{"id":352509,"date":"2025-03-19T09:23:30","date_gmt":"2025-03-19T14:23:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/consumer\/consumer-transactions\/how-to-write-a-complaint-letter.html"},"modified":"2025-03-19T09:29:00","modified_gmt":"2025-03-19T14:29:00","slug":"how-to-write-a-complaint-letter","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/consumer\/consumer-transactions\/how-to-write-a-complaint-letter.html","title":{"rendered":"How To Write a Complaint Letter"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 fl-sectionWithSidebar fl-container fl-flex fl-flex-wrap fl-gap30\">\n<div class=\"fl-page-articles fl-section-main fl-section-main-full-width\"><h1 class=\"fl-no-margin-top\">How To Write a Complaint Letter\u00a0<\/h1>\n\n<section class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline\">\n    <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-content\">\n                    By <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/catherine-hodder-esq\/\">Catherine Hodder, Esq.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by <a\n                href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/jordan-walker-j-d\/\">Jordan Walker, J.D.<\/a>\n                | Last updated\n        <time>\n                            March 19, 2025\n                    <\/time>\n    <\/div>\n\n    \n    <details class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle fl-gutenberg-byline-legally-reviewed\">\n        <summary>\n            <i class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n            Legally Reviewed\n        <\/summary>\n\n        <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle-content\">\n            <p><em>This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team.html\">FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/company-history\/editorial-policy.html\">our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/details>\n\n    <details class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle fl-gutenberg-byline-fast-checked\">\n        <summary>\n            <i class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n            Fact-Checked\n        <\/summary>\n\n        <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle-content\">\n            <p><em>The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/contributing-authors.html\">contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/?fli=bylinelink\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n    <div class=\"fl-callout-text article-blockquote\">\n        <p>Writing a formal complaint letter to resolve an issue with a business or individual involves clearly stating the purpose of your letter, describing the problem with specific details, including account numbers or model numbers, adding enclosures with relevant documentation like receipts or warranties, providing your full name, phone number, and other contact information so you can be reached easily, outlining the desired resolution or specific action you seek to resolve the matter, and sending your complaint by certified mail or some other method that allows proof of delivery.<\/p>\n\n    <\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"actionImageCard aem-GridColumn aem-GridColumn--default--12\">\n    <div class=\"fl-image-card\">\n                <div class=\"fl-image-card__content\">\n            <div class=\"action-card-layout\">\n                <h2 class=\"action-card-layout__heading\">\n                    What To Expect in This Article\n                <\/h2>\n                <div class=\"action-card-layout__content fl-text-lg\">\n                    <p>This article guides you through writing an effective complaint letter and includes a free sample letter of complaint template to get you started.<\/p>\n\n                <\/div>\n                <a href=\"#Template\" class=\"action-card-layout__button fl-button fl-link-button secondary\">\n                    <span class=\"fl-button-content\">Jump to Free Complaint Letter Template<\/span>\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                <\/a>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h2><b>What Is a Complaint Letter?&nbsp;<\/b><\/h2>\n<p>A complaint letter is a written document that formally expresses dissatisfaction with a product, service, or other situation. Typically, it is the first step in resolving a situation with a request for a specific outcome, such as a refund, replacement, or addressing concerns. A complaint letter can address many situations:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<p><b>Defective Products: <\/b>You can write a store or manufacturer if you have an unsatisfactory or<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/consumer\/consumer-transactions\/defective-products-and-consumer-rights.html\"> defective product<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><b>Delivery Problems:<\/b> You can write to a retailer if a package you ordered has not arrived or arrived late.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><b>Billing Issues: <\/b>You can write to a company to have your billed corrected if you find errors in billing statements such as a medical bill or phone bill.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><b>Poor Service:<\/b> If you receive terrible service at a store, hotel, or restaurant, you can notify management.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><b>Landlord Issues: <\/b>You can contact your landlord about fixing an unsatisfactory condition in your rental property (e.g.,<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/legalblogs\/law-and-life\/no-heat-what-are-your-legal-options\/\"> no heat<\/a>).<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><b>Neighborhood Concerns: <\/b>If your neighbor is causing a disturbance, such as making noise or trespassing, you can address the problem with a letter.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><b>School Problems: <\/b>If you have a concern at school, such as unfair treatment or lack of resources, you could contact a teacher or the administration.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><b>Municipal Service Issues:<\/b> If you have issues with public services such as transportation, trash disposal, or mail delivery, you can write to the public authority.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>With regard to consumer complaints, it is helpful to have a copy of the letter to share with a consumer protection agency, such as the Better Business Bureau, if your issue is not resolved.