These fictional examples show how you might explain a problem and ask for it to be put right. They are not customer stories or promises of a result. The neighbour and tenancy examples are for information; our consumer letter tool does not cover those disputes.
Each example links to a guide with documents to gather, sample wording and places to get further help.
Fictional example · Neighbours and property
In this fictional example, a homeowner notices new fence posts inside what they believe was the old garden line. They have photographs but no agreed survey. They gather the plans and ask their neighbour to discuss the position before work continues. The example does not establish who owns the land or how the disagreement ends.
Read the guide and exampleFictional example · Neighbours and noise
In this fictional example, a resident records barking between midnight and 1am on four nights. They give the owner those dates and ask whether bringing the dog inside or changing its routine might help. The example shows a way to start the conversation; it does not report that the noise stopped.
Read the guide and exampleFictional example · Faulty goods
In this fictional example, a customer buys a €249 kettle that stops heating after three days. The retailer refers them to the manufacturer's warranty. The customer writes back with the purchase date, receipt and details of the fault, asking for a refund. The example does not report a refund or a decision against the retailer.
Read the guide and exampleFictional example · Home improvements
In this fictional example, a homeowner pays €600 for painting. Two agreed start dates pass, with no work or materials supplied. They gather the quote, payment record and messages, then ask the painter to explain whether the deposit will be returned. The example does not decide whether a refund is due.
Read the guide and exampleFictional example · Home improvements
In this fictional example, a kitchen has two doors still to be fitted and an uneven worktop joint. The customer has paid most of the price. They list the missing doors separately from the worktop problem and ask the builder to explain how and when each will be addressed. No settlement or expert assessment is reported.
Read the guide and exampleFictional example · Cars
In this fictional example, a used car repeatedly loses power soon after collection from a dealer. A garage records the fault codes. The buyer sends the dealer the report and purchase details, asking how the fault will be addressed. This does not establish that the dealer knew about it or that a full refund is due.
Read the guide and exampleFictional example · Online shopping
In this fictional example, a €180 desk lamp is marked delivered, but the photo shows an unfamiliar doorway. The customer did not agree to delivery to a neighbour. They send the seller the order address and photo and ask it to investigate. The example does not report a refund or establish who is responsible.
Read the guide and exampleFictional example · Renting
In this fictional example, a tenant is told €350 will be kept for damage but receives no breakdown. They have dated move-out photos, so they ask for an explanation and evidence for each deduction. The example does not decide whether damage occurred or report an RTB decision.
Read the guide and exampleFictional example · Phone and broadband
In this fictional example, a provider confirms that service ended in June but bills for July and August. The customer quotes the confirmed end date and asks about those two charges. The example does not report a refund or regulator decision.
Read the guide and exampleFictional example · Car hire
In this fictional example, a renter is charged €420 for a scratch. A photo taken at collection appears to show a mark in the same place. They send the photo to the rental firm and ask it to compare the inspection records. The example does not establish that the charge was wrong.
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