Your rented accommodation was recently damaged: Semi-Formal Letter [IELTS General Writing Task 1 ]

You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.

You live in rented accommodation which was recently damaged due to the bad weather.

Write a letter to the landlord. In your letter:

      – explain what caused the damage
      – why you need him/her to fix the problem right away
      – what needs to be done to fix it

You should write at least 150 words.

You do NOT need to write any addresses.

Begin your letter as follows:

Dear …………..,

Model Answer 1

Dear Mr. Hamilton,

I trust this letter finds you well. I am reaching out to bring to your attention a pressing matter concerning the property I currently rent from you.

Recently, our area was subjected to a severe storm with extremely strong winds and heavy rain. This inclement weather has unfortunately resulted in significant damage to the apartment. Specifically, the storm caused harm to the roof, leading to water leaks in the main living area. Some tiles appear to be dislodged, which might be the primary reason for the leak.

It is imperative that this problem is addressed immediately. Continued water intrusion could lead to extensive damage, such as dampness on walls, mold growth, and potential harm to the interior furnishings. Besides the tangible damage, the damp environment poses health risks to the inhabitants, particularly during this cold season.

To remedy this situation, a thorough inspection of the roof will be essential to pinpoint all damaged areas. Subsequently, it would be necessary to replace the affected tiles and ensure the roof is sealed properly to prevent future leaks. I kindly suggest hiring a professional to undertake these repairs.

I would deeply appreciate your immediate attention to this matter. I trust in your commitment to ensuring the well-being and safety of your tenants.

Warm regards,

Jane Whitman.

Model Answer 2

Dear Mr. Thompson,

I hope this letter finds you in good spirits. I am reaching out to discuss a pressing issue regarding the apartment I rent from you.

The recent bout of extreme weather, which brought torrential rain and fierce winds, has caused significant damage to the property. The main point of concern is the roof, which now has visible damages, resulting in water leaking into the living room. The influx of water is not only damaging the flooring but also the walls, risking mold formation.

Given the severity of the damage and the potential for it to worsen with more rainfall, I believe it’s essential to address this problem urgently. Continuous exposure to the dampness could deteriorate the property further and may result in health issues.

To address the situation, I recommend a professional assessment to identify the full extent of the damage. Once identified, the necessary repairs, such as tile replacement and waterproofing, should be carried out to avoid recurrence.

Your prompt response and action on this matter would be greatly appreciated. I am hopeful that we can work together to ensure the longevity and safety of the property.

Best regards,

Richard Lawrence.


Important Vocabulary:

  1. Inclement Weather
    • Definition: Harsh or severe weather that’s usually stormy or rainy.
    • Example: The football match was postponed due to inclement weather.
  2. Dislodged
    • Definition: Moved or forced out of a place or position.
    • Example: The hurricane dislodged many tiles from the rooftops.
  3. Intrusion
    • Definition: The act of wrongly entering a place, situation, or sphere of activity.
    • Example: The constant intrusion of rainwater has damaged my library.
  4. Dampness
    • Definition: Slight wetness; moistness.
    • Example: Dampness in basements can lead to mold formation.
  5. Mold Growth
    • Definition: The formation of fungi on damp surfaces.
    • Example: Due to the leak, there’s a considerable mold growth on the northern wall.
  6. Imperative
    • Definition: Of vital importance; crucial.
    • Example: It’s imperative to repair the damages before the next rainstorm.
  7. Bout
    • Definition: A short period of intense activity.
    • Example: The city experienced a bout of heavy rain last night.
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