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Breach of contract demand letter

When someone doesn't hold up their end of an agreement, a demand letter is often the clearest first step toward resolving it. Here's how to describe the breach and what you're asking for.

7 min read

What counts as a breach of contract

A breach of contract happens when one party fails to do something they agreed to do — whether that's delivering goods, completing a service, paying an amount, or meeting a deadline specified in a written or verbal agreement. Breaches can be total (the other side did nothing they agreed to) or partial (they did some of it, but not all, or not correctly).

Before writing a demand letter, it helps to identify exactly which part of the agreement wasn't honored. Vague claims like 'they didn't do what they said' are harder to act on than a specific one: 'the contract required delivery by March 1, and nothing was delivered as of April 15.'

What to gather before writing

The strength of a breach of contract demand comes almost entirely from your documentation.

  • The written contract, agreement, proposal, or order confirmation, if one exists
  • Messages or emails describing the terms, if the agreement was verbal or informal
  • Evidence of what was and wasn't delivered or performed
  • Any payments already made toward the agreement
  • A record of prior attempts to resolve the issue directly

How to describe the breach clearly

State what the agreement required, quoting or closely paraphrasing the relevant terms if you have them in writing. Then state specifically what happened instead — what was missed, late, incomplete, or different from what was promised. Keep this section factual and dated; avoid generalizations about the other party's reliability or character.

Stating what you want

Depending on the situation, you might ask for the contract to be completed as originally agreed, a refund of amounts already paid, compensation for costs the breach caused you, or some combination. Be specific about the dollar amount or action you're requesting, and set a clear deadline for a response.

What this platform does

DemandLetterTech's guided intake for breach of contract claims walks you through describing the agreement, the breach, and your requested resolution, then produces a clear, professional letter for $29, with an optional $10 sending service. This is general information to help you organize your claim — it isn't legal advice about whether a breach occurred or how strong your specific claim is.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a written contract to send a breach of contract demand?

No, verbal and informal agreements can also be enforceable in many situations, though a written record makes a claim easier to support. Gather whatever evidence exists — emails, texts, invoices, or witness accounts.

What if the other party disputes that a breach occurred?

That's common. A demand letter states your position clearly; if the dispute isn't resolved, you may want to consult a licensed attorney about further options.

What this platform does: DemandLetterTech guides you through a structured intake and turns your answers into a clear, professional demand letter you can download as a PDF for $29, with an optional $10 sending service. This is general information, not legal advice, and using DemandLetterTech does not create an attorney-client relationship.

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