- Honest draftsBuilt only from the facts you type
- Nothing storedDrafts are not saved or used for training
- Edit before sendingYou review every line
- No sign-upFree daily drafts, no account
What to include
- The notice you received and its date
- The amount owed
- Any assistance applications already submitted (with dates)
- Your proposed payment schedule
- A request to pause the filing while assistance is processed
Example of facts to type
The tool works best with plain facts like these (made-up example):
I received a notice to pay or quit on October 20, 2026. I owe $2,400 for September and October. I applied for emergency rental assistance on October 22. I can pay $400 now and $300 every two weeks.
Letter outline you can copy
Prefer to write it yourself? Use this structure. Replace everything in [brackets].
[Your name, address, phone, email] [Date] [Recipient name / department and address] Re: [Account, loan or case number] - Hardship request Dear [Name or department], Paragraph 1: Who you are, the account, and that you are writing to request help. Paragraph 2: What happened, when, and how it changed your income or expenses (brief, factual). Paragraph 3: Where things stand now: current income, what you can pay, and when the situation should improve. Paragraph 4: Your specific request (for example, a payment plan, forbearance, fee waiver) and the documents enclosed. Thank you for considering my request. I can be reached at [phone/email]. Sincerely, [Name]
How to write a hardship letter that gets read
A hardship letter explains a real change in your circumstances and asks for a specific kind of help. The people reading it often handle many requests a day, so the most useful letters are short, factual and easy to check against your documents.
- Be specific. Dates, amounts and the exact request help a reviewer act.
- Stay truthful. Never overstate a hardship; inconsistencies with your documents can hurt your request.
- Show the path forward. Explain what you can pay now and when things should improve.
- Keep copies of everything you send, and note the date and method.
Before you send it
- Replace every [bracketed] placeholder or delete the line.
- Check that each date, amount and name is exactly right.
- Remove anything that is not true or that you cannot support.
- Keep a copy and note when and how you sent it.
Related hardship letters
- Hardship letter for mortgage (loan modification or forbearance)
- Hardship letter for loan modification
- Hardship letter for rent (to landlord)
- Hardship letter for rental assistance
- Hardship letter for back rent
- Hardship letter to break apartment lease
- Hardship letter for medical bills
- Hardship letter to credit card company
Frequently asked questions
Is this legal advice?
No. Eviction rules vary by state and city. Local legal aid or a tenant rights organization can tell you your rights and deadlines.
What if the landlord refuses?
Keep copies of everything you sent. A refusal does not end your options; ask legal aid what comes next where you live.
Is LetterRuler free?
Yes. There is a daily limit on free letters so the service stays free for everyone.
Do you keep my letter?
No. Your text is sent to Cloudflare Workers AI to create the draft and is not stored in our database. See the privacy policy.
