Rent an apartment in English. Dialogue "Renting an Apartment"

It's a very nice flat. Thank you for showing me it. Can I ask you some questions, please? Is the electricity included in the rent?

No, electricity is separate. It is not usually very expensive. You will receive a bill once every three months, I think.

What about the water bills?

That is included - I pay the water costs.

Ok. In my last flat, the landlord provided linen for the beds. Do you as well?

Provide linen? No, of course I don’t. Surely you have your own linen? This is a rented flat, not a hotel.

I see. I don’t have any of my own furniture. Will you provide the furniture?

Yes, what you see here is what you will have. There’s a good bed in the bedroom, and the kitchen is well-equipped. I will also let you have the television. It is not a very good television - it is a little old. But it works.

I will probably take the bus to university from here. Is there a bus stop close to the house?

Yes, just down on the corner. It goes straight to the university in about ten minutes. You should take the number 20 bus or the number 16.

I am enrolled on a very difficult course. I will have to work very hard this year. Is there a library nearby?

All the students spend too much time in the library. Yes, there is a library. I have never been there, but I think it is at the end of this street. But you have a nice desk here. When I was a student, I spent very little time in the library. I went to lots of parties instead.

Are there any clubs or discos here?

That's what I like to hear! There are lots of good clubs. About five minutes’ walk from here is the best club in town. The DJ comes from London. But it has all changed since I was a student. The music is very different, and I don’t like it very much.

Can I bring guests back?

Of course. You can even have parties if you like. But be careful - I don’t want you to damage the house. And if you are too noisy, the neighbors will complain to me.

I am thinking of buying a cat. Would you mind if I kept a cat here?

Oh, I don’t like cats! They are very smelly creatures. No, please don’t buy a cat. If you must have a pet, then buy a dog. They are much nicer animals.

How do you want me to pay?

Monthly. The rent is two hundred pounds a month.

Do you require a deposit?

The deposit is one month’s rent. If the flat is in good condition when you leave, I will return deposit.

And what is the minimum lease period?

This is a very nice apartment. Thanks for showing it to me. Can I ask you a few questions please? Is electricity included in the rent?

No, electricity is paid separately. Usually it is not very expensive. I think they will send you receipts every three months.

What about water bills?

It's included - I pay for the water.

Fine. In my last apartment, the owner provided bed linen. Do you also provide?

Do I provide linen? No, of course I don't do that. Surely you have your own bed linen. This is a rental apartment, not a hotel.

It's clear. I don't have any furniture of my own. Do you provide furniture?

Yes, everything you see here is what you will have. The bedroom has a good bed, the kitchen is well equipped. I will also provide you with a TV. It's not a very good TV, it's a bit old. But it works.

Perhaps I will travel from here to the university by bus. Is there a bus stop near the house?

Yes, just around the corner. From there you can drive directly to the university in just 10 minutes. You should take the twentieth or sixteenth bus.

I entered a very difficult course. I will have to work very hard this year. Is there a library nearby?

All students spend too much time in the library. Yes, there is a library here. I've never been there, but I think it's at the end of this street. Although, you have an excellent desk here too. When I was a student, I spent very little time in the library. Instead, I went to numerous parties.

Are there any clubs or discos here?

This is what I wanted to hear! There are many good clubs here. About a five minute walk from here is the best club in town. The DJ is coming from London. But everything has changed since I was a student. The music is very different and I don't really like it.

Can I bring guests?

Certainly. You can even host parties if you want. But be careful, I don't want you to damage the house. And if you make too much noise, the neighbors will complain to me.

I'm thinking about buying a cat. Would you mind if I keep the cat here?

Oh, I don't like cats! They are very odorous animals. No, please don't buy a cat. If you really need to have a pet, then buy a dog. They are nicer animals.

How do you want me to pay?

Monthly. The fee is two hundred pounds a month.

Do you need a deposit?

The deposit is equal to one month's rent. If the apartment is in good condition when you move out, I will return your deposit.

What is the minimum rental period?

