Letter Before Action
Formal, compliant demand letters that set out the debt and next steps. Often enough to secure payment without going to court.
A letter before action is the formal final demand that must be sent before a county court claim. It tells the debtor exactly what is owed, why, by when it must be paid, and what will happen if it is not. Done properly it is often the step that produces payment, because it shows the claim is ready to be issued.
We draft and send letters before action on your behalf, in the correct form for the type of debtor, and track the response so you know when the deadline has passed and what your options are.
How it works
- 1
Check the debt
We confirm the amount, the invoices or agreement it rests on, and any interest and compensation you are entitled to add.
- 2
Draft the letter
The letter sets out the parties, the debt, the basis of the claim, the deadline, and the consequences of non-payment. Where the debtor is an individual or sole trader it follows the Pre-Action Protocol for Debt Claims, including the information sheet and reply form the protocol requires.
- 3
Send and record
The letter goes by post and, where we have an address, by email. We keep proof of sending, which matters if the matter reaches court.
- 4
Track the deadline
Business debtors are typically given 14 days; individuals must be given 30 days under the protocol. We log any response and tell you the moment the deadline passes.
Who this is for
- Businesses that want a court-ready demand without instructing solicitors at this stage
- Anyone who has been told by a debtor that they will pay and is still waiting
- Landlords and letting agents chasing commercial rent or dilapidations from a company tenant
What we need from you
- The invoices, contract or tenancy agreement
- The debtor’s full legal name and address (we can trace these if you are unsure)
- A note of any payments received and the balance outstanding
Common questions
Is a letter before action legally required?
The courts expect one. The Civil Procedure Rules require parties to try to resolve a dispute before issuing a claim, and a claimant who skips this step risks costs penalties even if they win. For debts owed by individuals the Pre-Action Protocol for Debt Claims sets out exactly what the letter must contain.
How long does the debtor have to respond?
Under the protocol an individual debtor has 30 days from the date of the letter. For business-to-business debts there is no fixed period, and 14 days is common practice.
What if they ignore it?
You can issue a court claim. We can prepare the claim pack and evidence bundle through our litigation support service, or hand the file to your solicitor. We are not a law firm and do not give legal advice.
Can I send one myself?
Yes. Our article on letters before action explains what to include. Many clients prefer us to send it so the demand arrives from a third party and the deadline is tracked for them.
Steadfast Collections is a debt recovery agency, not a law firm. The information on this page is general and is not legal advice. We do not collect consumer credit debts.
Related
Tell us what you're owed
A case handler reviews every enquiry and replies within one working day.