You live in a flat and you have a tenancy agreement- IELTS General Writing Task 1 [Semi-Formal Letter]

You live in a flat and you have a tenancy agreement- IELTS General Writing Task 1 [Semi-Formal Letter]

You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.
You live in a flat and you have a tenancy agreement which states that you must give three months' notice when you wish to leave. You have paid a deposit of two months' rent. Now a member of your family has a problem and you need to give up your flat and return home as soon as possible.
Write a letter to your landlord /landlady. 
In your letter, explain your circumstances tell him/her what you intend to do and ask him/her for special consideration
You should write at least 150 words.

Model Answer:

Dear Mrs. Patterson,

I hope this letter finds you well. I am reaching out to discuss an unforeseen situation that has arisen which directly impacts our current tenancy agreement.

Regrettably, I have just received news of a significant health concern in my immediate family, which necessitates my immediate return home to support and care for them. It’s a deeply unsettling time for us, and my presence at home is critically needed.

Given our agreement stipulates a three-month notice period, this would ordinarily mean informing you well in advance. However, due to the gravity of the situation, I kindly request special consideration. I intend to vacate the flat by the end of this month and will ensure it is in impeccable condition upon my departure.

I understand and respect our prior agreement, and I hope you can empathize with my situation. I am more than willing to discuss the two months’ deposit that I initially paid. If there’s a possibility of a partial refund, given these exceptional circumstances, it would be highly appreciated.

Your understanding and cooperation in this challenging time would mean a lot to me. Please let me know how best we can navigate this situation to ensure it’s fair for both of us.

Yours sincerely,

[Your Name]


Model Answer:

Dear Mr. Henderson,

I hope this letter finds you in good health. I am writing to explain a sudden change in my circumstances that requires urgent attention.

Recently, I received distressing news from my family regarding a health emergency concerning my younger sister. Given the severity of the situation, it is imperative for me to return home immediately to support and care for my family during these trying times.

Understanding our tenancy agreement stipulates a three-month notice period for vacating the flat, I am in a tight spot. I sincerely wish to comply with our agreement, but the urgency of the matter makes it challenging. I plan to vacate the flat by the end of this month and would greatly appreciate it if you could consider refunding a portion of the two-month deposit I’ve paid, considering the unforeseen nature of my departure.

I understand the inconvenience this might cause and am more than willing to assist in finding a new tenant or any other measure that could ease the transition. I humbly request your understanding and special consideration in this matter.

Yours sincerely,

[Your Name]


Important Vocabulary:

  1. Distressing
    • Definition: Causing anxiety, sorrow or pain; upsetting.
    • Example: The distressing news of the earthquake had everyone worried about their loved ones.
  2. Imperative
    • Definition: Of vital importance; crucial.
    • Example: It’s imperative to act quickly in medical emergencies.
  3. Stipulate
    • Definition: Demand or specify (a requirement), typically as part of an agreement.
    • Example: The contract stipulates the payment terms and deadlines.
  4. Tight spot
    • Definition: A difficult situation.
    • Example: Being between two conflicting friends often puts one in a tight spot.
  5. Unforeseen
    • Definition: Not anticipated or predicted; unexpected.
    • Example: The unforeseen expenses of the trip meant they had to adjust their budget.
  6. Transition
    • Definition: The process or a period of changing from one state or condition to another.
    • Example: The transition from student life to working full-time was challenging for him.
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