Topic: How to Rent a Flat in London

Topic: How to rent an apartment in London

London is one of the most expensive cities for living. Prices for realty have always been too high. It is about not only purchase, but about rent as well.

London is one of the most expensive cities to live in. Real estate prices have always been very high. This applies not only to purchases, but also to rentals.

For a company of a few men a flat is cheaper than to pay for several hotel rooms. However, essential money is possible if they choose a small flat on the outskirts. But then they can find themselves to be in the neighborhood of vagabonds, criminal world and other antisocial personalities. Accommodation in more trouble-free district will come 2-3 times more expensive.

For a company of several people, renting an apartment will be cheaper than paying for several hotel rooms. However, you can save significant money only if you choose a small apartment on the outskirts. But then tramps, criminals and other antisocial individuals will be in their neighborhood. Housing in more prosperous areas will cost 2-3 times more.

One has to pay an amount equal to a rental charge and a deposit that is to be returned if the flat is kept in its entirety and good condition.

Before moving into an apartment, you need to pay an amount equal to the rent and a deposit, which will be returned if the apartment remains safe and sound.

Only with a real estate agency. Capital residents prefer to lease housing out with no middlemen only for their fellow citizens. The flats which owners are ready to lease them out for tourists on a direct basis are in great demand.In two hours after an announcement appears in the newspapers the flat has been rented.

Foreigners can only rent housing in London through a real estate agency. Without intermediaries, residents of the capital prefer to rent out housing only to their fellow citizens. Apartments whose owners are willing to rent them out to tourists directly are in great demand. A couple of hours after the rental advertisement appears in the newspaper, the apartment is already rented.

A lot of offers for rental property are published on the Internet. In order to choose a dwelling, one should know a local flat classification. In fact, what they call one-bedroom flat in London is a full two-room flat. The fact is that citizens of London estimate their flats not by meters or rooms, but by the number of bedrooms. That is why if it is said about a two-bedroom flat in an announcement, it means there are two bedrooms and one more room, probably, a living room.

Many rental housing offers are published on the Internet. To choose housing, you need to know the local classification of apartments. After all, what in London is called a one-bedroom flat is a full-fledged two-room apartment by our standards. The fact is that Londoners measure their apartments not by meters or rooms, but by bedrooms. Therefore, if the ad states two-bedroomflat, this means that the apartment has two bedrooms and one more room, most likely a living room.

A small one-room flat is defined as a studio. This flat often looks like a room with a refrigerator, a stove and a sofa. This is a low-income housing, of course, if it is not located in an upscale district of the capital.

A small one-room apartment is indicated as a studio. Often this apartment looks like a room with a refrigerator, stove and sofa. This is budget-class housing, unless, of course, it is located in a prestigious area of ​​the capital.

Renting an apartment

Oh Gosh! I didn’t even know that hunting for an apartment could be so tough!

Are you going to rent an apartment?

Yes. As soon as possible. I have to find a new place as my lease expires next week. First I checked all the classified websites regarding a property but I couldn’t find anything in my price range. I can’t afford an expensive property now. Then I found real estate listings in newspapers, but the apartments I saw were just awful to my mind. They are old, run-down and not well-maintained.

I understand. And what’s your price range? Do you have any special location in mind?

Well, I expect to pay something around $1000 a month. Anything under this price will do. As for the location – I need a place near my office. So I could save a good amount on commuting.

But the district where you work is a plush one. And the property is quite expensive here. How will you manage the rent alone? Don’t you want to look for a roommate to divide the cost of renting?

That's also a good option. I have to think about it.

I guess I have a couple of options for you. A friend of mine is subletting his studio apartment for 6 months while he travels in America. He's got a beautiful apartment. It’s fully furnished and has a large balcony overlooking the park.

That sounds great. It’s a pity that the apartment will be available only for several months. I’m planning to move in for 2 years at least.

OK. I get the point. There is another vacant place near your office. It’s rather spacious with an upscale neighborhood.

Has it got all the utilities?

Well, the building itself was recently renovated and it’s well-maintained. All the apartments have an intercom and the doors are highly secure. The apartment definitely has electricity, gas, water and heating. I’m not sure about a washing machine or a dish-washer. We have to ask the landlord about the details.

