Deposit Return from a Contractor Who Never Started
Draft deposit Return from a Contractor Who Never Started with an escalation ladder and an evidence checklist.
The Open buttons send the prompt text as currently shown below to that site only when you click. Fill in the placeholders first.
Write a letter asking for the return of a deposit paid to a contractor who did not begin the work. Details I will supply: contractor [CONTRACTOR_NAME], deposit [DEPOSIT_AMOUNT], date paid [PAYMENT_DATE], start date promised [PROMISED_START], contact attempts [CONTACT_ATTEMPTS]. The draft must list the promises and contact attempts, state that I am cancelling, and ask for the deposit back by a date. Facts and papers worth gathering: the deposit receipt, the signed quote or contract, every message arranging a start date, and a dated list of my attempts to reach them by phone and in writing. What I can realistically request: full return of the deposit by a stated date, or an itemized account of any cost they say was already incurred, with receipts for materials. A typical reply: "The deposit covers materials and scheduling." Answer by asking for the supplier invoices, delivery proof and the contract clause that makes the deposit non-refundable if they never began. For the deposit return from a contractor who never started, question me one at a time, starting with the facts still blank, and write nothing until I say go. Provide the letter itself and a cover note of roughly 60 words, followed by an if-ignored ladder (tracked mail to the registered address, then a licensing board or trade body, then payment provider if paid by card), then a list of exhibits (contract, receipt, messages, call log), plus a proof-of-delivery tip. Mail the letter by tracked or certified mail with a signature on delivery, then file the tracking page once it shows delivered. Start by asking what is still missing and point out assertions I cannot back up. Compose the letter from me personally as a layperson, never as an attorney, and invent no credentials or bar numbers. Cite no statute, case or deadline from memory; work from [JURISDICTION] and [RELEVANT_LAW_OR_POLICY_IF_KNOWN], and add a line telling me to verify the exact law with a professional or my local consumer agency. Stay calm, plain and courteous, and no accusations I cannot support, and put the date from [DEADLINE] on any request. Read this as a writing task, not legal advice, so suggest checking with an adviser before I send anything important.
Fill in before use
Optional: type your details and the prompt above updates. Nothing is saved or sent.
Replace each bracketed placeholder with your own details, then paste into Any AI or another assistant.