of everything — the letter, the certified mail receipt, and the return receipt card.

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