Available in all 50 states

Send a Payment Demand Letter
Collect Overdue Construction Payments

Professional payment demand letters for construction work. Our service creates legally effective demand notices that help contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers collect overdue payments—often before escalating to liens or litigation.

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Payment Collection

What Is a Payment Demand Letter?

A payment demand letter is a formal written notice sent to a party who owes you money for construction work, materials, or services. It clearly states the amount owed, the work performed, and the deadline for payment. A professional demand letter documents your claim, puts the debtor on notice, and often triggers payment without the need for liens, lawsuits, or collections.

For contractors, subcontractors, and material suppliers, a well-drafted payment demand letter is often the first serious step in the collection process. It creates a written record, demonstrates professionalism, and signals that you're prepared to take further action—such as filing a mechanics lien or pursuing legal remedies—if payment isn't received.

Why It Works

✓ Creates a formal record of your claim
✓ Often triggers payment without escalation
✓ Essential pre-litigation step in many cases
✓ Professional tone increases credibility

Why a Payment Demand Letter Works

A professional demand letter is one of the most effective tools for collecting construction payments.

Formal Record

A written demand creates a documented record of your claim, the amount owed, and when it was due. This is valuable if you later need to file a mechanics lien or lawsuit.

Pre-Litigation Step

Courts and many state laws expect you to make a formal demand before filing suit. A payment demand letter satisfies this requirement and shows you've given the debtor a chance to pay.

Often Triggers Payment

Many payers respond when they receive a professional demand. It signals seriousness and often prompts payment to avoid liens, legal action, or damage to their reputation.

What's Included in a Payment Demand Letter

Our demand letters are comprehensive and legally effective.

Clear Amount Owed

Detailed breakdown of the unpaid balance, including dates, invoices, and work description.

Payment Deadline

Reasonable deadline (typically 7–14 days) for payment before further action.

Notice of Consequences

Professional language indicating possible next steps—mechanics lien, intent to lien, or legal action—if payment isn't received.

Proof of Delivery

We send your demand letter via certified mail or other verifiable method, with proof of delivery for your records.

How It Works

Send your payment demand letter in three simple steps

Provide invoice and project details

Share the amount owed, work performed, debtor information, and any relevant contract or invoice details.

We draft your demand letter

Our team creates a professional, legally effective payment demand letter tailored to construction collections and your situation.

We send it for you

We deliver your payment demand letter to the debtor with proof of service. You'll receive confirmation and a copy for your records.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I send a payment demand letter?

Send a payment demand letter when payment is past due and informal reminders haven't worked. It's often the logical next step before filing a mechanics lien, sending an intent to lien notice, or pursuing litigation. Sending early can prevent escalation and preserve business relationships while still protecting your rights.

Is a payment demand letter required before filing a mechanics lien?

It depends on the state. Some states require a notice of intent to lien (which is a type of demand) before filing a mechanics lien; a general payment demand letter may or may not satisfy that. Our service can prepare either a payment demand letter or an intent to lien notice, depending on your goals and state requirements.

Who can send a payment demand letter?

Anyone owed money for construction work can send a payment demand letter—general contractors, subcontractors, material suppliers, equipment rental companies, architects, engineers, and laborers. It's a universal collection tool that works across the construction payment chain.

How long should I give the debtor to pay?

A typical payment deadline is 7 to 14 days. This gives the debtor a reasonable opportunity to pay while maintaining urgency. If your state requires a notice of intent to lien before filing a mechanics lien, that notice may have a statutorily mandated waiting period (e.g., 10–30 days). We'll set the appropriate deadline for your situation.

What if they still don't pay after the demand letter?

The next steps typically include sending a notice of intent to lien (if required by your state) and then filing a mechanics lien. You may also consider collections, arbitration, or litigation. Our platform can help you proceed with intent to lien notices and mechanics lien filings—your demand letter establishes the paper trail and demonstrates you gave the debtor a chance to pay.

Ready to Send Your Payment Demand?

Professional payment demand letters for construction work. Collect overdue payments with a formal, legally effective demand notice.