Need to ask someone to pay you money or fix a problem in Washington? Or maybe you want someone to stop harassing you. Here’s how to send a demand letter:
- Figure out what you want (money, action, etc.)
- Write down all important facts about your problem
- Clearly ask for what you want and give a deadline
- Include your contact info
- Send the letter by certified mail or email, so you have proof
Want to skip the hassle? How about adding some professionalism and seriousness to the letter? Click below to have a Washington attorney write and send your letter for one flat fee and get professional results!
What we’ll cover:
- What to include in your letter
- Sample DIY Washington demand letter
- Sample professional Washington demand letter
- How we can help you
- Small claims court in Washington
- Regional demand letter considerations in Washington
- Frequently asked questions
What to Include in Your Letter
A demand letter is just what it sounds like — a letter where you demand something. It’s like saying, “Hey, you owe me money (or need to stop doing something), and here’s why!”
Think of it as a more serious version of asking someone to pay you back. Instead of just texting someone about the $1,000 they borrowed, you’re putting it in writing with some muscle behind it.
Keep it simple! Here’s what to put in a demand letter if you’re doing it yourself:
- The date you’re writing the letter
- Names and addresses of both you and the person you’re writing to
- What happened — Tell the story in order:
- When did it start?
- What exactly happened?
- How were you harmed?
- What you want — Be super clear:
- Exact dollar amount? ($1,247.83, not “about $1,200”)
- Specific action? (“Remove the tree,” not “fix the problem”)
- When you need it by — Give a reasonable deadline (2-3 weeks is common)
- What happens next — Let them know you’ll take further steps if they don’t respond (like going to small claims court)
- Your contact info so they can reach you
Make sure there’s still time well before the “deadline” to file a suit runs out (this is called statute of limitations — in Washington, you usually have 3 years for personal injury, 3 years for property damage, 6 years for written contracts, and 3 years for verbal contracts).
If you’re sending a demand letter for a consumer protection issue in Washington State, you might want to mention Washington’s Consumer Protection Act (RCW 19.86) and note that the law allows for triple damages in some cases. Mentioning this often gets businesses’ attention quickly, especially in major cities like Seattle, Tacoma, and Spokane, where businesses are more concerned about their reputation.
Sample DIY Washington Demand Letter
Here’s an example of what a DIY demand letter might look like:
Sample Professional Washington Demand Letter
Here’s an example of how a Washington attorney might write a more formal demand letter for the same car repair situation. Notice the more formal tone, specific legal references, and stronger language:
How We Can Help You
If you need a demand letter in Washington, we think there’s no better way to do it than using our services. Here’s why:
- It’s affordable: Pay one flat price instead of expensive hourly lawyer fees
- It’s fast: Get your letter written and sent quickly
- It works better: Letters from lawyers get better results
- It saves time: No researching what to write or how to word things
- It reduces stress: Let someone else handle the confrontation
People who receive lawyer-written demand letters can be more likely to respond and fix the problem without going to court. Stop worrying about your problem and work with a professional to solve it.
Small Claims Court in Washington
If your demand letter doesn’t work, small claims court might be an option if your matter is under certain dollar limits. Here’s what you should know:
- You can use small claims in Washington courts if you’re asking for $10,000 or less ($5,000 if you’re a business)
- You don’t need a lawyer in small claims court
- It costs $35-50 to file your case (the fee varies by county depending on whether they support a dispute resolution center)
- You’ll need to file in the district court of the county where the other person lives
- Having sent a demand letter first shows the judge you tried to fix things on your own
While the basic rules are the same across Washington, some local courts have their own forms and procedures. It’s smart to check with your local district court before filing. King County District Court and other county court websites have specific information for their jurisdictions.
Regional Demand Letter Use Cases in Washington
Different regions of Washington often face unique legal issues that might require demand letters. Here are some common use cases for demand letters:
Olympia Area
As the state capital, Olympia residents often deal with government-related issues. Demand letters here frequently involve:
- State agency disputes (licensing, permits, regulations)
- Government property damage claims
- Code enforcement violations with the city
- Public records request delays
Yakima Valley
In the agricultural heart of Washington, Yakima’s demand letters often focus on:
- Water rights disputes between farmers
- Farm labor and seasonal worker payment issues
- Agricultural contract disputes
- Crop damage from neighboring properties
- Pesticide drift problems
Bellingham and Border Areas
In Whatcom County near the Canadian border, unique issues include:
- Cross-border business disputes with Canadian companies
- Customs and import/export disagreements
- Border-crossing property access issues
- International shipping problems
Seattle Metro Area
Washington’s largest city has its own common demand letter situations:
- Tenant-landlord disputes in a competitive housing market
- Tech industry intellectual property conflicts
- Construction defect claims in rapidly developing neighborhoods
- Rideshare and gig economy payment disputes
Frequently Asked Questions
What if they ignore my demand letter completely?
If you don’t receive any response by your deadline, you can consider filing a small claims case. In Washington, you’ll need to file at the district court in the county where the defendant lives or does business. The fact that you sent a demand letter and it was ignored will demonstrate to the judge that you made a good-faith effort to resolve the issue before coming to court. If your case is too big for small claims court, you can consider filing a lawsuit instead.
How should I deliver my demand letter?
The best way to send a demand letter in Washington is by certified mail with return receipt requested. This provides proof that your letter was delivered. You should also send a copy by regular mail in case they refuse to sign for the certified letter. Keep copies of all mailing receipts and the return receipt when it comes back.
Do I need to have a lawyer write my demand letter in Washington?
No, you don’t legally need a lawyer to write a demand letter in Washington State. Many people successfully write and send their own letters. However, a letter from an attorney is often taken more seriously and may get faster results. For complex situations or when a lot of money is at stake, having a lawyer write your letter may be worth the cost.
Can a demand letter be used as evidence in court?
Yes, demand letters can and often are presented as evidence in Washington courts. This is why it’s important to be factual, specific, and professional in your letter. Avoid making threats or using inflammatory language that could reflect poorly on you if a judge reads it.
The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. This content may not reflect current legal developments and should not be relied upon without consulting a qualified attorney. Always seek professional legal counsel for your particular circumstances.