If it’s not over my budget I am ready to see it today.

As far as I know to move in you will need to pay the first and the last month’s rent plus a security deposit that you will get it back at the end of your lease if the apartment is in good condition.



Flat rent

Oh my God! I didn't even know apartment hunting could be so hard!

Are you going to rent an apartment?

Yes. As soon as possible. I need to find a new place as my lease expires next week. I first checked all the real estate listing sites but couldn't find anything within my price range. I can't afford expensive housing now. Then I found a property listing in the newspapers, but the apartments I looked at were just terrible in my opinion. They are old, dilapidated and unkempt.

I understand. What is your price range? Are you looking for a special location?

Well, I'm hoping to pay about $1000 a month. Anything less than this price will do. As for the location - I need a place near the office. This way I can save a good amount on travel.

But the area where you work is prestigious. And housing here is quite expensive. How will you pay the rent on your own? Would you like to find a roommate to split the cost of rent?

This is also a good option. I need to think about this.

I think I have a couple options for you. My friend is renting out his studio apartment for 6 months while he travels around America. He has a beautiful apartment. Fully furnished, it has a large balcony overlooking the park.

Sounds great. It's a pity that the apartment will only be available for a few months. I plan to move in for at least 2 years.

OK. I understand. There is still a free place next to your office. It is quite spacious, with wealthy surroundings in the neighborhood.

Are there all the amenities?

Well, the building itself was recently restored and is very well maintained. All apartments have a two-way communication system and high-strength doors. The apartment definitely has electricity, gas, water and heating. I'm not sure about the washing machine or dishwasher. You will need to check with the owner for details.

If it doesn't exceed my budget, then I'm ready to watch it today.

1. Apartment complex[əˈpɑːtmənt ˈkɒmplɛks] - apartment building

This is usually the name given to a group of apartments owned by one company.

“Let's go check out that new apartment complex over on Riverside Drive.” - “Let's see that new apartment building on Riverside Drive.”

2. Landlord[ˈlænlɔːd] ,landlady[ˈlændˌleɪdi] - lessor

The owner or owner of the apartment for rent. The landlord collects monthly rent and is responsible for repairs to the property according to the lease agreement.

“My landlord gets angry if I pay the rent late!” - “My landlord is unhappy if I’m late on rent!”

3. Tenant[ˈtɛnənt] - tenant

A person who rents an apartment or house. His name is on the lease.

“The tenant is responsible for any damage to the apartment.” - “The tenant is responsible for any damage caused to the apartment.”

4. Lease- lease contract

A contract between a tenant and a landlord that sets out the terms and conditions of the lease of a property. The tenant signs an agreement before moving into the property. If the tenant violates the terms of the contract, he may be evicted or be required to pay a fine.

“I signed a lease for one year.” - “I signed a lease for a year.”

5. To break a lease- violate the terms of the lease agreement

When a tenant fails to pay the agreed amount of rent for a specified period of time, it is called a breach of the lease agreement.

“If you break the lease your credit score will be bad.” - “If you violate the terms of the lease agreement, your credit history will be damaged.”



6.Credit approval[ˈkrɛdɪtəˈpruːvəl] — credit permit

Before you can rent or buy an apartment or house, the person you are paying to will need to check your credit history to make sure you are responsible and solvent. If your credit history is considered satisfactory, the bank will agree to issue you a loan. You can then rent a home or get a mortgage to pay for it.

“If I can get credit approval I will be able to get that new house.” “If I get a loan, I can buy that new house.”

In order for the bank to issue you a loan, you may be asked to make a list with the names and telephone numbers of those who are able to confirm your identity and solvency, that is, give you recommendations.

“Before they let me sign a lease, they want to check my references.” “Before they give me a contract to sign, they want to check my references.”



8.Security deposit- deposit

A certain amount that you will have to pay to the landlord before moving into a rented apartment. This money will be returned to you when the rental period expires, provided that no damage was caused to the property. Landlords ask for a security deposit to have some money for expenses in case the tenant moves out early or causes damage to the apartment.

