Renting an Apartment: Conversation (Elementary)
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EN: Use 'I'm calling about...' to state the purpose of your phone call clearly at the beginning.
I'm calling about the job opening.
EN: In English-speaking cultures, it is polite to state your purpose immediately after the greeting when calling a stranger about an advertisement.
EN: Use 'Would you like to + verb' to make a polite offer or invitation.
Would you like to have some coffee?
EN: In English-speaking countries, 'visit' in the context of real estate often means 'to view' or 'to tour' the property before deciding to rent it.
EN: Use 'would be' to express a polite reaction to a suggestion or a hypothetical situation.
That would be lovely!
EN: In English-speaking cultures, expressing enthusiasm with phrases like 'That would be great!' is common when making arrangements. It shows you are a serious and polite potential tenant.
EN: Use 'How about...?' to make a suggestion or ask for someone's opinion about a specific time, place, or idea.
How about a cup of coffee?
EN: In English-speaking cultures, being specific about time (like 'two o'clock') is important for business or rental appointments to show respect for the other person's schedule.
EN: Use 'Can you...' to politely ask someone for information or to do something for you.
Can you tell me your name?
EN: In many English-speaking cultures, it is common to express enthusiasm (like 'Perfect!') before asking a direct question about money to keep the conversation polite and friendly.
EN: Use 'per' to show the rate or frequency of something (e.g., per month, per day).
The gym costs fifty dollars per month.
EN: In many Western countries, rent is typically quoted as a monthly rate. It's important to clarify if this includes 'utilities' (water, electricity, gas) or if those are extra costs.
EN: Use 'Does + subject + verb' to ask a question about a fact or routine with a singular subject (he, she, it, that).
Does the room have a window?
EN: In many Western countries, 'utilities' usually refers to water, electricity, gas, and sometimes trash collection. It is important to clarify if these are included in the rent or paid separately.
EN: Use 'but' to connect two sentences that show a contrast or a difference in information.
The room is small, but it is very clean.
EN: In many Western countries, rental agreements vary on whether 'utilities' (water, gas, electricity) are included in the monthly rent. It is important to clarify this before signing a lease.
EN: Use 'What about + [noun]?' to ask for information about a specific topic or to suggest something.
What about the price?
EN: In many English-speaking countries, a security deposit is standard when renting. It is usually equivalent to one month's rent and is returned if the apartment is in good condition when you move out.
EN: Use 'one month's rent' to show that the amount of money belongs to or is equal to the cost of one month.
The fee is two weeks' pay.
EN: In many English-speaking countries, a security deposit is typically equal to one month's rent, which is held by the landlord to cover potential damages.
EN: Use 'When would I need to...' to ask about the timing of a future requirement or obligation in a polite way.
When would I need to sign the contract?
EN: In many English-speaking countries, a security deposit is typically equivalent to one month's rent and is paid at the time of signing the lease to cover potential damages.
EN: Use 'when' to connect two actions that happen at the same time or one after another.
You get the keys when you pay the rent.
EN: In many English-speaking countries, the security deposit is typically equivalent to one month's rent and is paid at the same time the legal contract (lease) is signed.
EN: Use 'How long is...' to ask about the duration or length of time for something.
How long is the movie?
EN: In many English-speaking countries, a standard residential lease is typically 6 months or 1 year. It is common to ask about the lease term before signing.
EN: Use 'but' to connect two sentences when the second part adds a different or contrasting idea.
I like the house, but it is too expensive.
EN: In many Western rental markets, 'we can discuss' implies that the landlord might be open to negotiating the length of the lease or other terms if they find a good tenant.
EN: Use 'Can I...?' to ask for permission to do something.
Can I open the window?
EN: In many Western countries, landlords may charge a 'pet deposit' or 'pet rent' if they allow animals. Always clarify if there are size or breed restrictions.
EN: Use 'but' to connect two ideas that are different or opposite. It shows a contrast between what is allowed and what is not.
I like apples, but I don't like oranges.
EN: In many Western countries, rental agreements often specify the size or type of pets allowed. 'Small pets' usually refers to cats or dogs under a certain weight (e.g., 10-15kg).
EN: Use 'only' before a noun or number to show that something is limited or small in amount.
I only have five dollars.
EN: In many Western countries, landlords often have specific rules about pets. 'Small pets' usually refers to cats or small dog breeds, while 'large dogs' are often restricted in apartments.
EN: Use 'also' before the main verb to add extra information to a sentence.
The house also has a small garden.
EN: In many Western cities, having a parking space included in the rent is a significant advantage, as street parking can be difficult or expensive.
EN: Use 'want to' followed by a base verb to express a desire or plan to do something.
I want to buy a new car.
EN: In English-speaking cultures, showing enthusiasm (like using 'Wonderful!') when a deal or appointment is made is common and helps build a friendly relationship with the landlord.
EN: Use 'will' (shortened to 'll) to talk about future plans or arrangements made at the moment of speaking.
I'll call you later.
EN: In English-speaking cultures, confirming the exact time at the end of a conversation is a common way to ensure both parties are in agreement and to politely end the call.
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