How to fill in this demand letter
- 1Date
e.g. November 12, 2026 - 2Debtor's full name
e.g. MR. RAMON D. VILLANUEVA - 3Debtor's address
e.g. 45 Narra St., Brgy. Bagong Pag-asa, Quezon City - 4Reference line
e.g. Demand to pay rental arrears and to vacate - 5Greeting
e.g. Dear Mr. Villanueva: - 6The unit
e.g. Unit 2B, 14 Mabini St., Brgy. Malinta, Valenzuela City
Demand to pay AND to vacate
To recover the unit through an ejectment case (unlawful detainer), the law requires a demand to pay and to vacate first, and the case is filed after the deadline passes — usually 15 days for a house or apartment. This version asks for both.
What a demand letter should say
Keep it short, factual and polite. A judge may read it later, so write it as if one will.
- The exact amount, in words and in figures, and where it comes from (a loan, rent, an unpaid invoice).
- The dates: when it was borrowed or became due, and your earlier reminders.
- A clear deadline counted from receipt — five, seven, ten or fifteen days.
- How to pay, and what you will do if they do not.
What NOT to put in it
Never threaten to shame the debtor online, to tell their employer or family, or to harm them. Threats and public shaming can be crimes under the Revised Penal Code and the Cybercrime law, and they weaken your case. Collect through the barangay and the courts.
Do not lock them out yourself
Cutting the water or electricity, changing the locks or removing the tenant's things without a court order can expose the landlord to liability. After the deadline, go to the barangay and then the court.
Questions people ask
Can I keep the deposit for the unpaid rent?
The deposit answers for unpaid bills and damage at the end of the lease under most contracts; whether it may be applied to rent depends on your contract. Mention it in the barangay settlement rather than deciding it alone.
How do I prove they received the demand?
Hand it over and have the debtor sign and date the "Received by" line on your copy, or send it by registered mail or courier with a return card. Keep the receipt and the return card — a court or the barangay will ask for proof of receipt.
Do I need a lawyer to send a demand letter?
No. Anyone owed money may write their own demand. A letter on a lawyer's letterhead can carry more weight, and for large amounts or complicated cases a lawyer's advice is worth it. This paper is a format, not legal advice.
What is small claims?
A fast, simple court case for money claims up to ₱1,000,000 (excluding interest and costs) under the Rules on Small Claims. No lawyers are allowed to appear for the parties; you fill in forms and attach your proof, including this demand and the proof it was received.
Do we have to go to the barangay first?
Usually yes, when you and the debtor live in the same city or municipality. The Katarungang Pambarangay law requires a barangay conciliation first, and the court will ask for the barangay's certificate to file action. Ask your barangay hall.
This page explains common practice and is not legal advice. Offices set their own rules — when in doubt, call ahead or ask your notary or lawyer.