New York Demand Letters
How They Work & How to Send One
In New York, a demand letter puts your position on record and pressures the other party to act before court. This page explains how demand letters work in New York, when to use them, and how they support a small claims case if you need to file.
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Using a Demand Letter to Resolve Disputes in New York
A New York demand letter explains the dispute, states exactly what you want, and sets a firm deadline. It shows you’re prepared to escalate if the issue isn’t resolved. People across the state use demand letters for unreturned security deposits, unpaid invoices or wages, unfinished work, and property damage.
Small claims venues in New York vary: NYC Civil Court handles claims up to $10,000; most City Courts outside NYC cap claims at $5,000; Town/Village Courts typically cap at $3,000. Judges commonly ask whether you tried to settle first—your letter is the clearest proof. If you prefer a done-for-you option, we can draft and mail a New York–specific letter for $39 with mailing proof included.
This Guide Covers:
What a demand letter is in New York
When and why to send one
What happens after mailing
Common New York dispute examples
Step-by-step sending instructions
Next steps if it’s ignored
How we can help
Resources and FAQs
What Is a New York Demand Letter?
A New York demand letter is a formal written request for payment or action. It summarizes key facts, states what you want (money owed, property returned, repairs completed), and sets a response deadline. Because New York’s small claims limits differ by court (NYC Civil Court up to $10,000; most City Courts up to $5,000; Town/Village Courts up to $3,000), a demand letter is often the best first step to resolve the issue quickly or prepare for filing in the correct venue.
Why Send a Demand Letter in New York?
Prompts quick compliance—many landlords, clients, and businesses act once a formal letter arrives.
Avoids unnecessary cost and delay if the dispute settles without court.
Demonstrates good faith to the judge if you later file in small claims.
Creates a paper trail (facts, amount, deadline) that supports your claim.
Because many disputes fall under New York’s small claims limits, a $39 letter is a low-cost way to move the other side toward resolution.
Do I Need a Lawyer to Send a Demand Letter in New York?
No. You can send one yourself. While some attorneys will draft a letter, fees often start around $1,500 for the same core elements: a facts summary, a clear demand, a deadline, and notice of next steps. For straightforward disputes, a professionally prepared letter is usually enough.
What Happens After a Demand Letter Is Sent in New York?
They comply—payment is made or the problem is fixed.
They negotiate—counteroffers or payment plans are common.
They ignore it—you now have proof you tried to settle and can proceed to small claims.
They deny liability—your letter still becomes part of your evidence.
What You Can Use a New York Demand Letter For – Examples
Security deposit: a Queens tenant seeks return of a $1,900 deposit.
Unpaid invoice/wages: a Brooklyn freelancer requests $3,200 for completed work.
Property damage: a Manhattan cyclist seeks $1,100 after a dooring incident.
Breach of contract: a Rochester homeowner demands $4,500 for unfinished renovations.
Loan repayment: a Syracuse resident requests repayment of a $1,000 personal loan.
Step-by-Step: Sending a Demand Letter in New York
Collect evidence (contracts, receipts, messages, photos).
Draft the letter with facts, the exact amount/action you want, and a firm deadline.
Mail via certified mail (return receipt) so you can prove delivery; optionally email a PDF copy the same day.
Keep copies of the letter and postal confirmations.
Allow 7–14 days for a response and follow up once by email or phone.
Or let us do it for you: we’ll draft and mail a New York–specific letter for $39.
What Happens If They Ignore the Demand Letter?
You’ve documented a good-faith attempt to resolve the dispute.
File in the appropriate venue: NYC Civil Court (up to $10,000), City Court outside NYC (usually up to $5,000), or Town/Village Court (up to $3,000).
Bring your letter, mailing proof, and supporting documents.
How Sue.com Can Help
Our New York demand letter service includes:
A New York–specific letter drafted in a professional format
Certified mailing with proof of delivery
A downloadable copy for your records
Flat $39 pricing
Resources – New York Demand Letters
NY Courts – Small Claims Overview: nycourts.gov/courthelp/goingtocourt/smallclaims.shtml
NYC Civil Court – Small Claims: nycourts.gov/COURTS/nyc/civil/smallclaims.shtml
Albany City Court – Small Claims: nycourts.gov/courts/3jd/albanycity/smallclaims.shtml
Buffalo City Court – Small Claims: ww2.nycourts.gov/courts/8jd/buffalo_city/smallclaims.shtml
Queens Civil Court (borough info): ww2.nycourts.gov/courts/nyc/civil/queens.shtml
Step 1
Answer a Few Simple Questions
Tell us what happened — who owes you, how much, and why. Our system guides you step-by-step with no legal jargon.
Step 2
We Draft Your New York Demand Letter
Your answers are reviewed and used to create an attorney-drafted demand letter tailored to your case.
Step 3
We Mail It for You
We print and mail the New York demand letter directly to the recipient via USPS — creating proof you attempted to resolve the matter before court.
Ready to Send Your New York Demand Letter?
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Find answers
Got questions about how Sue.com works, what’s included in each package, or what happens after your letter is sent? We’ve got you covered — quick, clear answers to help you move forward with confidence.
How much can I demand, and does the limit affect my letter?
Your letter can request the full amount you believe is owed. If you later file in small claims, venue limits apply: up to $10,000 in NYC Civil Court, typically $5,000 in City Courts, and $3,000 in Town/Village Courts.
What deadline should I set—and how should I word it?
Ten to fourteen days is common. State a specific date (e.g., “Please pay by March 28, 2025”) and how to pay or perform. Explain that if there’s no response by the deadline, you may pursue small claims.
Do I need to cite New York statutes or attach exhibits?
You don’t have to cite laws. Plain, factual language is fine. Attach copies (not originals) of key documents—receipts, photos, messages—so the recipient understands the basis for your demand.
How do I address a business correctly in New York?
Use the legal entity name. For corporations/LLCs, look up the entity and registered agent using the NY Division of Corporations search, then mail to the business and the registered agent for maximum impact.
If they offer partial payment, should I accept it?
It’s your call. If you accept, consider confirming in writing whether it’s a partial payment toward the full balance or a full settlement. If you want to keep pursuing the remainder, note that it’s “without prejudice.”