How to Write a Deadline Extension or Shortening Request Letter: 13 Examples & Templates

Letter #1: Deadline Extension Request Due to Illness

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I am writing to request a deadline extension for [Task/Project Name]. Unfortunately, I have been dealing with a sudden illness that has significantly impacted my ability to complete the work on time. I have attached a doctor's note for your reference.

I understand the importance of meeting deadlines and would like to request an extension until [New Deadline Date]. I am confident that I will be able to complete the work to your satisfaction if granted this extension.

Thank you for your understanding and consideration.

Letter #2: Request for Deadline Shortening Due to Early Completion

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I am pleased to inform you that I have completed the [Task/Project Name] ahead of schedule. The original deadline was set for [Original Deadline Date], but I was able to finish all tasks by [New Completion Date].

I would like to request that we move the deadline up to [New Deadline Date]. This would allow us to allocate resources to other projects sooner and potentially achieve our overall goals more efficiently.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Letter #3: Deadline Adjustment Request Due to Scope Change

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I am writing to request a deadline adjustment for the [Task/Project Name]. The scope of the project has recently changed, with the addition of [New Tasks/Requirements]. These changes will require additional time and resources to complete.

Therefore, I propose adjusting the deadline from [Original Deadline Date] to [New Deadline Date]. I have attached a revised project timeline for your review.

I am confident that this adjustment will allow us to deliver the project successfully while maintaining the high quality of work you expect.

Letter #4: Request to Extend Storm Window Delivery Deadline

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Due to a labor dispute at the manufacturing plant in Springfield, we request a 14-day extension on your storm window delivery. Your order will ship as soon as work resumes. We apologize for any inconvenience and appreciate your understanding.

Letter #5: Request to Expedite New Home Completion

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Due to extenuating circumstances, I request to move our new home completion date from April 15th to April 1st. I am willing to pay an additional $[amount] ($100 per day) to cover any extra expenses incurred. Please contact me at [phone number] to discuss this change.

Letter #6: Deadline Change for Carpet Installation

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The deadline for carpet installation has been changed from April 10th to April 24th due to a delay in painting the building's interior. This adjustment should prevent overtime costs. Please contact me if you have any concerns.

Letter #7: Delay in Order Processing and New Shipping Date

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Due to an overwhelming response to our offer, your order will now be shipped on October 1st instead of August 31st. We apologize for the delay and offer cancellation if you prefer. If not, we will proceed with fulfilling your order.

Letter #8: Deadline Extension Request Due to Unexpected Delays

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We are requesting a [Number] day extension on the [Project Name] deadline due to unforeseen [Reason]. We are working diligently to resolve the issue and minimize any further delays. We apologize for any inconvenience and appreciate your understanding.

Letter #9: Request to Shorten Project Timeline

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We propose to shorten the [Project Name] timeline by [Number] weeks. We have identified opportunities for optimization and are confident in delivering high-quality results within the shorter timeframe. We request your approval and will provide a detailed plan upon confirmation.

Letter #10: Deadline Adjustment Request Due to [Reason]

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We are requesting an adjustment to the [Deadline] for [Reason]. We propose a new deadline of [New Date]. This adjustment is necessary to ensure the successful completion of [Project/Task].

Letter #11: Seeking Flexibility in Completion Date

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We understand that the current deadline for [Project/Task] is [Date], but we are experiencing [Challenges]. We request some flexibility in the completion date and propose [New Date] as a more realistic target.

Letter #12: Negotiating Contract Deadline Extension

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We are seeking an extension on the contract deadline for [Project/Task]. Due to [Reason], we are requesting an additional [Number] days to fulfill our obligations. We are confident in our ability to deliver high-quality results and appreciate your cooperation.

Letter #13: Urgent Request for Deadline Extension

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Due to [Urgent Reason], we are urgently requesting an extension on the deadline for [Project/Task]. The current deadline is [Date], and we are requesting an extension to [New Date]. We understand the importance of meeting deadlines and will prioritize the timely completion of this project upon approval.

Expert Tips

  • State your reason clearly: Explain why you need the deadline changed.
  • Specify deadlines: Mention both the original and proposed deadlines.
  • Offer solutions: Propose ways to minimize the impact of the change.
  • Show appreciation: Acknowledge any inconvenience caused.
  • Be professional: Maintain a respectful and courteous tone.