“Before you move in you’ll have to pay a security deposit of $250.” - “Before moving into your new home, you will have to pay a deposit of $250.”

9. Co-signer- guarantor

If you need to rent a house or apartment, but the landlord considers your income insufficient, you can use a third party to sign the lease. This third party will be your “guarantor”. Your income plus the guarantor's income will be considered when deciding whether you can afford the rent.

“Since I am a student, I don’t have a high income. I will need a co-signer so I can get into that apartment.” “I’m a student and therefore I don’t earn much. I will need a guarantor to be able to move into this property.”

10. Notice of eviction[ˈnəʊtɪs əv i(ː)ˈvɪkʃən] - notice of eviction

Eviction is being forced to move out of your rental property. Typically, tenants are evicted for violating the terms of the lease.

“When I returned home there was a notice of eviction on my door. I should have paid the rent!” “When I got home, there was an eviction notice on my door. We had to pay rent!”



11. Amenities[əˈmiːnɪtiz] - arrangement

Additional benefits in an apartment or apartment building. A swimming pool or gym is an example for. A fireplace or jacuzzi is an example for a direct living space.

“This apartment complex has a lot of great amenities. They have an indoor pool, a basketball court and a game room.” “This apartment building is beautifully appointed with an indoor pool, basketball court and games room!”

12. Mortgage[ˈmɔːgɪʤ] - mortgage loan

A loan for the purchase of a home in the form of a guarantee of loan repayment. Individuals obtain a mortgage loan through a mortgage company (bank), after which they can immediately buy a house or apartment. The person pays the company (bank) a set amount every month until the loan is repaid in full.

“Our mortgage payment each month is $1300.” - “We pay $1,300 on our mortgage every month.”

13.Down payment- down payment for housing

In some situations, you will be required to pay a certain amount of money as a down payment on your home - usually before you can even move into it.

“We will need $10,000 for the down payment on our new house.” - “We will need $10,000 for a down payment on our new home.”

14.Realtor[ˈrɪəltə] /Real estate agent- realtor/real estate agent

The profession of a person who specializes in real estate (“real estate”) and selects housing for you. This person will also help you find a buyer for the home you want to sell. Realtors receive a percentage of the transaction amount.

“My realtor is Barbara Smith. She is really good at her job.” — “My realtor is Barbara Smith. She knows her stuff."



15. Asking price[ˈɑːskɪŋ praɪs] - asking price

The price at which the owner of the house wants to sell it. Depending on the state of the economy and other factors, the seller may raise or lower the price.

“His asking price is way too high. Nobody is going to make him an offer.” “He's asking too high a price. No one will propose to him."

16. To flip a house- resell the house

This expression is used to describe the act of buying a home with the intention of selling it for a profit in the near future. Typically, a buyer purchases a dilapidated house, renovates it and tries to sell it for a higher price. This is called flipping a house.

“How long do you think it would take to flip that house? - “How quickly do you think this house can be resold?”

17.Lot- plot

The portion of land on which a house is (or will be) built. The advertisement for sale may state: “A beautiful two-story house on a spacious lot.”

“I want a large lot so that my kids have somewhere to play.” - “I want a large plot of land so that my children have a place to play.”

18. Wooded lot[ˈwʊdɪd lɒt] - forest area

This is the name given to an area where many trees grow. Wooded lots are in demand because they provide shade and privacy, so they tend to command a slightly higher price.

“If you live in a wooded lot your neighbors won’t be able to see into your windows.” - “If you live in a forested area, your neighbors will not be able to look into your windows.”

19. Cul-de-sac / dead end- dead end

At this point the street ends, there is no further passage. The cul-de-sac is circular in shape and houses are usually built around it. Many people prefer to settle in such areas due to the low traffic volume. The movement is carried out only by those who live here.

“I like living in a cul-de-sac because there isn’t a lot of traffic.” - “I like living in a cul-de-sac because there are few cars.”

