Email to property manager for rental application (CLB 9)
Task prompt
You are interested in renting a two-bedroom apartment you saw advertised online. Write an email to the property manager introducing yourself, providing relevant background information, explaining why you are a good tenant, and asking to schedule a viewing.
Your task
Write a formal introductory email to a property manager about renting an apartment. Your email must:
- Introduce yourself professionally
- Provide relevant background (employment, stability, household size)
- Position yourself as a reliable tenant
- Request a viewing
Word count target: 150–190 words
Model answer (CLB 9)
Subject: Inquiry Regarding Two-Bedroom Unit — 89 Elmwood Avenue, Unit 6C
Dear Property Manager,
I am writing to express my interest in the two-bedroom unit currently listed for rent at 89 Elmwood Avenue. I came across the listing on Kijiji and believe the location and unit size would be an excellent fit for my household.
I am a registered nurse employed full-time at St. Michael’s Hospital, where I have worked for the past six years. I am a non-smoker, I do not have pets, and my household consists of just myself and my partner. I have maintained a strong rental history with my current landlord, Mr. Daniel Park at Ridgewood Properties, who I am happy to provide as a reference.
I would be grateful for the opportunity to view the unit at your earliest convenience. I am available on weekday evenings after 5:00 p.m. or any time on weekends.
Thank you for considering my inquiry. I look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely, Fatima Al-Rashid (416) 555-0371
Why this scores CLB 9
| CLB Criterion | What this response does well |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Competitive application email that pre-empts landlord concerns |
| Detail | Occupation, employment duration, household composition, no pets/smoking, reference offered |
| Organization | Introduction → qualifications → availability → polite close |
| Tone | Formal, confident, non-pressuring |
| Vocabulary | ”strong rental history,” “non-smoker,” “at your earliest convenience” |
| Grammar | Consistent formality, varied sentence lengths, no errors |
Common mistakes at CLB 7–8
| Weak version | Why it loses marks |
|---|---|
| ”I want the apartment. Can I see it?” | Provides zero information to support the application |
| Mentioning only the viewing request | Miss the “introduce yourself / background” requirement |
| Too much personal detail (“I have two children and a dog”) | In this context, a dog would hurt the application — think strategically |
| Vague availability (“I’m free anytime”) | Specific availability is more professional and easier to act on |
Examiner tip
Rental application emails are a competitive genre — you are selling yourself to a stranger. CLB 9 writers understand that every detail they include serves a strategic purpose. Employment stability, no pets, no smoking, and a reference available on request are all risk reducers from a landlord’s perspective. Write from the reader’s point of view.