Guides › Faulty Goods and Refunds › What Is a Letter Before Action?
What Is a Letter Before Action?
A letter before action is a final letter telling a trader you will start court action if the problem is not resolved. Courts expect both sides to try to settle first, under the Practice Direction on pre-action conduct, and you might get more if the trader did not follow it. Citizens Advice's example letter gives 14 days to respond.
At a Glance
Your Rights
What the rules say, with a link to the official source for each.
The Short Answer
Why Send One
Going to court is the last resort. You and the trader both have to try to resolve the issue first, as set out in the Practice Direction on pre-action conduct and protocols. If you go to court and win, you might get more compensation if the trader did not follow it. Citizens Advice's example letter gives 14 days, encloses proof of purchase and offers alternative dispute resolution. source
Time Limits to Know
Miss a deadline and you can lose a right. Check the dates on your own paperwork.
- 6 yearsTime limit for a court claim6 years in England, Wales and Northern Ireland; 5 years in Scotland
Steps to Take
Step 1 of 4
Send a normal complaint first.
Step 2 of 4
Then send the letter before action with a deadline (for example 14 days).
Step 3 of 4
Enclose proof of purchase and offer ADR.
Step 4 of 4
Keep proof of sending.
(Tap the numbers to reveal steps)
Where to Go If It Is Not Put Right
Your options, in order, and when each one applies.
Citizens Advice Consumer Service
Free advice, and help deciding whether to start a small claim, once the seller has not put it right.
Want Help?
If you would like one of our team to look at your problem, our initial case review is free. We cannot guarantee any outcome and we do not give legal advice.
Lead reviewer
Luke Marley
Founder and Lead Reviewer
Luke founded CPUK in 2026 after seeing how hard it is for ordinary people to get problems with companies put right. He oversees our guides and checks them against official sources.
Research by Katie Burt, Co-founder and Operations Lead (17 years in the care sector, including managing services for vulnerable adults), and the CPUK Research Team. Researched with AI-assisted research tools, then checked and corrected by our team.
Last checked: 13 October 2026. We are not paid by the companies we write about. Adverts never affect our guidance. Read our editorial policy.