Debt Recovery Claim
Recover unpaid invoices, rent arrears, and personal loans with a professional Letter Before Action. No solicitor required. Fixed cost of £99. Used by tradespeople, landlords, and small businesses across the UK.
Takes
5 minutes
One-off cost
£99
LBA deadline
14 days
What Is a Debt Recovery Claim?
A debt recovery claim is the formal legal process of demanding payment from someone who owes you money. Under English and Welsh law, the first step is always a Letter Before Action (LBA) — a formal written demand that gives the debtor 14 days to pay before you escalate to the County Court.
The LBA is a legal requirement under the Pre-Action Protocol for Debt Claims. Sending a professionally drafted letter — rather than an informal email or text — significantly increases the likelihood of payment without court involvement. Our pack generates this letter for you, personalised to your specific debt and debtor.
Who Uses Our Debt Recovery Pack?
Tradespeople
Builders, electricians, plumbers, and decorators who completed work and were never paid.
Landlords
Landlords chasing rent arrears from current or former tenants.
Small Businesses
Businesses with outstanding invoices from clients who have gone silent or disputed payment.
Individuals
People who lent money personally and need a formal route to recovery.
Retailers & Suppliers
Businesses that supplied goods and have not been paid.
Freelancers
Consultants, designers, and contractors with unpaid project invoices.
How Debt Recovery Works
Five clear steps from identifying the debt to getting paid.
Identify the Debt
Confirm the amount owed, who owes it, and what the debt relates to. Gather any supporting evidence you already have — invoices, messages, bank transfers, contracts.
Gather Your Evidence
Collect text messages, emails, WhatsApp conversations, payment records, delivery confirmations, or photos of completed work. Even partial evidence significantly strengthens your position.
Send a Letter Before Action
A formal Letter Before Action is a legal requirement before issuing court proceedings. It demands payment within 14 days and warns of the consequences of continued non-payment. Our pack generates this letter for you.
Wait 14 Days
The debtor has 14 days to respond. Many debts are settled at this stage — a professional legal letter is often enough to prompt payment without going further.
Escalate If Needed
If the debtor does not pay within 14 days, you can file a County Court claim online at mcol.justice.gov.uk. For claims under £10,000, this falls in the Small Claims Track. No solicitor required.
What's in Your Debt Recovery Pack
Everything you need — generated instantly from your answers.
Case Summary
A structured overview of your debt — who owes what, the agreement, the evidence, and the circumstances. Clear and court-ready.
Letter Before Action
A personalised, professional legal demand letter addressed to your debtor. Demands payment within 14 days and states the consequences.
Next Steps Guide
Exactly what to do after sending the letter — what to expect, how to respond to different scenarios, and how to file at County Court if needed.
Evidence Checklist
A customised checklist of the evidence you should gather and retain to support your case — whether at negotiation stage or in court.
No solicitor needed
Start Your Debt Recovery Today
Takes 5 minutes. Costs £99. Can be sent the same day.
Debt Recovery by City
Find city-specific debt recovery guidance and resources. View all cities →
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about debt recovery in the UK
Related Legal Services
Other services available on Claim Builder
Housing Disrepair Advice
Tenant rights and landlord repair obligations.
Vehicle Value Loss Claim
Recover diminution in value after a non-fault accident.
Insurer Delay Claim
Escalate delayed or disputed insurance claims.
CCJ Enforcement
Already have a judgment? Take the next step.
Small Claims Court UK
How to file a money claim at the county court.
Debt Recovery Hub
All debt recovery services and resources.
Legal Disclaimer
This service provides general guidance and does not constitute legal advice. The information on this page is intended to help creditors understand the debt recovery process and take structured action. Every situation is different — if your case involves a complex dispute, a large sum, or you are unsure at any stage, we recommend seeking advice from a qualified solicitor or contacting Citizens Advice (citizensadvice.org.uk) before proceeding.