The Playbook

Dear [Landlord's name],

Re: Proposed rent increase at [rental property address]

Thank you for your notice dated [date of notice] proposing to increase
the monthly rent from [current rent] to [proposed rent].

I understand this property is located in a Rent Pressure Zone. Under the
Residential Tenancies Acts, rent in a Rent Pressure Zone may not be
increased by more than the permitted amount (currently a maximum of 2%
per year). The increase you have proposed appears to exceed this limit.

I would be grateful if you could:
1. Confirm the rent review complies with the Rent Pressure Zone rules; and
2. Provide the calculation used to arrive at the proposed figure.

If we cannot resolve this, I reserve the right to refer the matter to the
Residential Tenancies Board (RTB) for dispute resolution, which is free.

I value our tenancy and hope to resolve this amicably.

Kind regards,
[Your name]
[Date]

Dear [Landlord's name],

Re: Return of deposit — [rental property address]

I vacated the above property on [date] and returned the keys in good order.
To date, my deposit of [deposit amount] has not been returned.

Normal wear and tear is not a valid reason to withhold a deposit. If you
intend to make any deduction, please provide an itemised list with receipts
or quotes for each item within 7 days.

If the deposit (or the balance owed) is not returned within 14 days of this
letter, I will refer the matter to the Residential Tenancies Board, whose
dispute resolution service is free to tenants.

I would prefer to resolve this directly. Please confirm by return.

Kind regards,
[Your name]
[Date]

YOU: "Hi — I've been a customer for [X years] and my contract is up. I've
seen [competitor] offering [their price]. I'd rather stay, but I can't pay
more than them. What's the best you can do to keep me?"

  → If they offer a small discount:
YOU: "I appreciate that, but it's still more than [competitor]. Can you put
me through to your retentions/cancellations team to see what they can do?"

  → Retentions almost always have better deals. Repeat the competitor price.
YOU: "If you can match [price], I'll stay today. If not, I'll switch."

  → Always be polite, never threaten. Silence after you ask is your friend
    — let them fill it. Note the agent's name and the deal in writing.

If they won't budge: switch. The saving is worth the 15 minutes.

To: [Department / office name]
Re: Request for review/appeal — [scheme name], ref [your reference number]

I am writing to request a review of the decision dated [date] to refuse my
application for [scheme name].

I believe I meet the qualifying conditions because [briefly state your
reason — e.g. income, circumstances, documents provided]. I have enclosed
[list any supporting documents].

Please treat this as a formal request for a review/appeal of the decision.
If the decision is upheld, please confirm my right to appeal further and the
deadline to do so.

I look forward to your response.

Yours faithfully,
[Your name]
[Date]  ·  [PPS/National Insurance number]

Hi [Manager / HR name],

I'm claiming the Remote Working Relief from Revenue for the days I work from
home, and I need to confirm a couple of details:

1. The number of days I worked from home in [year]; and
2. Confirmation that I was not paid the €3.20/day tax-free remote allowance
   (or, if I was, the total amount paid).

A short email confirming these is all Revenue needs. Thanks so much!

[Your name]

To: The Valuation Office Agency

Re: Council Tax band review — [your full address, including postcode]

I believe my property may be in the wrong Council Tax band. Similar
neighbouring properties of comparable size and type appear to be in a
lower band, and my estimate of the property's 1991 value supports this.

Please review the banding of my property. I'd be grateful for confirmation
of the evidence used to set the current band, and details of how to formally
challenge it if appropriate.

Thank you,
[Your name] · [Contact details]

To: [Supplier] — Customer Care

Account: [account number] · [your address]

I'm writing to formally query my recent bill dated [date], which I believe
is incorrect. [Briefly: e.g. "It's based on an estimated reading far above my
actual usage" / "It includes a charge I didn't agree to."]

My actual meter reading today is [reading]. Please:
1. Re-issue a corrected bill based on the accurate reading, and
2. Confirm in writing what the disputed charge relates to.

Please treat this as a formal complaint and confirm receipt within 5 working
days. If unresolved, I'll refer it to the energy ombudsman.

[Your name]

To: [Retailer]

Re: Faulty item — order/receipt [number], purchased [date]

The [item] I bought is faulty: [briefly describe the fault]. Under consumer
law I'm entitled to a repair, replacement or refund for goods that are not of
satisfactory quality or as described.

I'd like a [refund / replacement]. Please confirm how you'll resolve this and
arrange any return at no cost to me.

A "no refunds" policy doesn't override my statutory rights. I look forward to
your reply within 14 days.

[Your name] · [Contact details]

To: [Company / lender]

Account: [number]

I'm currently having financial difficulty and want to deal with this
responsibly rather than miss payments without contact. I'd like to:

1. Agree a realistic, affordable payment arrangement, and
2. Ask that you pause any additional charges or collection action while we
   sort this out.

I'm also getting free advice from [MABS (Ireland) / Citizens Advice or
StepChange (UK)]. Please confirm what options you can offer.

Thank you for your understanding,
[Your name]