When a tenant falls behind on rent, a calm, formal demand letter is your first and most important move. It puts the unpaid balance in writing, gives the tenant a clear chance to settle, and, in the Philippines, it is usually a required step before you can file an ejectment case. Use the free generator below to create one in minutes, or copy the plain template further down.
What a demand letter for unpaid rent should include
A good demand letter is firm but professional. At minimum, it should state:
- The date of the letter.
- The tenant’s name and address.
- The property being leased.
- The exact amount owed and the period it covers.
- A clear demand to pay, or to pay or vacate, within a stated number of days.
- The consequence of non-compliance, that you will take legal action.
- Your name, signature, and contact details as the lessor.
Why the demand letter matters legally
In the Philippines, an ejectment case for unpaid rent (called unlawful detainer) generally requires that you first make a demand to pay and to vacate. The demand letter is the document that proves you did this. Without it, your case can be dismissed for being premature. Just as important, a clear letter often gets the tenant to pay, so you may never need to go to court at all.
Prefer to copy-paste? Here's the full template
The generator above fills out this same letter for you. Or copy the template below and replace the parts in [brackets] with your own details. This is a general sample, not legal advice, adjust it to your situation.
[Date]
[Tenant Full Name]
[Tenant Address]
Re: DEMAND TO PAY UNPAID RENTALS — [Property Address]
Dear [Tenant Name],
This refers to your lease of the property located at [property address] (the "Premises").
Our records show that you have an outstanding balance of [₱ amount] in unpaid rentals covering [period / number of months]. Despite the rent having become due and demandable, the same remains unpaid as of this date.
DEMAND IS HEREBY MADE upon you to either settle the full amount stated above or vacate and surrender the Premises within [e.g. 15] days from your receipt of this letter.
Should you fail to comply within the period given, we shall be constrained to take the appropriate legal action to protect our rights, including the filing of an ejectment case and a claim for the unpaid rentals, damages, and costs, without further notice.
We trust you will give this matter your immediate attention so this can be settled amicably.
Very truly yours,
_______________________
[Lessor / Landlord Name]
[Address]
[Contact]
Lessor / Landlord
How to send it the right way
- Keep it factual and calm. Stick to the amount, the period, and the deadline. Avoid threats or insults.
- Give a fair period to pay, commonly 15 days from receipt.
- Send it so you can prove receipt. Registered mail with return card, a courier with proof of delivery, or personal delivery with a signed acknowledgment copy.
- Keep copies and proof. Keep the signed letter and the proof of sending and receipt, you may need them in court.
- Do not self-evict. Even after the deadline, you cannot lawfully change locks or remove belongings on your own, eviction must go through the courts.
Sending a demand letter as an OFW landlord
Chasing unpaid rent is hardest when you are working overseas. As an OFW landlord, you can still send a valid demand letter, you do not need to be physically present to put a tenant on formal notice.
- Sign and send remotely. A demand letter can be signed and sent by your representative or couriered, what matters is that the tenant receives clear, dated written notice.
- Use an SPA for what comes next. If the matter escalates to ejectment, give a trusted person a Special Power of Attorney so they can file and appear on your behalf.
- Have your records ready. Digital proof of the lease and of every missed payment makes your demand, and any case, far stronger from a distance.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to send a demand letter before evicting a tenant in the Philippines?
Generally yes. For an unlawful detainer (ejectment) case over unpaid rent, the law requires a prior demand to pay and to vacate. The demand letter proves you made that demand, so courts usually require it before the case can proceed.
How many days should I give the tenant to pay?
A common and reasonable period is 15 days from receipt of the letter. The point is to give the tenant a clear, fair chance to settle before legal action.
How should I deliver the demand letter?
Send it in a way you can prove was received, registered mail with return card, a courier with proof of delivery, or personal delivery with the tenant signing an acknowledgment copy. Keep proof of sending and receipt.
Is this demand letter free?
Yes. The generator and template are free and need no sign-up. Everything runs in your browser and nothing is stored.
Is a demand letter enough to evict a tenant?
No. It is a required first step, but eviction itself must go through the proper court process. You cannot lawfully force a tenant out, change locks, or remove belongings on your own.
A clear demand letter protects your rights and often solves the problem without a court case. Pair it with a solid contract of lease and good records, and you will handle late payers calmly and correctly. When you are ready to stop chasing rent, you can start free with ArmaRenta and let the app track balances and send reminders for you.
Sources & further reading
- Rules on ejectment / unlawful detainer under the Rules of Court, Rule 70.
- Republic Act No. 9653 (Rent Control Act of 2009), full text on LawPhil, and our plain-English RA 9653 guide.
- Enforcing rent from overseas, the OFW landlord guide.
This sample and article are general information for Filipino landlords, not legal advice. For contested or high-value cases, consult a lawyer.
Eli is the founder of ArmaRenta, the property management app built for Filipino landlords. He writes about running a paupahan the smart way, clear contracts, on-time rent, and fewer headaches.