Demand Letter Templates and Examples

How to Use These Templates

These templates provide a starting point for your demand letter. To use them effectively:

1. Choose the Right Template
Select the template that best matches your situation.

2. Customize All Bracketed Fields
Replace [YOUR NAME], [DATE], and similar placeholders with your actual information.

3. Add Your Specific Facts
Modify the body to accurately describe what happened in your case.

4. Adjust the Amount
Calculate your actual damages and replace the sample amounts.

5. Keep the Professional Tone
Maintain the formal, businesslike language even as you customize.

6. Review Before Sending
Read your final letter carefully. Have someone else review it if possible.

Security Deposit Demand Letter

Use For: Landlord hasn't returned your security deposit

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[YOUR NAME]
[YOUR ADDRESS]
[CITY, STATE ZIP]
[YOUR PHONE]
[YOUR EMAIL]

[DATE]

[LANDLORD NAME]
[LANDLORD ADDRESS]
[CITY, STATE ZIP]

RE: Demand for Return of Security Deposit - [PROPERTY ADDRESS]

Dear [LANDLORD NAME]:

I am writing to demand the return of my security deposit of $[AMOUNT] that I paid when I began my tenancy at [PROPERTY ADDRESS] on [MOVE-IN DATE].

I vacated the premises on [MOVE-OUT DATE] and returned the keys to you on that date. The apartment was left in clean condition, with only normal wear and tear.

Under [STATE] law, you were required to return my security deposit, or provide an itemized statement of deductions, within [NUMBER] days of my move-out date. That deadline has passed, and I have received neither my deposit nor any itemization of claimed damages.

I hereby demand that you return my full security deposit of $[AMOUNT] within fourteen (14) days of the date of this letter.

If I do not receive my deposit within this timeframe, I will file a claim in small claims court, where I may be entitled to recover not only the deposit but also [STATUTORY DAMAGES IF APPLICABLE - e.g., "up to three times the deposit amount plus attorney's fees"] as permitted by [STATE] law.

Please send payment to the address listed above.

Sincerely,

[YOUR SIGNATURE]
[YOUR TYPED NAME]

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Enclose: Photos of apartment at move-out, copy of lease, move-in inspection form

Money Owed / Debt Collection Letter

Use For: Someone owes you money and hasn't paid

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[YOUR NAME]
[YOUR ADDRESS]
[CITY, STATE ZIP]
[YOUR PHONE]
[YOUR EMAIL]

[DATE]

[DEBTOR NAME]
[DEBTOR ADDRESS]
[CITY, STATE ZIP]

RE: Demand for Payment of Outstanding Debt

Dear [DEBTOR NAME]:

This letter serves as a formal demand for payment of $[AMOUNT] that you owe me.

On [DATE], I [DESCRIBE THE TRANSACTION: lent you money / provided services / sold you goods] with the understanding that you would pay me $[AMOUNT] by [ORIGINAL DUE DATE]. Despite the passage of [TIME PERIOD], I have not received this payment.

To date, I have attempted to collect this debt by [DESCRIBE PREVIOUS ATTEMPTS: sending invoices, calling, texting, etc.] without success.

I hereby demand payment of the full amount of $[AMOUNT] within [14/30] days of the date of this letter.

If I do not receive payment by [DEADLINE DATE], I will pursue all available legal remedies, including filing a claim in small claims court to recover the amount owed plus court costs and any interest permitted by law.

Please send payment to the address above. I accept payment by [LIST ACCEPTABLE METHODS: check, money order, etc.].

Sincerely,

[YOUR SIGNATURE]
[YOUR TYPED NAME]

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Enclose: Copy of contract, invoices, or other evidence of the debt

Consumer Refund Demand Letter

Use For: Business won't refund your money for defective product/service

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[YOUR NAME]
[YOUR ADDRESS]
[CITY, STATE ZIP]
[YOUR PHONE]
[YOUR EMAIL]

[DATE]

[COMPANY NAME]
[COMPANY ADDRESS]
[CITY, STATE ZIP]

RE: Demand for Refund - Order/Receipt #[NUMBER]

Dear [CUSTOMER SERVICE MANAGER/OWNER NAME]:

I am writing to demand a refund of $[AMOUNT] for [PRODUCT/SERVICE] that I purchased from your company on [DATE].

[DESCRIBE THE PROBLEM: The product was defective / The service was not as advertised / The item never arrived / etc.]

I have already attempted to resolve this matter by [DESCRIBE PREVIOUS ATTEMPTS: contacting customer service, returning the item, etc.] on [DATE(S)]. Despite these efforts, I have not received a satisfactory resolution.

Under [STATE] consumer protection laws, I am entitled to a refund for [DEFECTIVE MERCHANDISE/SERVICES NOT RENDERED/etc.].

I demand a full refund of $[AMOUNT] within fourteen (14) days of the date of this letter.

If I do not receive my refund within this timeframe, I will:

• File a complaint with the [STATE] Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division


• Report this matter to the Better Business Bureau


• File a claim in small claims court


• [Other appropriate actions]

Sincerely,

[YOUR SIGNATURE]
[YOUR TYPED NAME]

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Enclose: Copy of receipt, photos of defective product, correspondence with company

Contractor/Home Improvement Letter

Use For: Contractor did poor work, didn't finish, or overcharged

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[YOUR NAME]
[YOUR ADDRESS]
[CITY, STATE ZIP]
[YOUR PHONE]
[YOUR EMAIL]

[DATE]

[CONTRACTOR NAME]
[CONTRACTOR COMPANY]
[CONTRACTOR ADDRESS]
[CITY, STATE ZIP]

RE: Demand for Resolution - Contract for [PROJECT] at [YOUR ADDRESS]

Dear [CONTRACTOR NAME]:

I am writing regarding the [DESCRIPTION OF WORK] you were hired to perform at my property located at [YOUR ADDRESS].

On [DATE], we entered into a contract for you to [DESCRIBE AGREED WORK] for the price of $[AMOUNT]. I paid you $[AMOUNT PAID] as follows: [LIST PAYMENTS AND DATES].

[DESCRIBE THE PROBLEM:]
[Examples:]

• The work remains incomplete as of [DATE]


• The work performed does not meet the standards specified in our contract


• The materials used were inferior to what was agreed upon


• You have failed to return to complete punch list items despite multiple requests

I hereby demand that you [CHOOSE ONE OR MORE]:

• Complete the remaining work by [DATE]


• Refund $[AMOUNT] representing [payment for incomplete work / cost to repair defective work]


• [Other specific remedy]

• File a complaint with the [STATE] Contractor Licensing Board


• Report you to the Better Business Bureau


• File a claim against your contractor's bond (License #[NUMBER])


• Pursue legal action in [small claims / civil] court

Sincerely,

[YOUR SIGNATURE]
[YOUR TYPED NAME]

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Enclose: Copy of contract, photos of defective work, receipts for payments made