Practice Task 8 · Parts 1–4

From: Priya Anand, Unit 412

To: Marcus Ito, Building Manager, Cedarbrook Apartments

Subject: Ongoing noise and low heat in Unit 412

Hi Marcus,

I am writing about two issues in my unit. First, for the past three weeks, the tenants in Unit 512 directly above me have been running what sounds like a washing machine or exercise equipment after 11 p.m. most nights. I have knocked on their door twice, but no one answers, and the noise usually continues until well past midnight. I know the lease states quiet hours begin at 10 p.m., so I wanted to raise this formally rather than keep knocking.

Second, and this is more urgent, my apartment has not been getting above 17 degrees since the cold snap started last week, even with the thermostat set to 22. I called the emergency maintenance line on Tuesday, and someone came to look at the radiator but said the whole floor's heating loop needs to be checked by a specialist, which they could not schedule until next week.

I understand maintenance is busy this time of year, but 17 degrees is uncomfortable for my two young children, and I would like to know if there is a faster option, such as a portable heater provided by the building, or a temporary unit transfer if one is available.

Could you also let me know whether the noise complaint needs to go through the tenant association first, or whether I can send it directly to you as I have done here?

Thank you,

Priya

— REPLY —

From: Marcus Ito

To: Priya Anand

Subject: RE: Ongoing noise and low heat in Unit 412

Hi Priya,

Thanks for flagging both of these, and I am sorry about the discomfort with your kids at home.

On the heat: I can send over two portable electric heaters today, free of charge, to cover you until the specialist visit. A temporary unit transfer is only offered when a unit drops below 15 degrees for more than 48 hours, which yours has not, so that option is not available right now, but I will monitor the temperature logs daily. The specialist is confirmed for Monday, and repairs to a shared heating loop like yours usually take one day once the technician is on-site.

On the noise: you can send complaints directly to me, as you have done — the tenant association only needs to be involved if a dispute goes to formal mediation, which is rare. I will contact Unit 512 today and remind them of the 10 p.m. quiet hours listed in every lease. If the noise continues after that, please log the dates and times, since three documented incidents allow me to issue a formal written warning under the building's conduct policy.

Let me know a good time today for the heater delivery.

Marcus