From f7767dfd1311c049ac8ea60885fcefba5cf4399f Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001
From: jackiettran <41605212+jackiettran@users.noreply.github.com>
Date: Thu, 20 Nov 2025 18:08:30 -0500
Subject: [PATCH] deletion reason and email for soft deleted forum posts and
 comments by admin

---
 backend/models/ForumComment.js                |   4 +
 backend/models/ForumPost.js                   |   4 +
 backend/routes/forum.js                       | 118 ++++++-
 backend/routes/items.js                       |   3 +-
 .../services/email/core/TemplateManager.js    |   2 +
 .../email/domain/ForumEmailService.js         | 123 +++++++
 .../emails/forumCommentDeletionToAuthor.html  | 314 ++++++++++++++++++
 .../emails/forumPostDeletionToAuthor.html     | 305 +++++++++++++++++
 frontend/src/pages/ForumPostDetail.tsx        |  55 ++-
 frontend/src/services/api.ts                  |   4 +-
 10 files changed, 911 insertions(+), 21 deletions(-)
 create mode 100644 backend/templates/emails/forumCommentDeletionToAuthor.html
 create mode 100644 backend/templates/emails/forumPostDeletionToAuthor.html

diff --git a/backend/models/ForumComment.js b/backend/models/ForumComment.js
index 1495ae9..99a951f 100644
--- a/backend/models/ForumComment.js
+++ b/backend/models/ForumComment.js
@@ -55,6 +55,10 @@ const ForumComment = sequelize.define('ForumComment', {
   deletedAt: {
     type: DataTypes.DATE,
     allowNull: true
+  },
+  deletionReason: {
+    type: DataTypes.TEXT,
+    allowNull: true
   }
 });
 
diff --git a/backend/models/ForumPost.js b/backend/models/ForumPost.js
index a612b89..096583d 100644
--- a/backend/models/ForumPost.js
+++ b/backend/models/ForumPost.js
@@ -85,6 +85,10 @@ const ForumPost = sequelize.define('ForumPost', {
     type: DataTypes.DATE,
     allowNull: true
   },
+  deletionReason: {
+    type: DataTypes.TEXT,
+    allowNull: true
+  },
   closedBy: {
     type: DataTypes.UUID,
     allowNull: true,
diff --git a/backend/routes/forum.js b/backend/routes/forum.js
index 51ea2a4..f77f198 100644
--- a/backend/routes/forum.js
+++ b/backend/routes/forum.js
@@ -1250,26 +1250,68 @@ router.get('/tags', async (req, res) => {
 // DELETE /api/forum/admin/posts/:id - Admin soft-delete post
 router.delete('/admin/posts/:id', authenticateToken, requireAdmin, async (req, res) => {
   try {
-    const post = await ForumPost.findByPk(req.params.id);
+    const { reason } = req.body;
+
+    if (!reason || !reason.trim()) {
+      return res.status(400).json({ error: "Deletion reason is required" });
+    }
+
+    const post = await ForumPost.findByPk(req.params.id, {
+      include: [
+        {
+          model: User,
+          as: 'author',
+          attributes: ['id', 'username', 'firstName', 'lastName', 'email']
+        }
+      ]
+    });
 
     if (!post) {
       return res.status(404).json({ error: 'Post not found' });
     }
 
+    if (post.isDeleted) {
+      return res.status(400).json({ error: 'Post is already deleted' });
+    }
+
     // Soft delete the post
     await post.update({
       isDeleted: true,
       deletedBy: req.user.id,
-      deletedAt: new Date()
+      deletedAt: new Date(),
+      deletionReason: reason.trim()
     });
 
     const reqLogger = logger.withRequestId(req.id);
     reqLogger.info("Admin deleted post", {
       postId: req.params.id,
       adminId: req.user.id,
-      originalAuthorId: post.authorId
+      originalAuthorId: post.authorId,
+      reason: reason.trim()
     });
 
+    // Send email notification to post author (non-blocking)
+    (async () => {
+      try {
+        const admin = await User.findByPk(req.user.id, {
+          attributes: ['id', 'username', 'firstName', 'lastName']
+        });
+
+        if (post.author && admin) {
+          await emailServices.forum.sendForumPostDeletionNotification(
+            post.author,
+            admin,
+            post,
+            reason.trim()
+          );
+          console.log(`Forum post deletion notification email sent to author ${post.authorId}`);
+        }
+      } catch (emailError) {
+        // Log but don't fail the deletion
+        console.error('Failed to send forum post deletion notification email:', emailError.message);
+      }
+    })();
+
     res.status(200).json({ message: 'Post deleted successfully', post });
   } catch (error) {
     const reqLogger = logger.withRequestId(req.id);
@@ -1292,11 +1334,16 @@ router.patch('/admin/posts/:id/restore', authenticateToken, requireAdmin, async
       return res.status(404).json({ error: 'Post not found' });
     }
 
