A letter before action (LBA) is a formal demand that puts the other party on notice before legal proceedings. This guide explains when to use one, what it must contain, and how to write an effective letter before claim.
Before you take someone to court in the UK, you are generally expected to warn them first. A letter before action (also called a letter before claim or LBA) is that warning — a formal written demand that sets out your claim and gives the other side a chance to respond before litigation begins.
Courts expect both parties to follow pre-action protocols, and failing to send a letter before action can result in cost penalties even if you win.
A letter before action is a formal written communication from one party to another that:
It is not a court document — it is a final attempt to resolve the dispute without litigation. But it signals that you are serious and ready to proceed.
The Practice Direction on Pre-Action Conduct (PAC) and various Pre-Action Protocols (for debt, housing disrepair, personal injury, etc.) require parties to attempt to resolve disputes before issuing proceedings.
If you issue a claim without following pre-action requirements, the court may:
A significant proportion of disputes settle at the letter before action stage. Many debtors, landlords, and businesses pay up or enter into negotiation when they receive a formal letter — because it signals that you know your rights and are prepared to act.
A well-drafted letter before action is evidence that you acted reasonably. If the matter does go to court, the judge will see that you gave the other party a fair chance to resolve things.
A letter before action is appropriate in many common situations:
A letter before action does not need to follow a rigid format, but it should clearly contain:
Your full name and address (or that of your solicitor, if you have one).
Full name and address of the person or organisation you are writing to.
Briefly explain what has happened, why you believe the other party owes you money or owes you something else, and the legal or contractual basis for the claim. Be specific — include relevant dates, reference numbers, and amounts.
If you are claiming money, state the exact amount (or a clear calculation of it). You can also include statutory interest (under the Late Payment of Commercial Debts (Interest) Act 1998 for business debts, or at 8% per annum for county court judgments).
Give a reasonable deadline — typically 14 days for most consumer and business debts, though some Pre-Action Protocols require longer (28 days for housing disrepair, for example).
State clearly that if you do not receive a satisfactory response by the deadline, you will issue proceedings in the county court or employment tribunal (whichever is appropriate) without further notice.
Enclose copies of any relevant documents — invoices, contracts, photographs, correspondence — referenced in the letter. Do not send originals.
[Your name and address]
[Date]
[Recipient's name and address]
**Letter Before Action — [Brief description of claim]**
Dear [Name or "Sir or Madam"],
I am writing to formally notify you of my intention to commence legal proceedings against you unless this matter is resolved by [date].
**Background**
[Explain what happened clearly and factually: the contract, the breach, and the loss you have suffered. Keep it concise.]
**Amount Claimed**
I am claiming the sum of £[amount], being [explanation of calculation].
**Action Required**
Please respond in writing by [date — 14 days from the date of this letter] either:
- Paying the sum of £[amount] to [payment details], or
- Providing a written explanation of why you dispute the claim.
If I do not receive a satisfactory response by this date, I intend to commence proceedings in [the County Court / Employment Tribunal / other] without further notice to you. I reserve the right to bring this letter to the attention of the court when seeking costs.
Yours faithfully,
[Your name]
**Enc:** [List of enclosed documents]
The other party should respond by the deadline. Their response may:
If they ignore it or refuse without good reason, you can proceed to issue a claim. For amounts up to £10,000, this can usually be done online via the Money Claims Online (MCOL) service at gov.uk/make-court-claim-for-money.
Upload any UK legal document and get an instant AI breakdown — clause by clause, risk by risk, in plain English.
Free tools for this topic
Upload any UK legal document and get an instant AI breakdown — clause by clause, risk by risk, in plain English.
Related Guides
Buying a property in the UK? Understanding leasehold and freehold is essential. This guide explains the difference, the risks of leasehold, and how recent reforms have strengthened leaseholders' rights.
Non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) are used to protect confidential information. This guide explains what NDAs cover, when they are enforceable, and when signing one could harm you.
Without prejudice is a legal concept protecting settlement discussions from being used as evidence in court. This guide explains when it applies, how to use it correctly, and the difference between 'without prejudice' and 'protected conversations'.