General Training Writing Task 1
6. Letter to Landlord (Semi-formal)
You have been living in a rented flat for 3 years. You recently received a letter from your landlord in which he informed you that your rent will increase by 30% next year. You are not happy about this very large increase.
In your letter you should say:
say why you are writing
describe the problem and explain how you feel
propose a solution
Model Answer:
Dear Mr Giffens,
I am writing with regards to the letter you sent me on 1st June. I was taken aback to find out that you want to raise the rent on the flat by 30% next year. This is an extremely large increase and was quite a shock.
As you are aware, I have been renting your flat for the past five years, and during that time you have raised the rent three times. In the past, I managed to pay the extra cost as the increases were reasonable. I did not complain, and even though I have had to tighten my belt and as a family we have had to cut back on some expenses, I have always paid the rent on time each month. Unfortunately, this huge increase in the rent means that it will be impossible for us to stay in the flat next year. This will be very upsetting for my family, especially for my wife and kids, who are very attached to the flat.
I would like to suggest that we meet to discuss the problem. Your rental apartment is my family’s home and we would really like to stay. I hope we can come to an agreement concerning a reasonable increase in next year’s rent.
Regards,
Henry Jackman
Useful Phrases:
Introduction:
I am writing with regards to...
I was taken aback to find out that...
Describe the problem:
As you are aware,...
Unfortunately, this means that...
Saying how you feel:
This will be very upsetting for...
Propose a solution:
I would like to suggest that...
Ending:
I hope we can come to an agreement concerning...