+    if (!post.isDeleted) {
+      return res.status(400).json({ error: 'Post is not deleted' });
+    }
+
     // Restore the post
     await post.update({
       isDeleted: false,
       deletedBy: null,
-      deletedAt: null
+      deletedAt: null,
+      deletionReason: null
     });
 
     const reqLogger = logger.withRequestId(req.id);
@@ -1322,25 +1369,44 @@ router.patch('/admin/posts/:id/restore', authenticateToken, requireAdmin, async
 // DELETE /api/forum/admin/comments/:id - Admin soft-delete comment
 router.delete('/admin/comments/:id', authenticateToken, requireAdmin, async (req, res) => {
   try {
-    const comment = await ForumComment.findByPk(req.params.id);
+    const { reason } = req.body;
+
+    if (!reason || !reason.trim()) {
+      return res.status(400).json({ error: "Deletion reason is required" });
+    }
+
+    const comment = await ForumComment.findByPk(req.params.id, {
+      include: [
+        {
+          model: User,
+          as: 'author',
+          attributes: ['id', 'username', 'firstName', 'lastName', 'email']
+        }
+      ]
+    });
 
     if (!comment) {
       return res.status(404).json({ error: 'Comment not found' });
     }
 
+    if (comment.isDeleted) {
+      return res.status(400).json({ error: 'Comment is already deleted' });
+    }
+
     // Soft delete the comment (preserve original content for potential restoration)
     await comment.update({
       isDeleted: true,
       deletedBy: req.user.id,
-      deletedAt: new Date()
+      deletedAt: new Date(),
+      deletionReason: reason.trim()
     });
 
-    // Decrement comment count if not already deleted
-    if (!comment.isDeleted) {
-      const post = await ForumPost.findByPk(comment.postId);
-      if (post && post.commentCount > 0) {
-        await post.decrement('commentCount');
-      }
+    // Decrement comment count
+    const post = await ForumPost.findByPk(comment.postId, {
+      attributes: ['id', 'title']
+    });
+    if (post && post.commentCount > 0) {
+      await post.decrement('commentCount');
     }
 
     const reqLogger = logger.withRequestId(req.id);
@@ -1348,9 +1414,32 @@ router.delete('/admin/comments/:id', authenticateToken, requireAdmin, async (req
       commentId: req.params.id,
       adminId: req.user.id,
       originalAuthorId: comment.authorId,
-      postId: comment.postId
+      postId: comment.postId,
+      reason: reason.trim()
     });
 
+    // Send email notification to comment author (non-blocking)
+    (async () => {
+      try {
+        const admin = await User.findByPk(req.user.id, {
+          attributes: ['id', 'username', 'firstName', 'lastName']
+        });
+
+        if (comment.author && admin && post) {
+          await emailServices.forum.sendForumCommentDeletionNotification(
+            comment.author,
+            admin,
+            post,
+            reason.trim()
+          );
+          console.log(`Forum comment deletion notification email sent to author ${comment.authorId}`);
+        }
+      } catch (emailError) {
+        // Log but don't fail the deletion
+        console.error('Failed to send forum comment deletion notification email:', emailError.message);
+      }
+    })();
+
     res.status(200).json({ message: 'Comment deleted successfully', comment });
   } catch (error) {
     const reqLogger = logger.withRequestId(req.id);
@@ -1381,7 +1470,8 @@ router.patch('/admin/comments/:id/restore', authenticateToken, requireAdmin, asy
     await comment.update({
       isDeleted: false,
       deletedBy: null,
-      deletedAt: null
+      deletedAt: null,
+      deletionReason: null
     });
 
     // Increment comment count
diff --git a/backend/routes/items.js b/backend/routes/items.js
index bb2a1d9..32f2a98 100644
--- a/backend/routes/items.js
+++ b/backend/routes/items.js
@@ -483,7 +483,8 @@ router.patch("/admin/:id/restore", authenticateToken, requireAdmin, async (req,
     await item.update({
       isDeleted: false,
       deletedBy: null,
-      deletedAt: null
+      deletedAt: null,
+      deletionReason: null
     });
 
     const updatedItem = await Item.findByPk(item.id, {
diff --git a/backend/services/email/core/TemplateManager.js b/backend/services/email/core/TemplateManager.js
index e6a1083..d4f7ba5 100644
--- a/backend/services/email/core/TemplateManager.js
+++ b/backend/services/email/core/TemplateManager.js
@@ -65,6 +65,8 @@ class TemplateManager {
         "forumThreadActivityToParticipant.html",
         "forumPostClosed.html",
         "forumItemRequestNotification.html",
+        "forumPostDeletionToAuthor.html",
+        "forumCommentDeletionToAuthor.html",
       ];
 
