What an Ontario demand letter should accomplish

A useful demand letter gives the recipient a clear opportunity to resolve a dispute. It identifies the parties, explains the agreement or events, states the amount requested, and sets out a reasonable response date. Supporting invoices or a concise account statement can help the recipient assess the demand.

Keep the tone factual. Unsupported accusations, threats of criminal charges, or promises of inevitable court success can distract from the evidence. Decide what outcome you would accept, including a payment arrangement or return of property. A deadline in your letter is different from a statutory limitation period. Sending a demand or negotiating generally does not stop the time for commencing a claim. Check that deadline before allowing further time to pay.

Organize the letter so a person unfamiliar with the history can understand the request quickly. State the agreement, the obligation that was not met, the resulting loss, and the documents supporting the amount. If several invoices are involved, attach a reconciliation rather than a stack of unexplained bills. Explain how the recipient can respond and where any payment should go. Verify payment instructions independently when bank details change, especially in a business dispute involving emailed invoices.

Before sending the demand, think through the likely responses. The recipient may dispute authorization, raise a quality complaint, propose instalments, or ask for missing documents. Decide who will assess those answers and when the file will be reviewed again. A demand can open useful negotiations, but it cannot replace proof of the underlying obligation. Keep a copy of the exact letter and attachments sent, together with the delivery record, so later discussions can refer to the same information.

Sources

• Ontario guide to making a Small Claims Court claim
• Limitations Act 2002 particularly sections 4 5 and 13

Read next: Suing the correct business in Ontario

General Ontario legal information, not legal advice for your matter, and reading it does not create a retainer. Sources checked 15 October 2026: check the current law, forms and dates before you act.

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This article is general information for people in Ontario, not legal advice. Rules, forms and deadlines change, and every situation is different. Check the current rule or speak to a licensed legal professional before you act.