You paid a refundable deposit when you rented an apartment: Semi-Formal Letter [IELTS General Writing Task 1 ] 

You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.

You paid a refundable deposit when you rented an apartment a year ago. You left the apartment last month in good condition but the landlord won’t return your deposit.

Write a letter to the landlord. In your letter,

  • introduce yourself and say why you are writing
  • ask for the return of your deposit
  • inform the landlord of possible action if he/she does not agree to refund the amount

Write at least 150 words.

You do NOT need to write any addresses.

Begin your letter as follows:

Dear ………………,

Vocabulary:

  1. Refundable (adjective) – Capable of being returned in exchange for a refund, usually due to some form of guarantee or policy.
  • Example: I paid a refundable deposit with the understanding that it would be returned to me upon vacating the apartment.
  1. Diligence (noun) – Careful and persistent work or effort.
  • Example: I exercised diligence in maintaining the apartment to ensure it remained in good condition.
  1. Repercussions (noun) – Unintended consequences occurring some time after an event or action, especially an unwelcome one.
  • Example: Ignoring my request could lead to legal repercussions.

Sample Letter:

Dear Mr. Johnson,

I hope this letter finds you well. My name is [Your Name], and I was a tenant in your apartment at 45 Elm Street, Apartment 12B, from August of last year to last month. I am writing concerning the refundable deposit of $1,000 that I paid at the beginning of the lease agreement.

As you are well aware, I ensured that the apartment was well-maintained throughout my tenancy. Upon my departure last month, I made certain that the apartment was cleaned and left in the same condition as it was when I first moved in. Despite this, and our agreement regarding the refundable deposit, I have not received the said amount or any communication from your end explaining the delay.

I kindly request you to process the return of my deposit promptly. It was mutually agreed that this amount would be refunded after ensuring no damages were inflicted on the property, and I have upheld my end of the deal.

I value our good relations and hope that this matter can be resolved amicably. However, I must also inform you that if the deposit is not returned within the next two weeks, I will be compelled to take further action. I believe it won’t come to that, and we can settle this matter without any complications.

Thank you for your immediate attention to this matter. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Warm regards,

[Your Name].

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