       for (const templateFile of templateFiles) {
diff --git a/backend/services/email/domain/ForumEmailService.js b/backend/services/email/domain/ForumEmailService.js
index 4db01cf..0b791be 100644
--- a/backend/services/email/domain/ForumEmailService.js
+++ b/backend/services/email/domain/ForumEmailService.js
@@ -9,6 +9,7 @@ const TemplateManager = require("../core/TemplateManager");
  * - Sending answer accepted notifications
  * - Sending thread activity notifications to participants
  * - Sending location-based item request notifications to nearby users
+ * - Sending post/comment deletion notifications to authors
  */
 class ForumEmailService {
   constructor() {
@@ -386,6 +387,128 @@ class ForumEmailService {
     }
   }
 
+  /**
+   * Send notification when a forum post is deleted by admin
+   * @param {Object} postAuthor - Post author user object
+   * @param {string} postAuthor.firstName - Post author's first name
+   * @param {string} postAuthor.email - Post author's email
+   * @param {Object} admin - Admin user object who deleted the post
+   * @param {string} admin.firstName - Admin's first name
+   * @param {string} admin.lastName - Admin's last name
+   * @param {Object} post - Forum post object
+   * @param {string} post.title - Post title
+   * @param {string} deletionReason - Reason for deletion
+   * @returns {Promise<{success: boolean, messageId?: string, error?: string}>}
+   */
+  async sendForumPostDeletionNotification(postAuthor, admin, post, deletionReason) {
+    if (!this.initialized) {
+      await this.initialize();
+    }
+
+    try {
+      const supportEmail = process.env.SUPPORT_EMAIL;
+      const frontendUrl = process.env.FRONTEND_URL || "http://localhost:3000";
+
+      const variables = {
+        postAuthorName: postAuthor.firstName || "there",
+        adminName: `${admin.firstName} ${admin.lastName}`.trim() || "An administrator",
+        postTitle: post.title,
+        deletionReason,
+        supportEmail,
+        forumUrl: `${frontendUrl}/forum`,
+      };
+
+      const htmlContent = await this.templateManager.renderTemplate(
+        "forumPostDeletionToAuthor",
+        variables
+      );
+
+      const subject = `Important: Your forum post "${post.title}" has been removed`;
+
+      const result = await this.emailClient.sendEmail(
+        postAuthor.email,
+        subject,
+        htmlContent
+      );
+
+      if (result.success) {
+        console.log(
+          `Forum post deletion notification email sent to ${postAuthor.email}`
+        );
+      }
+
+      return result;
+    } catch (error) {
+      console.error(
+        "Failed to send forum post deletion notification email:",
+        error
+      );
+      return { success: false, error: error.message };
+    }
+  }
+
+  /**
+   * Send notification when a forum comment is deleted by admin
+   * @param {Object} commentAuthor - Comment author user object
+   * @param {string} commentAuthor.firstName - Comment author's first name
+   * @param {string} commentAuthor.email - Comment author's email
+   * @param {Object} admin - Admin user object who deleted the comment
+   * @param {string} admin.firstName - Admin's first name
+   * @param {string} admin.lastName - Admin's last name
+   * @param {Object} post - Forum post object the comment belongs to
+   * @param {string} post.title - Post title
+   * @param {string} post.id - Post ID
+   * @param {string} deletionReason - Reason for deletion
+   * @returns {Promise<{success: boolean, messageId?: string, error?: string}>}
+   */
+  async sendForumCommentDeletionNotification(commentAuthor, admin, post, deletionReason) {
+    if (!this.initialized) {
+      await this.initialize();
+    }
+
+    try {
+      const supportEmail = process.env.SUPPORT_EMAIL;
+      const frontendUrl = process.env.FRONTEND_URL || "http://localhost:3000";
+      const postUrl = `${frontendUrl}/forum/posts/${post.id}`;
+
+      const variables = {
+        commentAuthorName: commentAuthor.firstName || "there",
+        adminName: `${admin.firstName} ${admin.lastName}`.trim() || "An administrator",
+        postTitle: post.title,
+        postUrl,
+        deletionReason,
+        supportEmail,
+      };
+
+      const htmlContent = await this.templateManager.renderTemplate(
+        "forumCommentDeletionToAuthor",
+        variables
+      );
+
+      const subject = `Your comment on "${post.title}" has been removed`;
+
+      const result = await this.emailClient.sendEmail(
+        commentAuthor.email,
+        subject,
+        htmlContent
+      );
+
+      if (result.success) {
+        console.log(
+          `Forum comment deletion notification email sent to ${commentAuthor.email}`
+        );
+      }
+
+      return result;
+    } catch (error) {
+      console.error(
+        "Failed to send forum comment deletion notification email:",
+        error
+      );
+      return { success: false, error: error.message };
+    }
+  }
+
   /**
    * Send notification to nearby users about an item request
    * @param {Object} recipient - Recipient user object
diff --git a/backend/templates/emails/forumCommentDeletionToAuthor.html b/backend/templates/emails/forumCommentDeletionToAuthor.html
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..6d09ddc
--- /dev/null
+++ b/backend/templates/emails/forumCommentDeletionToAuthor.html
@@ -0,0 +1,314 @@
+<!DOCTYPE html>
+<html lang="en">
+<head>
+    <meta charset="utf-8">
+    <meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1.0">
+    <meta http-equiv="X-UA-Compatible" content="IE=edge">
+    <title>Your Forum Comment Has Been Removed</title>
+    <style>
+        /* Reset styles */
+        body, table, td, p, a, li, blockquote {
+            -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;
+            -ms-text-size-adjust: 100%;
+        }
+        table, td {
+            mso-table-lspace: 0pt;
+            mso-table-rspace: 0pt;
+        }
+        img {
+            -ms-interpolation-mode: bicubic;
+        }
+
+        /* Base styles */
