Letter Before Action generator and guide

Get any of these wrong and the recipient will dismiss you as not serious. Get them all right and you signal that you know the rules — they will think harder before ignoring you.

Letter Before Action — [type of claim]. Your full name and address top right. Today's date below.

Their full name and address. For a company, address it to "The Company Secretary" at the registered office (find on Companies House).

"Letter Before Action — [briefly describe matter]". Keep it factual.

Numbered paragraphs. Who you are, what was agreed, when, what they did or failed to do, what you have already tried.

Plainly state what they did wrong. Cite the legal basis if you know it (Consumer Rights Act 2015 s.49, breach of contract, etc.).

Specific. £X paid by [date], or goods returned by [date], or work completed to [standard]. Vague demands get vague responses.

14 days for individuals, 30 days for businesses. State the exact date.

What happens if they ignore you

"If you do not respond by [date] I will issue a claim through Money Claim Online without further notice." Legally precise — they have been warned.

Reference to the protocol

"This letter is sent in accordance with the Pre-Action Protocol for Debt Claims / general pre-action conduct." Shows you know the rules.

Print your name. Sign in pen if posting. State the method of delivery (recorded delivery / email).

Letter Before Action generator and guide

The 10 sections of a strong LBA

Skip the template wrangling. Answer 6-8 structured questions, get a Pre-Action Protocol-compliant LBA ready to send. Free.