Complain about a product or service

Sample Demand Letter

Lemon Laws • Introduction • Essential steps • Sample demand letter • Secret warranties • State-by-state guide

Here is a sample demand letter that would start the Lemon Law process in most states. Warning: Don't try this at home. We strongly recommend you consult with a Lemon Law attorney in your state. There is a lot at stake and it can be impossible to recover from a single misstep.

This sample is for California. Insert your state if different. This is only a sample. You should consult an attorney before mailing a demand letter.

[Your name]
[Your address]
[City, State, Zip]
[Daytime Phone]

[Date]

[Manufacturer]
[Agent name, if known]
[Address]
[City, State, Zip]

VIA CERTIFIED MAIL
Return Receipt Requested

Dear Sir or Madam:

     In Re: Violation of Magnuson-Moss Warrantee Act, UCC and California Code
     Purchase of: [Year, brand, model, VIN]
     Date of Purchase: [Date]


TAKE NOTICE that this letter constitutes notice that [Manufacturer] is in violation of California's Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act, California Civil Code Section 1790-1795.8 ("Warranty Act") with regard to:

(AS APPLICABLE)
(1) Breach of Express Warranty (Note: This is normally in the Written Warranty that accompanied the sale of the product or service.)

(2) Breach of an Implied Warranty Of (for example: Fitness For A Particular Purpose.)

(LIST APPLICABLE FACTS OF YOUR COMPLAINT HERE)

On or about [date], I (we) purchased [vehicle] from [dealer] for a price of [$00,000]. [Next, provide additional details and a Chronology/Sequence of Events --including but not limited to telephone calls, letters, repair attempts, etc.]

(AGAIN AS APPLICABLE TO THE SITUATION/COMPLAINT):

A. (IF FOR BREACH OF EXPRESS WARRANTY)

Despite repeated attempts at repair by [dealer] the [product/service] remains defective and therefore there has been a failure and refusal to conform the product to its express warranty under the law.

B. (IF FOR BREACH OF IMPLIED WARRANTY)

Prior to the purchase I (we) explained to [dealer] the special needs and circumstances for which I (we) was purchasing [vehicle]. I (we) asked [name of dealer representative] for a specific representation to meet these needs and circumstances. Based upon the specific representations and recommendations of [name of dealer representative], I (we) purchased [vehicle] for a price of [$00,000]. As set forth in the facts above, there has been a failure and refusal to conform the product to the Implied Warranty Of Fitness For A Particular Purpose.

Based upon the above, demand is hereby made that you refund the sum of [$00,000] to me (us) in full.

Please be advised that your failure to comply with this request within thirty (30) days may subject you to the following remedies, which are available for a violation of the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act: California Civil Code Section 1790-1795.8 ("Warranty Act").

(1) [$00,000], The actual damages suffered;
(2) Civil Penalty of [$00,000], (up to twice the amount of actual damages);
(3 Any other relief which the court deems proper; and
(4) Court costs and attorneys' fees.

I look forward to receiving my refund. Thank you for your time and consideration in this matter.

Sincerely,

________________________
[signature]

Cc: [your state's Consumer Affairs Department and/or Attorney General]

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