+        body {
+            margin: 0;
+            padding: 0;
+            width: 100% !important;
+            min-width: 100%;
+            height: 100%;
+            background-color: #f8f9fa;
+            font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, sans-serif;
+            line-height: 1.6;
+            color: #212529;
+        }
+
+        /* Container */
+        .email-container {
+            max-width: 600px;
+            margin: 0 auto;
+            background-color: #ffffff;
+            border-radius: 8px;
+            overflow: hidden;
+            box-shadow: 0 4px 6px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1);
+        }
+
+        /* Header - Warning red gradient */
+        .header {
+            background: linear-gradient(135deg, #dc3545 0%, #c82333 100%);
+            padding: 40px 30px;
+            text-align: center;
+        }
+
+        .logo {
+            font-size: 32px;
+            font-weight: 700;
+            color: #ffffff;
+            text-decoration: none;
+            letter-spacing: -1px;
+        }
+
+        .tagline {
+            color: #f8d7da;
+            font-size: 16px;
+            margin-top: 8px;
+            font-weight: 600;
+        }
+
+        /* Content */
+        .content {
+            padding: 40px 30px;
+        }
+
+        .content h1 {
+            font-size: 28px;
+            font-weight: 600;
+            margin: 0 0 20px 0;
+            color: #212529;
+        }
+
+        .content h2 {
+            font-size: 22px;
+            font-weight: 600;
+            margin: 30px 0 15px 0;
+            color: #495057;
+        }
+
+        .content p {
+            margin: 0 0 16px 0;
+            color: #6c757d;
+            line-height: 1.6;
+        }
+
+        .content strong {
+            color: #495057;
+        }
+
+        /* Warning box */
+        .warning-box {
+            background-color: #fff3cd;
+            border-left: 4px solid #ffc107;
+            padding: 20px;
+            margin: 20px 0;
+            border-radius: 0 6px 6px 0;
+        }
+
+        .warning-box p {
+            margin: 0 0 10px 0;
+            color: #856404;
+        }
+
+        .warning-box p:last-child {
+            margin-bottom: 0;
+        }
+
+        /* Alert box */
+        .alert-box {
+            background-color: #f8d7da;
+            border-left: 4px solid #dc3545;
+            padding: 20px;
+            margin: 20px 0;
+            border-radius: 0 6px 6px 0;
+        }
+
+        .alert-box p {
+            margin: 0 0 10px 0;
+            color: #721c24;
+        }
+
+        .alert-box p:last-child {
+            margin-bottom: 0;
+        }
+
+        /* Post highlight */
+        .post-highlight {
+            background-color: #f8f9fa;
+            border-radius: 6px;
+            padding: 20px;
+            margin: 20px 0;
+        }
+
+        .post-highlight .post-title {
+            font-size: 18px;
+            font-weight: 600;
+            color: #495057;
+            margin-bottom: 5px;
+        }
+
+        .post-highlight .post-link {
+            font-size: 14px;
+            color: #667eea;
+            text-decoration: none;
+        }
+
+        .post-highlight .post-link:hover {
+            text-decoration: underline;
+        }
+
+        /* Button */
+        .button {
+            display: inline-block;
+            background: linear-gradient(135deg, #667eea 0%, #764ba2 100%);
+            color: #ffffff !important;
+            text-decoration: none;
+            padding: 16px 32px;
+            border-radius: 6px;
+            font-weight: 600;
+            margin: 20px 0;
+            text-align: center;
+            transition: all 0.3s ease;
+        }
+
+        .button:hover {
+            transform: translateY(-2px);
+            box-shadow: 0 4px 12px rgba(102, 126, 234, 0.4);
+        }
+
+        /* Info box */
+        .info-box {
+            background-color: #e7f3ff;
+            border-left: 4px solid #667eea;
+            padding: 20px;
+            margin: 20px 0;
+            border-radius: 0 6px 6px 0;
+        }
+
+        .info-box p {
+            margin: 0 0 10px 0;
+            color: #004085;
+        }
+
+        .info-box p:last-child {
+            margin-bottom: 0;
+        }
+
+        /* Footer */
+        .footer {
+            background-color: #f8f9fa;
+            padding: 30px;
+            text-align: center;
+            border-top: 1px solid #e9ecef;
+        }
+
+        .footer p {
+            margin: 0 0 10px 0;
+            font-size: 14px;
+            color: #6c757d;
+        }
+
+        .footer a {
+            color: #667eea;
+            text-decoration: none;
+        }
+
+        .footer a:hover {
+            text-decoration: underline;
+        }
+
+        /* Responsive */
+        @media only screen and (max-width: 600px) {
+            .email-container {
+                margin: 0;
+                border-radius: 0;
+            }
+
+            .header, .content, .footer {
+                padding: 20px;
+            }
+
+            .logo {
+                font-size: 28px;
+            }
+
+            .content h1 {
+                font-size: 24px;
+            }
+
+            .content h2 {
+                font-size: 20px;
+            }
+
+            .button {
+                display: block;
+                width: 100%;
+                box-sizing: border-box;
+            }
+
+            .post-highlight .post-title {
+                font-size: 16px;
+            }
+        }
+    </style>
+</head>
+<body>
+    <div class="email-container">
+        <div class="header">
+            <div class="logo">RentAll</div>
+            <div class="tagline">⚠️ Important: Comment Removal Notice</div>
+        </div>
+
+        <div class="content">
+            <p>Hi {{commentAuthorName}},</p>
+
+            <h1>Your Comment Has Been Removed</h1>
+
+            <p>We're writing to inform you that your comment has been removed from a forum discussion by {{adminName}}.</p>
