Requesting a two-year rental contract extension

The task

You have been living in a rented apartment for the last two years. Your rental agreement will expire in two months, but you want to extend it for another two years.

Write a letter to the agency. In your letter:

→introduce yourself
→say why you want to extend the contract
→mention what changes you would recommend in the contract

Write at least 150 words. You do not need to write any addresses. Begin your letter: Dear ...,

Model answer

Band 8 sample letter

Band 8182 words. Names and details are invented; write your own.

Dear Mr. Henderson,

I am writing to formally request an extension of my tenancy at 14 Oakwood Terrace, where I have resided for the past two years. My current lease is due to expire in two months, and I would very much like to renew it for a further two-year term.

I have thoroughly enjoyed living here; the location is ideal for my commute, and I have always ensured that the property is well-maintained and that rent payments are made punctually. Given my desire for long-term stability, extending the lease would be a mutually beneficial arrangement.

Regarding the contract terms, I would like to propose two adjustments. Firstly, I request that the annual rent increase be capped at two percent to align with current market trends. Secondly, I suggest including a clause that allows for minor interior redecoration, provided that the walls are returned to their original colour upon vacating the premises.

I hope you will consider these recommendations favourably. I am available to discuss this further at your earliest convenience and look forward to receiving your response.

Yours sincerely,

Julian Thorne

Write your own and get a band

Answer this prompt in a timed General Training writing test and get a band for task achievement, coherence, vocabulary and grammar, with the sentences to fix.

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Examiner's view

Why this scores well

This response achieves Band 8 by addressing all bullet points with sophisticated, natural language and a consistent formal tone. A common Band 6 mistake is failing to propose specific, reasonable contract changes, instead offering only vague requests for a renewal.

→Write to an organisation or someone you do not know: open with Dear Sir or Madam, close with Yours faithfully.
→If you know the person's surname, use Dear Mr or Ms and close with Yours sincerely.
→No contractions, no slang; polite indirect requests such as I would be grateful if you could.

6 phrases

Useful phrases from the letter

resided
lived in a place for a period of time
punctually
at the agreed time without being late
mutually beneficial
resulting in advantages for both involved parties
capped
a limit placed on an amount or price
vacating
leaving a building or room permanently
favourably
showing approval or a positive attitude towards something

Frequently asked questions

Is this letter formal or informal?+

Formal. Write to an organisation or someone you do not know: open with Dear Sir or Madam, close with Yours faithfully.

How many words should an IELTS General Training letter be?+

At least 150 words, and 160 to 200 is the comfortable range. Spend about 20 minutes on it and leave 40 for Task 2, which carries twice the marks.

What does the examiner look for?+

Keep practising

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