Lesson 5 of 6
Housing and Everyday Services
Talk to landlords, schedule repairs and deal with service providers.
Renting an apartment, reporting a broken heater or calling the internet company all need clear, practical English. These conversations follow predictable patterns, so preparing for them saves time and stress.
LearnThe key ideas
Renting vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| rent | the monthly payment |
| lease | the rental contract |
| security deposit | money held in case of damage |
| utilities | electricity, water, gas, internet |
| landlord / property manager | the owner or the person who manages it |
| maintenance request | a request to fix something |
Reporting problems
Use the pattern problem + since when + request: "Hi, the heater in my apartment stopped working last night. Could someone come take a look today?"
For services: "I'm calling about my internet. It's been down since this morning." "Could you schedule a technician?" "What time window works?"
ListenListen and repeat
- Are utilities included in the rent?Asking about costs.
- How long is the lease?Contract length.
- The kitchen sink is leaking.Reporting a problem.
- Could someone come take a look?Requesting a repair.
AvoidCommon mistakes
SpeakShadowing practice
Press Listen, then repeat straight away, copying the speed, rhythm and tone. Say each sentence three times, then record yourself.
- Hi, I'm interested in the two-bedroom apartment. Is it still available?
- Are utilities included, or are they separate?
- The heater stopped working. Could someone come take a look today?
CheckQuick quiz
1. "Utilities" are:
2. Natural way to report no electricity:
3. A "lease" is:
PracticeToday's speaking task
Write and say a phone call to a landlord reporting two problems in your apartment and asking for a repair time.