+
+            <div class="post-highlight">
+                <p style="margin: 0 0 10px 0; color: #6c757d; font-size: 14px;">Comment on:</p>
+                <div class="post-title">{{postTitle}}</div>
+                <a href="{{postUrl}}" class="post-link">View Discussion →</a>
+            </div>
+
+            <div class="alert-box">
+                <p><strong>Reason for Removal:</strong></p>
+                <p>{{deletionReason}}</p>
+            </div>
+
+            <div class="info-box">
+                <p><strong>What this means:</strong></p>
+                <ul style="margin: 10px 0; padding-left: 20px; color: #004085;">
+                    <li>Your comment is no longer visible to other community members</li>
+                    <li>The comment content has been preserved in case of appeal</li>
+                    <li>The discussion thread remains active for other participants</li>
+                    <li>You can still participate in other forum discussions</li>
+                </ul>
+            </div>
+
+            <h2>Need Help or Have Questions?</h2>
+            <p>If you believe this removal was made in error or if you have questions about our community guidelines, please don't hesitate to contact our support team:</p>
+
+            <p style="text-align: center;">
+                <a href="mailto:{{supportEmail}}" class="button">Contact Support</a>
+            </p>
+
+            <div class="warning-box">
+                <p><strong>Review Our Community Guidelines:</strong></p>
+                <p>To ensure a positive experience for all members, please review our community guidelines. We appreciate respectful, constructive contributions that help build a supportive community.</p>
+            </div>
+
+            <p>Thank you for your understanding, and we look forward to your continued participation in our community.</p>
+
+            <p><strong>Best regards,</strong><br>
+            The RentAll Team</p>
+        </div>
+
+        <div class="footer">
+            <p><strong>RentAll</strong></p>
+            <p>Building a community of sharing and trust</p>
+            <p>This email was sent because your comment was removed by our moderation team.</p>
+            <p>If you have questions, please contact <a href="mailto:{{supportEmail}}">{{supportEmail}}</a></p>
+            <p>&copy; 2024 RentAll. All rights reserved.</p>
+        </div>
+    </div>
+</body>
+</html>
diff --git a/backend/templates/emails/forumPostDeletionToAuthor.html b/backend/templates/emails/forumPostDeletionToAuthor.html
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..d23cc0f
--- /dev/null
+++ b/backend/templates/emails/forumPostDeletionToAuthor.html
@@ -0,0 +1,305 @@
+<!DOCTYPE html>
+<html lang="en">
+<head>
+    <meta charset="utf-8">
+    <meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1.0">
+    <meta http-equiv="X-UA-Compatible" content="IE=edge">
+    <title>Your Forum Post Has Been Removed</title>
+    <style>
+        /* Reset styles */
+        body, table, td, p, a, li, blockquote {
+            -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;
+            -ms-text-size-adjust: 100%;
+        }
+        table, td {
+            mso-table-lspace: 0pt;
+            mso-table-rspace: 0pt;
+        }
+        img {
+            -ms-interpolation-mode: bicubic;
+        }
+
+        /* Base styles */
+        body {
+            margin: 0;
+            padding: 0;
+            width: 100% !important;
+            min-width: 100%;
+            height: 100%;
+            background-color: #f8f9fa;
+            font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, sans-serif;
+            line-height: 1.6;
+            color: #212529;
+        }
+
+        /* Container */
+        .email-container {
+            max-width: 600px;
+            margin: 0 auto;
+            background-color: #ffffff;
+            border-radius: 8px;
+            overflow: hidden;
+            box-shadow: 0 4px 6px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1);
+        }
+
+        /* Header - Warning red gradient */
+        .header {
+            background: linear-gradient(135deg, #dc3545 0%, #c82333 100%);
+            padding: 40px 30px;
+            text-align: center;
+        }
+
+        .logo {
+            font-size: 32px;
+            font-weight: 700;
+            color: #ffffff;
+            text-decoration: none;
+            letter-spacing: -1px;
+        }
+
+        .tagline {
+            color: #f8d7da;
+            font-size: 16px;
+            margin-top: 8px;
+            font-weight: 600;
+        }
+
+        /* Content */
+        .content {
+            padding: 40px 30px;
+        }
+
+        .content h1 {
+            font-size: 28px;
+            font-weight: 600;
+            margin: 0 0 20px 0;
+            color: #212529;
+        }
+
+        .content h2 {
+            font-size: 22px;
+            font-weight: 600;
+            margin: 30px 0 15px 0;
+            color: #495057;
+        }
+
+        .content p {
+            margin: 0 0 16px 0;
+            color: #6c757d;
+            line-height: 1.6;
+        }
+
+        .content strong {
+            color: #495057;
+        }
+
+        /* Warning box */
+        .warning-box {
+            background-color: #fff3cd;
+            border-left: 4px solid #ffc107;
+            padding: 20px;
+            margin: 20px 0;
+            border-radius: 0 6px 6px 0;
+        }
+
+        .warning-box p {
+            margin: 0 0 10px 0;
+            color: #856404;
+        }
+
+        .warning-box p:last-child {
+            margin-bottom: 0;
+        }
+
+        /* Alert box */
+        .alert-box {
+            background-color: #f8d7da;
+            border-left: 4px solid #dc3545;
+            padding: 20px;
+            margin: 20px 0;
+            border-radius: 0 6px 6px 0;
+        }
+
+        .alert-box p {
+            margin: 0 0 10px 0;
+            color: #721c24;
+        }
+
+        .alert-box p:last-child {