Write Unique and Personalized Letters: A Step-by-Step Guide

Follow these simple steps to write your own request letter effectively:

Sample Sentences
  • Due to the vandalism at the site, I must ask you to permit us to extend our deadline an extra two weeks.
  • We have experienced some minor weather-related delays in our work over the past week and wish to extend our deadline one week.
  • I know we decided that you would have until June 11 to complete the project, but I need to ask you to finish by June 3. I'm sorry for the change, but our schedule has been moved up by the main contractor.
  • Would you please submit your bid by October 2, instead of October 5? I know this shortens the deadline, but I also know how efficient you are.
  • Although our deadline is only three days away, I would appreciate your patience for a few extra days as we smooth out some rough spots.
  • When we accepted your bid for the project, we told you that you would have two months in which to complete the work. Now, however, we must request that you finish at least one week early.
  • Due to the shipping delays, we will be unable to complete the work by Friday. We sincerely hope it will not cause a problem if we give you the results on the following Monday, March 15.
Key Phrases
  • a variation from our original agreement
  • as a result of the
  • ask that you finish by
  • ask for your patience and understanding
  • has presented us with a unique challenge
  • have experienced some minor delays
  • in view of these difficulties
  • must ask you to extend our deadline
  • must request that the deadline be extended to
  • need additional time in order to
  • need you to
  • realize that this may be an imposition
  • realize that we agreed upon
  • request that you be ready to
  • to hand over the project by
  • request an extension of the initial
  • request that you complete the project by
  • request an extension of
  • requests that the due date be moved from
  • the delay, as you are aware, was unavoidable
  • will appreciate your cooperation in
  • will be able to complete the work by
  • will be able to ship your order by
  • will complete the project by
  • wish to extend our deadline by
  • would be grateful if you would

Sample Sentences
  • I hope you will understand that this delay is unavoidable. We didn't receive the data we needed from your company until last week.
  • We are still waiting for the zoning committee to make a decision.
  • We have not yet received the written confirmation of the changes you requested.
  • Our auditors will come next week and we want to have all the data organized and ready for inspection at that time.
  • The delay is, unfortunately, unavoidable.
  • I will be traveling to Springfield on Friday and would like to take samples of the finished product with me to show to my colleagues.
Key Phrases
  • am experiencing financial problems
  • an additional week now will gain us
  • are still waiting for
  • assure you that we have explored every
  • did not receive the
  • did not receive the data we needed
  • extra time will permit us to
  • fear that submitting anything less may jeopardize
  • for the decision of
  • hope you will understand that
  • in order for us to uphold this standard
  • in order to offer you the best
  • is beyond our control
  • is not possible for them to meet until
  • need to be ready for inspection by
  • occasionally, situations arise over which we have no control
  • pride ourselves on promptness, but
  • questions have arisen about
  • the changes to the specifications have resulted in
  • this delay is unavoidable
  • time to answer new questions about
  • to avoid costly delays later on
  • want to have all the data organized
  • will be ready for inspection by
  • will be difficult to

Sample Sentences
  • I realize that this will not be easy, but ask for your best effort. Please call my office if you need help. We have a few people who might be available.
  • Although the delay may cause you some inconvenience now, I think in the long run you will be glad that we took the time to give you a perfected product. Thank you for your patience and understanding.
  • We apologize for the inconvenience our request may cause and thank you for your good work.
  • We will be happy to cover the extra cost of overtime wages for your crew.
  • My apologies for the inconvenience. Please let me know if I can help you in some way.
  • Thank you for the extra effort. It is important that we do it correctly. We will negotiate the payment of extra expenses this may cause you to incur.
  • Thank you in advance for your flexibility in this matter.
Key Phrases
  • all I ask is your best effort
  • although the delay may cause you some inconvenience now
  • apologize for any problems this delay causes you
  • apologize for the inconvenience
  • for your cooperation
  • for your attention to this matter
  • for your patience and understanding
  • for the extra effort
  • for your good work
  • hope you will be able to accommodate us
  • if you need any help
  • if you will be able to
  • if you have any questions
  • if I can help you in some way
  • if you need someone to cover
  • is important to do it right
  • let me know if
  • please call my office
  • realize that the task may not be easy
  • simply a temporary setback
  • thank you in advance for
  • thank you for
  • to negotiate payment of
  • will call for a confirmation of
  • will be willing to
  • will benefit you in the long run
  • will do everything we can to
  • will be glad we took the time to
  • will pay dividends in the long run
  • would appreciate a prompt response
  • would be grateful if you would
  • would appreciate anything you can do to
  • your professional handling of this

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