<\/p>\n<h2><b>What To Say in a Complaint Letter&nbsp;<\/b><\/h2>\n<p>When drafting a complaint letter, you should keep a neutral tone, include key details, and be specific in any requests. You should include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<p>Your full name and contact information<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>Company name or recipient\u2019s name and contact information, such as company address<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>Date of the letter<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>Subject line or reference (i.e., \u201cFormal Letter of Complaint\u201d)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>A clear description of the issue or problem&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>Relevant details (e.g., dates, transaction numbers, product details)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>Desired resolution or outcome<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>Your Signature<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Gather all the important information you need to write the letter.&nbsp;Use clear, concise, and polite language. It is best to stick to the facts and avoid using emotional or threatening language. Include copies of relevant documents (receipts, warranties, etc.) as attachments to the letter.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>A good complaint letter specifies a reasonable timeframe for a response or resolution, and is clear about the desired outcome.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><b>Legal Requirements for Complaint Letters&nbsp;<\/b><\/h2>\n<p>Complaint letters are often sent before the beginning of a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/litigation\/filing-a-lawsuit\/civil-court-cases.html\"><u>civil lawsuit<\/u><\/a>. It\u2019s important to check your state law to ensure your complaint meets the necessary requirements.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<p><b>Consumer Protection Laws: <\/b>Familiarize yourself with relevant <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/consumer.html\"><u>consumer protection laws<\/u><\/a>, which vary by country and state. These laws often cover issues like defective products, false advertising, and unfair business practices.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><b>Contract Law: <\/b>If your complaint involves a breach of contract, understand the terms of the agreement and how they relate to your rights and obligations.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><b>Defamation Laws: <\/b>Be cautious about making statements that could be construed as defamatory. Ensure that any claims you make are factual and are supported by evidence.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><b>Warranty and Guarantee Laws:<\/b> If your complaint involves a product or service warranty, understand the terms and conditions, including any implied warranties.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b><a id=\"Template\"><\/a>Write Your Complaint Letter with Our Free Complaint Letter&nbsp;Template<\/b><\/h2>\n<p>Use the following sample complaint letter as a guide:<\/p>\n\n\n    <section class=\"simple-video\">\n        <div class=\"cmp-embed\">\n            <iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"How To Write a Complaint Letter\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/Evf0YU14dWc?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/section>\n\n\n<div class=\"fl-editors-summary\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary\">\n    \n    <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content\">\n                    <h2>Complaint Letter<\/h2>\n                <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content-main\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-main\">\n            <p>[Your Name]<br \/>\n[Your Address]<br \/>\n[City, State, ZIP Code]<br \/>\n[Phone Number]<br \/>\n[Email Address]<\/p>\n<p>[Date]<\/p>\n<p>[Recipient (Business) Name]<br \/>\n[Recipient&#8217;s Address]<br \/>\n[City, State, ZIP Code]<\/p>\n<p class=\"my-2 [&amp;+p]:mt-4 [&amp;_strong:has(+br)]:inline-block [&amp;_strong:has(+br)]:pb-2\"><strong>Subject:<\/strong>\u00a0Formal Complaint Regarding [Brief Description of the Issue]<\/p>\n<p class=\"my-2 [&amp;+p]:mt-4 [&amp;_strong:has(+br)]:inline-block [&amp;_strong:has(+br)]:pb-2\">Dear [Recipient\u2019s Name],<\/p>\n<p class=\"my-2 [&amp;+p]:mt-4 [&amp;_strong:has(+br)]:inline-block [&amp;_strong:has(+br)]:pb-2\">I am writing to formally raise a concern regarding [clearly describe the issue, product, service, or situation]. The issue occurred on [date] and involved [specific details such as product name, order number, location, or account number].<\/p>\n<p class=\"my-2 [&amp;+p]:mt-4 [&amp;_strong:has(+br)]:inline-block [&amp;_strong:has(+br)]:pb-2\">Despite my previous attempts to resolve this matter (if applicable, briefly describe prior contact or action taken), the problem remains unresolved. The issue has caused [explain how it has affected you, like financial loss, inconvenience, etc.].<\/p>\n<p class=\"my-2 [&amp;+p]:mt-4 [&amp;_strong:has(+br)]:inline-block [&amp;_strong:has(+br)]:pb-2\">I request that [state the resolution you\u2019re seeking, like refund, replacement, apology, service correction, etc.]. I believe this resolution is fair considering the circumstances and consistent with your company\u2019s policies and commitment to customer satisfaction.<\/p>\n<p class=\"my-2 [&amp;+p]:mt-4 [&amp;_strong:has(+br)]:inline-block [&amp;_strong:has(+br)]:pb-2\">Please respond to this letter within [reasonable timeframe] to confirm how you plan to address this matter. I have enclosed copies of relevant documents, such as receipts, correspondence, or photographs, to assist your review.<\/p>\n<p class=\"my-2 [&amp;+p]:mt-4 [&amp;_strong:has(+br)]:inline-block [&amp;_strong:has(+br)]:pb-2\">Thank you for your prompt attention to this issue. I look forward to a swift and satisfactory resolution.<\/p>\n<p class=\"my-2 [&amp;+p]:mt-4 [&amp;_strong:has(+br)]:inline-block [&amp;_strong:has(+br)]:pb-2\">Sincerely,<br \/>\n[Your Name]<\/p>\n<p><i>This legal document template is provided as a general example and may not reflect applicable state laws or be suitable for your specific situation.<\/i><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n        <ul class=\"fl-list-style-none\">\n                            <li data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-item\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-check medium fl-editors-summary-content-item-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    \n                <\/li>\n                    <\/ul>\n                    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2><b>How To Deliver a Complaint Letter\u00a0<\/b><\/h2>\n<p>Once the complaint letter is finished, read it over again and make any necessary corrections before signing and\/or submitting it. Make a copy to keep for your records.