Demand letters
How long should I give someone to respond to a demand letter?
Updated · By the Certified Letter Online team
If a law sets the waiting period, use at least that: 30 days under California's CLRA and Massachusetts Chapter 93A, 60 days under the Texas DTPA, and 30 days to pay after a California bad-check demand. When no law applies, 10 to 14 days from receipt is a common, reasonable deadline; give a specific calendar date, not "within X days".
| Situation | Minimum period | Counts from |
|---|---|---|
| California CLRA damages claim | 30 days before suing | Notice (sent certified/registered, return receipt) |
| Massachusetts 93A | 30 days before filing | Mailing or delivery of the demand |
| Texas DTPA | 60 days before filing | Written notice |
| California bad check (Civ. 1719) | 30 days to pay | Certified-mail demand |
| Contract with notice-and-cure clause | As the contract says | As the contract says |
| No rule | 10 to 14 days is common | Choose a date after expected delivery |
Set a date the other side can't argue with
Delivery by First-Class Mail usually takes a few days, so set the deadline counting from when they will likely receive it. With a return receipt you'll know the exact delivery date and can show the period was respected.
This guide is general information, not legal advice. For your specific situation, a legal aid office or a licensed attorney in your state can tell you what applies.
Quick answers
Should the deadline count from mailing or receipt?
Unless a statute says otherwise, count from receipt and give a calendar date. The return receipt shows when it arrived.
Can I sue before the deadline passes?
If a statute requires notice and a waiting period, filing early can get your case paused or dismissed. Wait out the period.
What if they ask for more time?
Agree in writing to a new date if it's reasonable; it looks good to a judge.
What to do next
Send your demand with a provable delivery date: Certified with return receipt for $17.99.
Send my demandSources
- California Civil Code 1782 (CLRA notice)
- Massachusetts General Laws ch. 93A, section 9
- Texas Business & Commerce Code ch. 17 (DTPA), section 17.505
- California Civil Code 1719 (dishonored checks)
Checked: . General information, not legal advice. Fees and rules change: confirm current values at the official links above.