Prepare your UK small claim with a pre-action letter

By ClaimKit UK Editorial Team · Updated February 2026

Answer a few questions to organise your facts, timeline and evidence checklist, and generate a compliant pre-action letter (also called a Letter of Claim) draft ready for the UK small claims court process.

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This tool provides templates and general guidance only. It is not legal advice and does not represent you.

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What is your dispute about?

Cancelling didn’t work

You’re still being charged after cancellation. Gyms, software subscriptions, or clubs often ignore your notice or make it impossible to leave.

Service not delivered

You paid but didn't get what was agreed (refund denied). Builders, tradespeople, or freelancers who failed to complete the job or refused a due refund.

Unexpected fees

You’re being charged fees you don’t agree with. Mobile bills, car rental damage charges, or invoices with hidden costs you never signed up for.

Deposit not returned

Landlord or agency holding your money without valid reason. Or a venue/supplier refusing to return a retainer after you cancelled within terms.

Popular dispute resources

Practical resources for common small claims scenarios. Each page explains what to include, what evidence matters, and how to take the next step.

Unreturned Deposit Letter (UK)

Step-by-step guidance for unreturned deposits in the UK, covering what to include in a pre-action letter, key evidence, and how to set a clear deadline.

Service Not Delivered Letter (UK)

Use this UK guide if a paid service was not delivered. Learn what to include in a pre-action letter, what evidence to gather, and how to request a refund.

Cancellation Charges Letter (UK)

Guide for charges after cancellation in the UK, including proof of cancellation, how to list disputed charges, and wording for a refund request.

Unpaid Invoice Letter (UK)

A UK guide for chasing unpaid invoices: what to include in a pre-action letter, evidence to gather, and how to set a final payment deadline.

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Compare your options

Not sure which route fits your situation? Compare common options like Money Claim Online (MCOL), informal complaints, and professional support.

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England & Wales small claims overview

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What you get

Free Preview

Case summary
Timeline preview
Evidence checklist
Letter outline
No download (Web only)

Letter Pack (7-day access) (£9.99)

Full Letter Before Claim (LBC)
Simple Schedule of Loss
Sending checklist
7-day downloads

Prep Pack (14-day access) (£19.99)

Everything in Letter Pack
Full Chronology Table
Evidence Index
Facts Sheet
14-day downloads

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a solicitor for small claims?

No. The UK Small Claims Court (part of the County Court) is designed for people to use without a lawyer. However, you must follow the Civil Procedure Rules (CPR), including sending a compliant pre-action letter, before starting a claim. ClaimKit helps you generate this document correctly.

What is a Letter Before Claim?

Also known as a pre-action letter or Letter of Claim, this is a formal notice you must send to the defendant before taking them to court. It sets out your case, what you want (e.g., a refund), and gives them a deadline to respond. If you don't send one, the court may penalise you.

Can I use this for Money Claim Online (MCOL)?

Yes. Our "Prep Pack" organizes your evidence and timeline in a way that makes it easy to fill out the Money Claim Online forms if your dispute isn't resolved by the notice.

Is my data safe?

Yes. We prioritise privacy. We do not ask for your phone number, and your data is processed securely. We are not a law firm and do not sell your data to claims management companies.

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