B1English

Viewing an Apartment

Use these phrases when you visit an apartment, ask about costs, and check what is included.

Key Phrases

Voice
Asking about availability · 2 ways to say it

When is the apartment available for a new tenant?

neutral

US English — Americans say 'apartment'.

Could you tell me when the flat is available to move into?

polite

UK English — British people say 'flat'.

Asking about utilities · 2 ways to say it

If I sign the lease, will I pay for utilities myself?

casual

US English — 'utilities' means gas, water, and electricity.

Does the rent include all the bills for the property?

neutral

UK English — 'bills' means gas, water, and electricity.

Asking about the deposit · 2 ways to say it

How much is the deposit that I need to pay?

neutral

Could you confirm the security deposit amount for me?

polite

More polite; good to use with a landlord or a real estate agent.

Asking about furniture · 2 ways to say it

Is the furniture staying, or will you remove it?

casual

Does the apartment come furnished with the things I see here?

neutral
Asking about the contract · 2 ways to say it

How long is the lease that we need to sign?

neutral

US English — Americans use 'lease'.

Could you tell me how long the tenancy agreement is?

polite

UK English — British people use 'tenancy agreement'.

Asking about repairs · 2 ways to say it

Who do I call if something has broken?

casual

Use this if you are chatting comfortably with the agent.

Who is responsible for carrying out repairs in the building?

neutral
Expressing interest · 2 ways to say it

I really love the place; it might be perfect for me.

casual

I have seen a few places, but I am very interested in this one.

neutral
Discussing next steps · 2 ways to say it

How do I apply, and what documents do you need?

casual

What is the application process if I decide to rent it?

neutral

Practice Dialogue

Agent
So, this is the main bedroom. You've seen the whole apartment now.
Renter
Right, it's a bit bigger than I expected. Does it come furnished?
Agent
Well, the bed is staying, but we will remove the desk.
Renter
Okay, sure. And if I sign the lease, will I pay for utilities myself?
Agent
Water is included, but you need to set up the electricity.
Renter
That sounds fine. How much is the deposit that I need to pay?
Agent
It's one month's rent. Have you decided if you want to apply?
Renter
Yes, I really love the place. What is the application process?
Agent
I can email you a link. It asks for references, or something like that.
Renter
Perfect. I might fill it out tonight.

More Renting & Housing (B1)

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