IELTS General Task 1: Letter to Your Landlord About Repairs Needed

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Writing Prompt

You have been renting a flat for several months, and a number of things in it now need to be repaired. Your landlord, whom you know personally, has asked tenants to report any problems in writing.

Write a letter to your landlord. In your letter:

thank the landlord for asking tenants to report problems
describe the repairs that need to be carried out
suggest a convenient time for the work to be done

Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear Mr Bradley,

Show Band 8–9 model answer

Dear Mr Bradley,

Thank you for recently asking us to let you know, in writing, about any problems in the flat. I really appreciate how proactive you are in keeping the building well maintained.

Over the past few weeks, a few issues have appeared that now need attention. First, the hot-water tap in the bathroom sink has become very stiff and only produces a trickle, which makes it difficult to use. Second, there is a damp patch spreading on the corner of the bedroom ceiling; after heavy rain, small flakes of paint fall onto the floor. Finally, two of the kitchen cupboard doors have loose hinges and do not close properly, so they may soon come off altogether if not tightened or replaced.

I am generally at work during the day, but it would be convenient for me if the repairs could be carried out on a weekday morning between 8 and 10 a.m., or any time on Saturday. I would be happy to leave a spare key with my neighbour, Mrs Hughes in Flat 3, if that makes things easier for you or for the contractor.

Thank you again for your attention to this.

Yours sincerely,
Samuel Price

Why this response works

This letter clearly addresses all bullet points and maintains an appropriately polite, semi-formal tone for a landlord the writer knows personally. The purpose is immediately established and extended with relevant detail. The repairs are described specifically and coherently, with logical sequencing and clear explanation of consequences. Suggestions about timing are precise and realistic, adding cohesion and task achievement. Vocabulary is varied yet natural (e.g. “proactive,” “damp patch,” “contractor”), and the grammar range includes complex sentences with accurate control. Paragraphing is clear and supports easy readability, showing strong overall coherence and cohesion.