+            margin-bottom: 0;
+        }
+
+        /* Post highlight */
+        .post-highlight {
+            background-color: #f8f9fa;
+            border-radius: 6px;
+            padding: 20px;
+            margin: 20px 0;
+            text-align: center;
+        }
+
+        .post-highlight .post-title {
+            font-size: 20px;
+            font-weight: 600;
+            color: #dc3545;
+            margin-bottom: 10px;
+        }
+
+        /* Button */
+        .button {
+            display: inline-block;
+            background: linear-gradient(135deg, #667eea 0%, #764ba2 100%);
+            color: #ffffff !important;
+            text-decoration: none;
+            padding: 16px 32px;
+            border-radius: 6px;
+            font-weight: 600;
+            margin: 20px 0;
+            text-align: center;
+            transition: all 0.3s ease;
+        }
+
+        .button:hover {
+            transform: translateY(-2px);
+            box-shadow: 0 4px 12px rgba(102, 126, 234, 0.4);
+        }
+
+        /* Info box */
+        .info-box {
+            background-color: #e7f3ff;
+            border-left: 4px solid #667eea;
+            padding: 20px;
+            margin: 20px 0;
+            border-radius: 0 6px 6px 0;
+        }
+
+        .info-box p {
+            margin: 0 0 10px 0;
+            color: #004085;
+        }
+
+        .info-box p:last-child {
+            margin-bottom: 0;
+        }
+
+        /* Footer */
+        .footer {
+            background-color: #f8f9fa;
+            padding: 30px;
+            text-align: center;
+            border-top: 1px solid #e9ecef;
+        }
+
+        .footer p {
+            margin: 0 0 10px 0;
+            font-size: 14px;
+            color: #6c757d;
+        }
+
+        .footer a {
+            color: #667eea;
+            text-decoration: none;
+        }
+
+        .footer a:hover {
+            text-decoration: underline;
+        }
+
+        /* Responsive */
+        @media only screen and (max-width: 600px) {
+            .email-container {
+                margin: 0;
+                border-radius: 0;
+            }
+
+            .header, .content, .footer {
+                padding: 20px;
+            }
+
+            .logo {
+                font-size: 28px;
+            }
+
+            .content h1 {
+                font-size: 24px;
+            }
+
+            .content h2 {
+                font-size: 20px;
+            }
+
+            .button {
+                display: block;
+                width: 100%;
+                box-sizing: border-box;
+            }
+
+            .post-highlight .post-title {
+                font-size: 18px;
+            }
+        }
+    </style>
+</head>
+<body>
+    <div class="email-container">
+        <div class="header">
+            <div class="logo">RentAll</div>
+            <div class="tagline">⚠️ Important: Forum Post Removal Notice</div>
+        </div>
+
+        <div class="content">
+            <p>Hi {{postAuthorName}},</p>
+
+            <h1>Your Forum Post Has Been Removed</h1>
+
+            <p>We're writing to inform you that your forum post has been removed from RentAll by {{adminName}}.</p>
+
+            <div class="post-highlight">
+                <div class="post-title">{{postTitle}}</div>
+            </div>
+
+            <div class="alert-box">
+                <p><strong>Reason for Removal:</strong></p>
+                <p>{{deletionReason}}</p>
+            </div>
+
+            <div class="info-box">
+                <p><strong>What this means:</strong></p>
+                <ul style="margin: 10px 0; padding-left: 20px; color: #004085;">
+                    <li>Your post is no longer visible to other community members</li>
+                    <li>All comments on this post are also hidden</li>
+                    <li>The post cannot receive new comments or activity</li>
+                    <li>You may still see it in your dashboard if viewing as an admin</li>
+                </ul>
+            </div>
+
+            <h2>Need Help or Have Questions?</h2>
+            <p>If you believe this removal was made in error or if you have questions about our community guidelines, please don't hesitate to contact our support team:</p>
+
+            <p style="text-align: center;">
+                <a href="mailto:{{supportEmail}}" class="button">Contact Support</a>
+            </p>
+
+            <div class="warning-box">
+                <p><strong>Review Our Community Guidelines:</strong></p>
+                <p>To prevent future removals, please familiarize yourself with our community guidelines and forum standards. Our team is happy to help you understand how to contribute positively to the RentAll community.</p>
+            </div>
+
+            <p>You can continue participating in the forum by visiting our <a href="{{forumUrl}}" style="color: #667eea;">community forum</a>.</p>
+
+            <p>Thank you for your understanding.</p>
+
+            <p><strong>Best regards,</strong><br>
+            The RentAll Team</p>
+        </div>
+
+        <div class="footer">
+            <p><strong>RentAll</strong></p>
+            <p>Building a community of sharing and trust</p>
+            <p>This email was sent because your forum post was removed by our moderation team.</p>
+            <p>If you have questions, please contact <a href="mailto:{{supportEmail}}">{{supportEmail}}</a></p>
+            <p>&copy; 2024 RentAll. All rights reserved.</p>
+        </div>
+    </div>
+</body>
+</html>
diff --git a/frontend/src/pages/ForumPostDetail.tsx b/frontend/src/pages/ForumPostDetail.tsx
index 6e05a8c..ae5b1c5 100644
--- a/frontend/src/pages/ForumPostDetail.tsx
+++ b/frontend/src/pages/ForumPostDetail.tsx
@@ -23,6 +23,7 @@ const ForumPostDetail: React.FC = () => {
     type: 'deletePost' | 'deleteComment' | 'restorePost' | 'restoreComment' | 'closePost' | 'reopenPost';
     id?: string;
   } | null>(null);
+  const [deletionReason, setDeletionReason] = useState('');
 