20.Upgrades[ˈʌpgreɪdz] - “improved” version

When you buy a new home from a developer, you are usually faced with two alternatives. You can get standard housing or housing with some “improvements” (which will be more expensive). When you choose the second, it means you are choosing an “improved” housing option. An example is more expensive lamps instead of those offered in the “standard” version and, let’s face it, they are ugly.

“This house comes with a lot of upgrades like tile floors and stainless steel appliances.” “This home has a lot of upgrades, including tile floors and stainless steel appliances.”



21. Subdivision[ˈsʌbdɪˌvɪʒən] - microdistrict

A real estate area or area of ​​land divided into sections on which houses are built. Houses are usually built on a small plot and by the same developer.

“In our subdivision there are 100 homes all built by Centex.” “There are 100 houses in our microdistrict, all built by Centex.”

22.HOA /Home Owners Association— Homeowners Association

An organization created by the developer of a neighborhood that enforces rules and laws. This group is responsible for maintaining common areas such as swimming pools or walking paths. Each resident belongs to this association and pays a monthly fee. This money is used, for example, for landscaping and landscaping. The HOA meets several times throughout the year to discuss current issues.

“The HOA has decided to put a new pool in.” “The HOA decided that the house needed a new pool.”

23.Townhouse[ˈtaʊnhaʊs] – townhouse

Another name is “row house”. Typically the dwelling has two floors, with living space and kitchen on the first and bedrooms on the second. The townhouses are connected by common side walls.

“Near the downtown area you will find a lot of townhouses.” “There are many townhouses located close to the city center.”

24. "No money down"— “No down payment”

When you buy a home, you usually need to make a down payment. If the seller promises “no money down” in the ad, then there is no need to make a down payment.

“Now is a great time to buy a house. You can get a new home with no money down.” “Now is a great time to buy a home. You can get a new home without a down payment.”

25. 4BD/2BA

You may come across these kinds of expressions in newspapers that publish real estate advertisements. “BD” means “bedroom”, sleeping room, and “BA” - “bathroom”, bathroom. In our example, the house or apartment has 4 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms.

“We have three kids so we want four bedrooms and two bathrooms. We are only looking at the adds that say, 4BD/2BA.” - “We have three children, so we need 4 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. We only pay attention to those advertisements that indicate: 4BD/2BA.”



26. Breach of contract- violation of contract terms

Failure to comply with contractual agreements. If I sign a contract stating that I will not have animals in the apartment, but at the same time I get a pet, then this is a violation of the terms of the contract.

“My landlord is suing me for a breach of contract because I have too many people living with me.” “My landlord is accusing me of violating my contract because I have too many people living with me.”

27. Furnished apartment[ˈfɜːnɪʃt əˈpɑːtmənt] - furnished apartment

Apartment, (furniture [ˈfɜːnɪʧə]). Such apartments are usually designed for those who rent an apartment for a short period of time.

“I am only going to be in Seattle for six months. I will need to rent a furnished apartment.” “I'll only be in Seattle for six months. I will need to rent a furnished apartment.”

28. To put down money— deposit money

If you are required to make a down payment on a home you are about to buy, you will need to put down a certain amount of money. You can say: “I put down $10,000 on my new house in Atlanta.”

“If you don’t want another buyer to buy that house you’ll have to put money down on it.” “If you don’t want someone else to buy this house, you’ll have to pay money for it.”

29. "All bills paid"[ɔːl bɪlz peɪd] - “including utility bills”

If you rent a house or apartment and the monthly payment includes payments for utilities (electricity, gas, telephone...), then this is called “all bills paid”. The tenant does not need to worry about paying utility bills - the landlord has already included these services in the rental price.

“The rent for this house is $1000 a month. This price is all paid bills.” “The rent for the house is $1,000 a month, including utilities.”

30.Floor plan— layout

Interior arrangement of the house. Location of rooms. An older person who has difficulty getting around may prefer a layout where rooms are close together so that they don't have to walk as much.

“I like this floor plan. Having the kitchen next to the day is great.” - “I like this layout. The kitchen is next to the room - it’s convenient.”



