Demand letters and intimidation: what you need to know
In brief
Two situations lead to this page. If you received a demand letter and wonder whether it's intimidation: no, it's a normal legal step, not a judgment: you have the right to respond. If someone is intimidating or harassing you and you're thinking of reacting: a written demand letter, dated and with proof of receipt, can require the behaviour to stop. In case of a threat or immediate danger, this is not the right path: call 911.
The word "intimidation" comes up in two opposite contexts. This page covers both: receiving a demand letter, and wanting to send one to make a behaviour stop. It provides general legal information and does not replace a lawyer's advice.
You received a demand letter: is it intimidation?
No. Receiving a demand letter is not intimidation: it is a normal legal step. A demand letter is not a judgment and does not condemn you to anything. It is a letter in which a person sets out what they hold against you, makes a demand and allows a deadline to comply. It is often the first step before a dispute is taken to a tribunal.
A firm letter, even an unpleasant one to receive, stays within its role as long as it sets out facts and a demand. It does not become illegal because it puts pressure on you: that is precisely its function. That said, you are not required to accept what it demands: you have the right to respond.
Your options
- Read it carefully and check the deadline allowed
- Comply if the demand is well founded
- Negotiate or propose a solution in writing
- Contest it by setting out your version of the facts
Ignoring a demand letter is rarely a good idea: the sender can turn to a tribunal, and your silence will show it. A written reply (even just to propose a solution) protects your interests. Reply before the deadline, by a method that leaves a trace, and keep proof of sending.
Using a demand letter to make intimidation or harassment stop
Conversely, if you are the one experiencing intimidating or harassing behaviour, a demand letter can be a tool. It is a written demand requiring the behaviour to stop, dated and sent with proof of receipt. It marks a clear starting point: from that date, the person concerned can no longer claim to be unaware that their behaviour is harming you. It is often the expected preliminary step before other recourses.
Between neighbours or between tenants of the same building, the law already frames these situations. Article 1854 of the Civil Code of Québec requires the landlord to provide peaceful enjoyment of the dwelling throughout the term of the lease, which includes reasonable protection against disturbances caused by other tenants. And article 1860 provides that a tenant is bound to behave in such a way as not to disturb the normal enjoyment of the other tenants, on pain of cancellation of their lease. A demand letter addressed to the landlord, or to the tenant at fault, relies on these obligations.
Like any demand letter, it must set out the facts precisely (dates, actions, words), make a clear demand (to stop the behaviour) and allow a deadline. Document everything beforehand: a log of incidents, saved messages, witness accounts. That file is what will give the step weight if it has to go further.
Threats, violence, danger: this is not for that
A demand letter is not the right response to an emergency. If you are threatened, if you fear for your safety or that of a loved one, or if a behaviour crosses into violence, call 911 or contact your police service. This site does not deal with emergency situations and does not replace intervention by the authorities. For serious or repeated harassment, a lawyer can also inform you of recourses that go beyond a demand letter.
Frequently asked questions
Is receiving a demand letter intimidation?
No. It is a normal legal step, not a judgment: a person sets out what they hold against you, makes a demand and allows a deadline. A firm letter stays within its role as long as it sticks to facts and a demand. You are not required to accept what it demands, but ignoring it is rarely a good idea.
Can I ignore a demand letter I consider abusive?
No law obliges you to respond, but ignoring a demand letter is risky: the sender can turn to a tribunal, and your silence will show it. Even if you find the demand unjustified, a written reply setting out your position and contesting the facts protects your interests better than silence. Reply before the deadline and keep proof of sending.
Can I send a demand letter to make harassment stop?
Yes, in many cases. A written demand letter requires the behaviour to stop, sets a date and leaves proof that the person was warned. Between neighbours or tenants, it relies on the obligations of the Civil Code (arts. 1854 and 1860 C.C.Q.). It is often the preliminary step before other recourses. Document the incidents first.
What should I do in case of threats or immediate danger?
Do not use a demand letter for an emergency. If you are threatened or fear for your safety, call 911 or your police service. For serious or repeated harassment, consult a lawyer: some recourses go beyond a demand letter, and this site does not deal with emergency situations.
Does a demand letter between neighbours have any value?
Yes. Even without a lawyer, a dated, precise demand letter sent with proof of receipt establishes that the neighbour or tenant was clearly warned. Before the Tribunal administratif du logement, it is the documented facts (a log of incidents, messages, witness accounts) and that written warning that carry weight.