Demand Letter in Washington
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 Washington law says
| Small claims limit | $10,000 for claims brought by a natural person; $5,000 for all other claimants (businesses, corporations). Money claims only. Source: RCW 12.40.010 |
|---|---|
| Filing fee | $35 base fee plus any authorized surcharge; the AOC brochure says the fee is $35 or $50 depending on whether the county supports a dispute resolution center. Counterclaims carry the same fee. Service or mailing costs are extra and may be recovered by a winning plaintiff. |
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 · Washington 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.