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Writing · W1

CELPIP complaint email example: a noisy apartment

A complete complaint email with a clear impact, a realistic request and explanations of tone.

By MockMaple · Updated

Try the prompt

Write to your building manager about repeated late-night noise from the shared lounge. Explain the problem, describe its effect on you and suggest a practical solution. Write about 150–200 words.

  • The lounge is beside your bedroom.
  • Noise continued after 11 p.m. on three evenings this week.
  • You want a workable arrangement, not the permanent closure of the lounge.

Plan your approach

  1. Describe the pattern with concrete details.
  2. Explain the effect without attacking residents.
  3. Request a practical rule and a way to report further problems.

Complete sample response

Dear Building Manager, I am writing about late-night noise from the shared lounge beside my apartment. On Monday, Wednesday and Thursday this week, loud conversations and music continued after eleven. The sound travels through the wall next to my bedroom, even when I close the windows. I begin work early and need to wake up at six. After these evenings, I have struggled to sleep and have felt tired during my morning shift. I appreciate that residents need a place to meet, and I am not asking you to close the lounge permanently. Could you introduce quiet hours after ten and place a clear reminder near the entrance? It might also help to ask anyone booking the room to acknowledge the rule in advance. If a gathering continues beyond those hours, please let residents know whom they should contact. I would appreciate an update by the end of the week. Thank you for helping us find an arrangement that allows social activities while respecting neighbouring apartments. Kind regards, Alex Chen

170 words, counting space-separated words including the greeting and sign-off.

Why these choices work

A response or interpretation to improve

The lounge is terrible. Everyone is selfish. You must close it immediately.

Describe observable behaviour

The opening names three evenings and the type of noise. It avoids claiming that every resident behaves badly.

Connect the problem to its effect

The early shift explains why lost sleep matters. The acknowledgement of social needs keeps the email cooperative.

Make the request actionable

Quiet hours, a posted reminder and a contact person give the manager concrete options. These are proposed arrangements, not claims about an existing legal rule.

Vocabulary in context

disruptive

Interrupting an activity or normal routine.

The late-night music is disruptive.

Choose the right alternative: Loud describes volume; disruptive describes its effect.

Usage note: Describe the behaviour as disruptive rather than attacking a person.

I would appreciate

A courteous way to introduce something you would value.

I would appreciate an update by Friday.

Choose the right alternative: Please send an update is more direct, while still potentially polite.

Usage note: Use a noun or an -ing form after appreciate: appreciate receiving an update.

Explore vocabulary, synonyms and idioms

Check your understanding

Choose an answer to see the evidence and an explanation for every option. These checks are not a proficiency score.

1. Which request best fits the stated goal?
All answers and explanations

Which request best fits the stated goal?

Answer: Introduce quiet hours and explain how to report late noise.

Evidence: I am not asking you to close the lounge permanently.

  • Close the lounge permanently.: The prompt explicitly wants a workable arrangement rather than permanent closure.
  • Introduce quiet hours and explain how to report late noise.: This preserves access while addressing late-night disturbance.
  • Promise that nobody will make noise again.: The manager cannot reasonably guarantee every resident’s future behaviour.

Try a new situation

Write an email about deliveries blocking the shared entrance. Describe a specific problem, its effect and a practical arrangement that still allows residents to receive parcels.

Use your own notes or voice recorder, then check your work:

  • Did you cover the problem, impact and solution?
  • Does your requested action fit the facts?
  • Could the recipient understand your request without guessing?
Apply this in free practice

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