A Letter Before Action (LBA) is a formal written warning you send to a business or individual to tell them that if they do not resolve your issue, you will take them to the Small Claims Court.

It is the final step before starting legal proceedings.

Most companies take an LBA very seriously because once you send it, they know you are prepared to go to court. It is usually sent after you have tried to resolve a problem under your rights explained in the Consumer Rights Act 2015 Overview.

What a Letter Before Action Does

  • Tells the business what the problem is.
  • Explains what you want them to do (refund, repair, compensation, etc.).
  • Gives them a clear deadline to respond.
  • Warns that court action will begin if they do not resolve the issue.

It is required under the Pre-Action Protocol, which says parties must try to resolve disputes before going to court.

Why a Letter Before Action Is Important

  • It gives the business a final chance to fix things.
  • It shows the court you acted reasonably.
  • It often leads to a settlement without needing court action.
  • Ignoring it makes the business look bad if the case goes ahead.

Many businesses choose to resolve the issue after receiving it.

When to Send a Letter Before Action

You send an LBA when:

  • You’ve tried to resolve the issue.
  • The retailer or company refuses to cooperate.
  • You are prepared to go to the small claims court if necessary.

Common examples include disputes over:

What the Letter Should Include

A proper LBA normally has:

  • Your full details.
  • The business’s details.
  • A clear summary of the issue.
  • What laws or rights apply (if relevant).
  • What you want the business to do.
  • A deadline (usually 14 days).
  • A statement saying you will start court action if they do not respond.

What Happens After Sending It

One of two things usually happens:

1. The business resolves the issue

Many companies agree to refund or settle because they want to avoid court.

2. They ignore it

If they do, you can start a Small Claim through the government’s online court service.

For guidance on starting a claim, see Make a court claim for money.

If you paid by credit card, you may also consider Section 75 or Chargeback before issuing proceedings.