Charlie Said:

Need help writing formal letter to landlord for repairs?

We Answered:

They mean formal as in procedural, not formal as in format.

Keep it simple, and send it both regular and certified mail.

Do not add anything such as what you believe your rights are, long stories, your feelings, all your personal problems, your frustration, conditions, threats, time frames, etc. You have been told to send a formal request for repairs to your landlord, period. You have not been asked to give deadlines, your interpretation of the law or your lease, or any other type of statement.

Also, do not offer your opinion on the nature or scope of the work. You are not a licensed plumber, electrician, contractor, etc. Simply state the problem, such as the front door does not close properly, the kitchen faucet leaks, the heat in the rear bedroom does not work, etc.

Do it just like this:

Date

Name and address of Landlord

re: your address, apartment #, etc

Dear Landlord,

The following items are in need of replacement and/or repair:

1)
2)
3)

Please make the necessary arrangements.

Thank you,

sign your name

Virginia Said:

Got a question about writing a formal letter.?

We Answered:

Yes you need paragraphs. Generally, a minimum of three are needed. Each paragraph should hold a new idea.
First: An introduction to the letter("As my representative, I am writing to ask/express...")
Second: The body of the letter / the purpose ("This issue is important because...")
Third: A conclusion/wrap up/thanks for your time.( Thank you for your time and attention to this important issue. I look forward to...")

If you are addressing several issues, they should each have their own paragraph. Keep it short and be as direct as possible.

Try the following link for the two basic layouts for formal letters.

http://www.wisc.edu/writing/Handbook/Bus…

Good luck.

Bullets belong in memos - NOT formal letters

Clarence Said:

I'm writing a formal letter, but I am not quite sure how to start?

We Answered:

Dear (important person)

We (the school) would be delighted if you could come and visit our school (for some occasion/reason/on a particular date).

And end with 'Yours sincerely'

Tony Said:

How should I start a formal letter?

We Answered:

UK English:

Dear Sir or Madam is the accepted form.

"Dear" is meaningless in this context! It is just a convention.

If you are addressing a company, then put the name of the company and, if you have some idea of the person you are directing the letter to, write (underlined): "For the attention of the Head of Marketing" or For the attention of the Head of Human Resources". If you don't quite get it right, they're not going to be put out by a small error like that.

If you know the person's name, however, you should use it.

If you start "Dear Sir" you should sign off: "Yours faithfully" or "Yours truly".
If you use a person's name, you should sign: "Yours sincerely".

This is a helpful link: http://esl.about.com/cs/onthejobenglish/…


With all respect to Ketan, I have only ever known Indians use the term "Respected Sir".

Dawn Said:

Can anyone have a look my letter, correct some mistake, i am so bad at writing formal letter?

We Answered:

To Whom It May Concern:

My name is (Your Name Goes Here). I am writing this letter to invite my parents to visit Australia.

I am the only child in my family. My husband and I run a retail chain business and we really do not have time to go back to China to spend time with them. My parents are very busy also. As a result, we only spent ten weeks together during the last four years. In August, my mother will retire so I hoped that she could come and live with me for several months. Moreover, my father will have a one month holiday in December. I would really enjoy if we could celebrate Christmas and the New Year together in Australia this year.

I look forward to your decision.

Many Regards,

(Your Signature with inkpen)

(Your Name in Print)