   // Read filter from URL query param
   const filter = searchParams.get('filter') || 'active';
@@ -174,13 +175,19 @@ const ForumPostDetail: React.FC = () => {
   const confirmAdminAction = async () => {
     if (!adminAction) return;
 
+    // Validate deletion reason for delete actions
+    if ((adminAction.type === 'deletePost' || adminAction.type === 'deleteComment') && !deletionReason.trim()) {
+      alert('Please provide a reason for deletion');
+      return;
+    }
+
     try {
       setActionLoading(true);
       setShowAdminModal(false);
 
       switch (adminAction.type) {
         case 'deletePost':
-          await forumAPI.adminDeletePost(id!);
+          await forumAPI.adminDeletePost(id!, deletionReason.trim());
           break;
         case 'restorePost':
           await forumAPI.adminRestorePost(id!);
@@ -192,7 +199,7 @@ const ForumPostDetail: React.FC = () => {
           await forumAPI.adminReopenPost(id!);
           break;
         case 'deleteComment':
-          await forumAPI.adminDeleteComment(adminAction.id!);
+          await forumAPI.adminDeleteComment(adminAction.id!, deletionReason.trim());
           break;
         case 'restoreComment':
           await forumAPI.adminRestoreComment(adminAction.id!);
@@ -205,12 +212,14 @@ const ForumPostDetail: React.FC = () => {
     } finally {
       setActionLoading(false);
       setAdminAction(null);
+      setDeletionReason('');
     }
   };
 
