Demand Letter Before Small Claims Court (Ontario) – Free Template
Use this free demand letter Ontario small claims (Canada): fill it in online, download it as Word or PDF, and follow our step-by-step guide – where to send it, whether it needs notarizing, what to attach and mistakes to avoid.
| Country | 🇨🇦 Canada |
|---|---|
| Document type | Complaints & legal |
| Format | Word, PDF & fill in online |
| Cost | Free |
| Time to complete | about 5 minutes |
| Notarization | Not required |
| Limitation period | Generally 2 years |
| Next step | Ontario Small Claims Court |
What is this letter for?
A demand letter asks the other party to pay what they owe before you sue. In Ontario, money claims up to the Small Claims Court limit can be filed online or at the courthouse. A clear demand letter shows the court you tried to settle, and it often leads to payment without a lawsuit. Remember the general two-year limitation period for most claims.
Where do you send it?
Send it by registered mail and email to the other party.
Does it need to be notarized?
Not required. No commissioner or notary is needed.
Step-by-step process
- Gather evidence and calculate the amount.
- Confirm the legal name (corporate search for businesses).
- Send the demand letter.
- Record any reply or partial payment.
- File a Plaintiff’s Claim if unpaid.
What you need before you start
- Other party’s legal name and address
- Contracts, invoices, receipts, messages
- Amount owed and calculation
How to use this template
- Click each yellow field inside the letter and type your details directly (Enter jumps to the next field).
- Read the text through; the “Edit” button lets you change any sentence.
- Click “Word”, “PDF” or “Copy”, then sign and send.
Free template : demand letter Ontario small claims
Your full name
Street address
City, Province Postal code
Phone | Email
Today’s date
Name of person or business
Address
Re: Demand for payment – $Amount
Dear Recipient name,
I am writing about agreement / service / loan dated Date.
Explain what was agreed and what went wrong.
You owe me $Amount. Copies of documents are enclosed.
Please pay the full amount by Date, e.g. 14 days from today. If I do not receive payment or a reasonable proposal by that date, I will file a claim in the Ontario Small Claims Court without further notice and seek the amount owed, interest and costs.
Sincerely,
Your full name
Letter variations
Contractor did not finish
You were paid $[[Amount]] on [[Date]] to [[work]], which was not completed. I am claiming the cost to complete the work by another contractor.
Security deposit not returned
Our agreement for [[item/service]] required you to return my deposit of $[[Amount]] by [[Date]], which you have not done.
Checklist before you send
- ☑️ Legal name verified
- ☑️ Facts and amount
- ☑️ Deadline
- ☑️ Documents enclosed
- ☑️ Proof of delivery
⚠️ Disclaimer: this template is for general guidance only and is not legal advice. Always check the requirements of the organization you are writing to before sending it.
🏛️ Official sources
Always check the latest rules on the official website before sending.
Common mistakes to avoid
- ❌ Wrong legal name for a business.
- ❌ No deadline.
- ❌ Waiting past the limitation period.
Tips before you send it
- Use the other party’s exact legal name.
- Keep proof of delivery.
- Check the two-year limitation period.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to send a demand letter before suing?
It is not always mandatory, but it is strongly recommended and may help with costs.
How much can I claim in Ontario Small Claims Court?
Up to the court’s monetary limit; check the current limit on ontario.ca.
How long do I have to sue?
Generally two years from when you discovered the claim.
Can I file online?
Yes, Ontario offers online filing for Small Claims Court.
Where do I send this letter (demand letter Ontario small claims)?
Send it by registered mail and email to the other party.
Does this letter (demand letter Ontario small claims) need to be notarized?
Not required – No commissioner or notary is needed.