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Send a copy of the letter to the recipient via certified mail and request a return postal receipt so you will have proof of delivery.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Keep records of all communications between yourself and the business or individual, including phone calls, texts or other messages, letters, faxes, and e-mails.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>There are different ways a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/legalblogs\/small-business\/5-legal-ways-for-a-business-to-respond-to-customer-complaints\/\"><u>business may respond to your complaint<\/u><\/a>. If you do not hear back within the specified time, follow up with a polite phone call and\/or email.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Go over your options if a business does not respond to or resolve the issues, such as filing a complaint with the Better Business Bureau and the appropriate consumer protection agency in your state.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>If all other options have been exhausted and the issue is significant or involves potential legal violations, you may consider <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/litigation\/filing-a-lawsuit.html\"><u>filing a legal action<\/u><\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>If you\u2019re feeling overwhelmed or have more questions about complaints, consult a <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/business-commercial-law\/georgia\/atlanta\/?keyword=Business&amp;location=Atlanta%2C+GA&amp;stype=BY_ADDR_OR_ZIP\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><u>business attorney<\/u><\/a> to explore your legal options.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><i><b>Disclaimer:\u202f<\/b>The information presented here does not constitute legal advice or representation. It is general and educational in nature, may not reflect all recent legal developments, and may not apply to your unique facts and circumstances. Consider consulting with a qualified business attorney if you have legal questions.<\/i><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"was-this-helpful\">\n    <div\n            class=\"was-this-helpful__question-container\"\n            aria-labelledby=\"was-this-helpful__question\"\n            role=\"group\"\n    >\n        <span\n                id=\"was-this-helpful__question\"\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__question fl-text-lg-bold\"\n        >Was this helpful?<\/span>\n        <button\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__button fl-text-sm\"\n                aria-label=\"Yes\"\n                value=\"yes\"\n        >\n            <span class=\"was-this-helpful__button-text fl-text-bold\">Yes<\/span>\n            <i class=\"was-this-helpful__button-icon\">\n                <svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" viewBox=\"0 0 22 22\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n                    <g id=\"thumbs-up\" clip-path=\"url(#clip0_604_3418)\">\n                        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data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-item\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-check medium fl-editors-summary-content-item-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    Many people make their own complaint letters without hiring legal help.\n\n                <\/li>\n                            <li data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-item\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-check medium fl-editors-summary-content-item-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    Business letters involving complex legal issues may need an attorney.\n\n                <\/li>\n                    <\/ul>\n                    <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content-description\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-description\">\n                <p>Get tailored advice and ask questions about writing complaint letters and other business contracts.<\/p>\n<p>.<\/p>\n\n            <\/div>\n                            <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content-link fl-flex\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-link\">\n                <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                <p><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/business-commercial-law\/#USER_GEO\/?fli=esum\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Find a local attorney<\/a><\/p>\n\n            <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>FindLaw explains how to write a formal complaint letter, detailing key elements, legal considerations, and offers a free template to get you started.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":41135,"featured_media":0,"parent":352484,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"app\/Http\/Controllers\/Templates\/ArticleWithBreadcrumbsController.php","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_stopmodifiedupdate":true,"_modified_date":"","_autodraft_ids":[],"_cloudinary_featured_overwrite":false,"_sb_is_suggestion_mode":false,"_sb_show_suggestion_boards":false,"_sb_show_comment_boards":false,"_sb_suggestion_history":"","_sb_update_block_changes":"","_is_real_time_mode":false,"_realtime_collaborators":"","footnotes":"","cf_checklist_status":[]},"categories":[2732],"tags":[],"state_laws_tags":[],"flmsa":[],"class_list":["post-352509","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry","category-consumer"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/352509","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/41135"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=352509"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/352509\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":394095,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/352509\/revisions\/394095"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/352484"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=352509"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=352509"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=352509"},{"taxonomy":"state_laws_tags","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/state_laws_tags?post=352509"},{"taxonomy":"flmsa","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/flmsa?post=352509"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}