Letter of Intent (LOI) Template

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All states | 7 types

Updated Mar 21, 2025

~ 1 page

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A Letter of Intent is a preliminary agreement between two parties expressing mutual interest in pursuing a future contract. It is used to outline key terms before formal negotiations or deal finalization.

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Written by Megan Thompson, LLB - Reviewed by Kate Adkham, LLB

Template Types

Graduate Letter of Intent (LOI)

This form helps ensure you deliver the right impression for a graduate program.

Letter of Intent to Marry

This letter of intent to marry clearly states a couple's intention to get married.

Letter of Intent to Sue

This document conveys a party's intention to initiate a lawsuit against another party.

School Letter of Intent

This letter communicates a student's intention to attend a specific school.

Business Purchase Letter of Intent

This LOI is typically necessary when there are serious intentions to acquire a company.

Real Estate Letter of Intent (LOI)

This type of LOI is necessary for prospective buyers who decide to purchase a property.

Template Description

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Paper titled "Letter of Intent"; man standing with a suitcase and talking to a woman holding a folder; desk with an armchair

The letter of intent (LOI) helps you express interest in a business or partnership without having to sign a full contract right away. It’s a polite and professional way to start a conversation and show that you’re acting in good faith — meaning you're honest and open about your plans, without needing to bring in lawyers just yet.

When To Use a Letter of Intent

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Common situations

A letter of intent template can be helpful when you want to show you're serious about starting something — like buying, renting, or leasing a property. You can also use the LOI template when you're planning to work with another business, buy part of it, or start a partnership.

Students might also use a letter of intent format PDF to apply to a school or university. It's a way to say, “I’m really interested in your program,” and share a bit about your goals and why you'd be a good fit.

When not to use a letter of intent example

Don’t use a sample letter of intent if both sides are already close to making a final deal. At that point, it’s better to go straight to a proper contract instead of adding another step that could slow things down.

How To Fill in a Letter of Intent: Step-by-Step

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Step 1: Fill in the sender and recipient details

Write your full name in the "From" section.
Write the other party’s full name in the "To" section.
If you are writing this on behalf of a business, you can include the company name.
Add your address where it says "usual place of living." If this is a business deal, use your work address.

Example:

From: John Miller, an individual having the usual place of living at 123 Main Street, New York, NY
To: Jane Smith, an individual having the usual place of living at 456 Park Avenue, Los Angeles, CA

Step 2: Express your intentions clearly

Start the letter with a polite greeting (Dear [Recipient’s Name]).
Mention why you are writing the LOI (e.g., discussing a business deal, collaboration, or service agreement).

Example:

Dear Jane Smith,
I am writing to express our mutual interest in a potential business partnership.

Step 3: Define the agreement terms

Write the scope and objectives (What is this agreement about?)
List responsibilities (What each party needs to do)
Include financial arrangements (Payment details, fees, or contributions)

Example:

Scope and objectives: Partnering on a marketing project.
Responsibilities: John Miller will provide digital marketing services; Jane Smith will manage client communication.
Financial arrangements: Payment of $2,000 per month for services rendered.

Step 4: Specify the governing law and deadline for response

Choose which state’s law will apply if there are disputes.
Set a deadline for the other person to respond to the LOI form.

Example:

Governing law: This Letter of Intent shall be governed by the laws of the State of California.

If you agree to the aforementioned terms, please provide your written response by no later than March 30, 2025.

Step 5: Sign the letter of intent

Sign your name at the bottom and write the date of the agreement.
The recipient should also sign if they agree.

Always keep a copy of the signed LOI.
If unsure about legal terms, consult a lawyer before signing.