Layout of Sheldon and Leonard's apartment and Penny's apartment (from The Big Bang Theory)

31. One-story,two-story- one-story or two-story house

A floor or level of a house is called a “story”. A one-story house is called a “one-story house.” Most homes for sale are one or two story. Houses with three or more floors usually belong to the category of elite housing, luxury houses [ˈlʌkʃəri ˈhaʊzɪz].

“My grandmother needs a one-story house since she can’t walk up the stairs.” - “My grandmother needs a one-story house, she can’t climb the steps.”

32. Ghetto[ˈgɛtəʊ] /Slum- slums

Slang for poor areas with high crime rates.

“There is a lot of crime in the ghetto.” “There’s a lot of crime going on in the slums.”

33. Ritzy area[ˈrɪtsɪ ˈeərɪə] - fashionable area

In a fashionable area, all the houses are expensive and sophisticated.

“Our friends make a lot of money. They live in a nice big house in the ritzy area of town.” — “Our friends earn decent money. They live in a beautiful big house in a fashionable part of the city.”

34. Starter home[ˈstɑːtə həʊm] - first housing

A relatively small house that newlyweds buy as an option for the first time. It is assumed that when the couple earns more, they will move to a larger house.

“My son and his wife just got married. They just bought a small house near their work. It is cute, but it is just a starter home. In a few years, when they have more money saved, they’ll move to a bigger house.” - “My son just got married. He and his wife just bought a small house not far from work. It's cute, but it's only the first home. In a couple of years, when they have saved some money, they will move to a bigger house.”

35. Curb appeal- attractive appearance

The external attractiveness of a house in terms of its sale, from curb - “border” and appeal - “attractiveness”.

“If you want to sell your house you need some curb appeal.” “If you want to sell a house, it needs to look attractive.”

36. Run down- dilapidated

An old, crumbling home.

“My home is old and run down. I need to make some repairs and paint the exterior.” - “My house is old and dilapidated. I need to do some repairs and paint the outside.”

37. Fixer upper[ˈfɪksər ˈʌpə] - house for renovation

An old and dilapidated house, if renovated and updated, can again turn into a nice home. Such houses can often be seen near the business center of the city. It was here that many years ago the first houses in the city were built. Old houses are given new life and, due to their favorable location, can be quite expensive.

“If you are going to buy fixer upper you better have some money for repairs.” - “If you are going to buy a house for renovation, you will need money.”

Instead of starting renovations, you can buy an already updated, renovated house.

“A newly renovated house in the historic downtown." - “Recently renovated house in the historic center of the city.”

Here are a few more useful expressions for those who want to rent an apartment (the translation of these words and phrases is given below):

Classifieds[ˈklæsɪfaɪdz] - bulletin board

“For sale”- "For sale"

“For rent”- “For rent”

Price range— price range

Furnished[ˈfɜːnɪʃt], unfurnished[ʌnˈfɜːnɪʃt], semi-furnished[ˈsɛmi-ˈfɜːnɪʃt] - furnished, unfurnished, partially furnished

Balcony[ˈbælkəni] (overlooking the park) - balcony (overlooking the park)

I can't afford BrE, AmE - “I can’t afford it”

Roommate[ˈruˌmeɪt] - roommate

Spacious[ˈspeɪʃəs] - spacious

Upscale neighborhood[ˈʌpˌskeɪl ˈneɪbərˌhʊd] - respectable area

To move in- move in, move into (an apartment)

To move out- move out, move out (from an apartment)

On average[ɒn ˈævərɪʤ] - on average

Utilities- public utilities

Come to- (in this context) “total”

Laundromat[ˈlɔndrəˌmæt] - self-service laundry

To sublet[ˈsʌˌblɛt] - to sublease

Studio apartment[ˈst(j)uːdɪəʊ əˈpɑːtmənt], bachelor flat[ˈbæʧələ flæt] - studio apartment consisting of one room (with built-in kitchen)

One- (two-, three-) bedroom apartment— apartment with one (two, three) bedrooms and one living room.

Now let's listen to how a simple English guy living in his parents' house is trying to rent an apartment in London. If you don't understand, turn on the English subtitles (or just close your eyes and enjoy the sound of English speech with a characteristic British pronunciation).