B1English

Renting & the Lease

Use these phrases to ask important questions and agree on terms when you are renting a new apartment or house.

Key Phrases

Voice
Asking about lease length · 2 ways to say it

How long is the lease for?

neutral

US English.

How long is the tenancy agreement for?

neutral

UK English.

Asking what is included · 3 ways to say it

Does the rent cover water and electricity?

casual

Are utilities included in the rent?

neutral

A common way to ask about gas, electricity, and water.

Could you clarify exactly which bills are included?

polite
Asking about the deposit · 2 ways to say it

How much is the security deposit?

neutral

US English.

How much is the tenancy deposit?

neutral

UK English.

Asking about deposit return

When do I get my deposit back after I move out?

neutral
Asking about notice period · 2 ways to say it

How much notice do I need to give when I leave?

neutral

If I want to move out, how much notice is required?

polite
Asking about inventory · 2 ways to say it

Will we do a walk-through before I move in?

neutral

US English.

Will we do an inventory check before I move in?

neutral

UK English.

Asking about leaving early

Is there a penalty if I need to break the lease early?

neutral
Arranging to sign · 2 ways to say it

I'm ready to sign the paperwork whenever you are.

casual

Friendly and eager; good for after all details are agreed.

When can we sign the lease?

neutral

Practice Dialogue

Tenant
So, the lease is for twelve months, right?
Landlord
Yes, exactly. After a year, you can rent it month by month if you want.
Tenant
Okay, great. And are utilities included in the rent?
Landlord
Water and trash are covered. You'll need to set up the electricity yourself.
Tenant
Right, no problem. Oh, how much is the security deposit?
Landlord
It's one month's rent. You will get it back when you leave, assuming everything is fine.
Tenant
Sure. Will we do a walk-through before I move in?
Landlord
Yeah, we can check the apartment together on Friday. Then we can sign the lease.
Tenant
Sounds perfect. I'm ready to sign whenever you are.

More Renting & Housing (B1)

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