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Letter Before Action for Money Claim

Before you issue a court claim, you need to set out the debt clearly and give the tenant a proper chance to respond. This guide explains what the letter should include and how landlords usually handle the pre-action stage.

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Start here if you need the main guide on this issue. If your situation is narrower or you want the next practical step, go to schedule of debt for rent arrears.

If you want the wider background first, read landlord money claim guide.

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Required before court action

Letter Before Action Guide

The Pre-Action Protocol requires a formal demand letter before issuing a court claim. Here's what to include and how to do it right.

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Why the Letter Before Action Matters

Court requirement: If you issue a court claim without sending a proper Letter Before Action, the judge may penalise you in costs, even if you win. Always send the LBA and keep proof.

Legal Requirement

Pre-Action Protocol for Debt Claims mandates a formal letter first

Gives Chance to Pay

Many debtors pay when they receive a formal letter warning of court

Strengthens Your Claim

Shows court you followed proper procedure and tried to resolve

What Your Letter Must Include

1

Your Details

Full name, address, and contact details. If acting through an agent, include their details too.

2

The Debtor's Details

Full name and address of the tenant you're claiming against.

3

Amount Owed (With Breakdown)

The total claimed with itemised breakdown: rent arrears, damage costs, other debts, interest. Be specific with dates and amounts.

4

Why They Owe the Money

Brief explanation: "Under your tenancy agreement dated [date] for [property], you were required to pay [what]. You failed to pay..."

5

Deadline to Pay

Minimum 14 days from receipt. State the specific date by which they must pay to avoid court action.

6

Consequences of Non-Payment

State you will issue court proceedings if they don't pay. Mention CCJs affect credit ratings for 6 years.

7

Debt Advice Information

Required: mention free debt advice is available from Citizens Advice (0800 144 8848), StepChange (0800 138 1111), or similar.

Sending the Letter

Best Practice: Recorded Delivery

  • • Provides proof of delivery
  • • Shows date received
  • • Keep the certificate of posting
  • • Allow 2 working days for delivery

Timeline After Sending

  • • Day 0: Post the letter
  • • Day 2: Deemed received (first class)
  • • Day 2-16: Their 14-day response period
  • • Day 17+: Can issue court claim

Keep copies: Save a copy of the letter you sent, proof of posting, and any responses received. You'll need these if the case goes to court.

Get your Letter Before Action

Our Money Claim Pack includes a professionally drafted Letter Before Action tailored to your specific claim, plus all the court documents you'll need.

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Includes LBA, Particulars of Claim, interest calculation, and guide

Letter Before Action FAQs for landlords

Frequently Asked Questions

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A Letter Before Action is a formal demand for payment sent before starting court proceedings. It's required under the Pre-Action Protocol for Debt Claims. It gives the debtor a final chance to pay before you issue a court claim.
Yes, under the Pre-Action Protocol for Debt Claims. If you don't send one (or don't send a compliant one), the court may penalise you in costs or delay your claim. It's also good practice as many debtors pay when they see a formal letter.
You must give the debtor at least 14 days to respond from the date they receive the letter. If you send by first class post, add 2 working days for delivery. So typically wait 16-17 days from posting before issuing your claim.
It must include: your full name and address, the debtor's name and address, the amount claimed (with breakdown), why they owe the money, a deadline to pay (at least 14 days), what happens if they don't pay (court action), and information about debt advice.
Yes. The Pre-Action Protocol requires you to include information about free debt advice services, such as Citizens Advice, StepChange, or National Debtline. Include at least one contact option.
If they respond disputing the debt, you should consider their response before proceeding. You don't have to agree, but you should address their points. Courts expect parties to try to resolve disputes before litigation.
You can send by email if you have previously communicated by email with the debtor. However, post is safer as proof of delivery. Consider sending by both email and recorded delivery post.
If they don't respond within 14 days, you can proceed to issue your court claim. Keep proof you sent the letter (certificate of posting, recorded delivery receipt, or email send receipt) as evidence.
Yes. Include the principal debt plus any interest accrued to date. State you reserve the right to claim further interest until payment. This puts the debtor on notice of the full amount they'll face in court.
You only need to send one compliant LBA. However, if circumstances change (e.g., more rent becomes due), you can send an updated letter. Some landlords send informal chasers first, then a formal LBA.
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N1 Claim Form Template

Blank court claim form (England)

MCOL Step-by-Step Guide

Money Claim Online walkthrough

Schedule of Debt Template

Itemised rent arrears schedule

Money Claim Pack

Start a landlord money claim pack for rent, damage, and tenant debts.