Demand Letter in Massachusetts
A demand letter asks someone to pay or fix a problem before you go to small claims court. Many judges expect one, and it is useful evidence. Your state's small claims limit and fee are shown below.
What Massachusetts law says
| Small claims limit | $7,000 in debt or damages for contract or tort claims (not slander or libel). There is no limit for property damage caused by a motor vehicle. Cities and towns may claim up to $15,000 (no limit for unpaid personal property taxes). Double or treble damages may be awarded where another law provides for them. Source: G.L. c. 218, § 21 |
|---|---|
| Filing fee | By statute: $30 for claims of $500 or less, $40 for over $500 up to $2,000, $90 for over $2,000 up to $5,000, and $140 for over $5,000, plus the surcharge under G.L. c. 262, § 4C. Fees and costs may be reduced or eliminated under court rules. The statute page shows an older fee schedule alongside this one; confirm the current amount with the clerk-magistrate's office. Source: G.L. c. 218, § 22 |
Fill it in
Nothing you type leaves your browser. Replace anything still highlighted, and keep a signed copy.
[today's date]
To: [person or business name], [their address]
From: [your name], [your address]
This letter is a formal demand for $[amount demanded] for [what happened, with dates].
[Short list of facts and attached documents: contract, receipts, photos, messages.]
Please pay this amount by [payment deadline] by [payment method].
If I do not receive payment by then, I intend to file a claim in [court name] without further notice.
[your name] [phone or email]
Demand Letter for other states · Massachusetts tenant rights
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.