   const cancelAdminAction = () => {
     setShowAdminModal(false);
     setAdminAction(null);
+    setDeletionReason('');
   };
 
   const formatDate = (dateString: string) => {
@@ -520,7 +529,26 @@ const ForumPostDetail: React.FC = () => {
                 </div>
                 <div className="modal-body">
                   {adminAction?.type === 'deletePost' && (
-                    <p>Are you sure you want to delete this post? It will be deleted and hidden from regular users but can be restored later.</p>
+                    <>
+                      <p>Are you sure you want to delete this post? It will be deleted and hidden from regular users but can be restored later.</p>
+                      <div className="mb-3">
+                        <label htmlFor="deletionReason" className="form-label">
+                          <strong>Reason for deletion <span className="text-danger">*</span></strong>
+                        </label>
+                        <textarea
+                          id="deletionReason"
+                          className="form-control"
+                          rows={4}
+                          placeholder="Please explain why this post is being deleted. The author will receive this reason via email."
+                          value={deletionReason}
+                          onChange={(e) => setDeletionReason(e.target.value)}
+                          required
+                        />
+                        <small className="text-muted">
+                          This reason will be sent to the post author via email.
+                        </small>
+                      </div>
+                    </>
                   )}
                   {adminAction?.type === 'restorePost' && (
                     <p>Are you sure you want to restore this post? It will become visible to all users again.</p>
@@ -532,7 +560,26 @@ const ForumPostDetail: React.FC = () => {
                     <p>Are you sure you want to reopen this discussion? Users will be able to add comments again.</p>
                   )}
                   {adminAction?.type === 'deleteComment' && (
-                    <p>Are you sure you want to delete this comment? It will be deleted and hidden from regular users but can be restored later.</p>
+                    <>
+                      <p>Are you sure you want to delete this comment? It will be deleted and hidden from regular users but can be restored later.</p>
+                      <div className="mb-3">
+                        <label htmlFor="deletionReason" className="form-label">
+                          <strong>Reason for deletion <span className="text-danger">*</span></strong>
+                        </label>
+                        <textarea
+                          id="deletionReason"
+                          className="form-control"
+                          rows={4}
+                          placeholder="Please explain why this comment is being deleted. The author will receive this reason via email."
+                          value={deletionReason}
+                          onChange={(e) => setDeletionReason(e.target.value)}
+                          required
+                        />
+                        <small className="text-muted">
+                          This reason will be sent to the comment author via email.
+                        </small>
+                      </div>
+                    </>
                   )}
                   {adminAction?.type === 'restoreComment' && (
                     <p>Are you sure you want to restore this comment? It will become visible to all users again.</p>
diff --git a/frontend/src/services/api.ts b/frontend/src/services/api.ts
index f5713a7..cb9ff54 100644
--- a/frontend/src/services/api.ts
+++ b/frontend/src/services/api.ts
@@ -286,9 +286,9 @@ export const forumAPI = {
   deleteComment: (commentId: string) =>
     api.delete(`/forum/comments/${commentId}`),
   // Admin endpoints
-  adminDeletePost: (id: string) => api.delete(`/forum/admin/posts/${id}`),
+  adminDeletePost: (id: string, reason: string) => api.delete(`/forum/admin/posts/${id}`, { data: { reason } }),
   adminRestorePost: (id: string) => api.patch(`/forum/admin/posts/${id}/restore`),
-  adminDeleteComment: (id: string) => api.delete(`/forum/admin/comments/${id}`),
+  adminDeleteComment: (id: string, reason: string) => api.delete(`/forum/admin/comments/${id}`, { data: { reason } }),
   adminRestoreComment: (id: string) => api.patch(`/forum/admin/comments/${id}/restore`),
   adminClosePost: (id: string) => api.patch(`/forum/admin/posts/${id}/close`),
   adminReopenPost: (id: string) => api.patch(`/forum/admin/posts/${id}/reopen`),