Documents

Notice

Also called: Formal notice, letter before action

A message that formally tells the other side something, such as a demand or the end of a contract.

Definition

A notice is a formal written communication required by law or contract before a party can take a legal step. A notice to quit ends a tenancy; a letter before action gives a debtor a final opportunity to pay before court proceedings; a section 21 notice is the formal start of an eviction process in England and Wales.

In practice

Keep proof of delivery — send by first-class post and keep the certificate of posting, or use recorded delivery.

Related terms

Contract An agreement between two or more people that the law will enforce. Claim A formal request asking a court to order something, such as payment or the return of property. Limitation period The time the law allows for starting a claim. Once it ends, the claim can usually be defeated.