[6:01] Real-Life English Unit 22: Common Phrases and Vocabulary for Renting a House

Learning English is not only about mastering grammar and vocabulary, but also being able to use it naturally in real-life situations. However, the sentences in textbooks are often too formal and far from the expressions used in actual life. If you want to speak authentic and natural English, you need to be exposed to dialogues in real-life contexts. Here, we have selected common English expressions frequently used in daily life, covering socializing, work, travel, and more, helping you break free from 'textbook English' and learn the phrases that native speakers actually use. Below is the content of 'Real-Life English Unit 22: Renting a House'. Keep accumulating, and your English will become more practical!

Ⅷ Accommodations

Unit 22 Renting a House
Part One: Expressions
1. I need to find a new place to live.
2. Prices have really gone up the past couple of years.
3. Could I take a look at it?
4. We just finished rebuilding everything.
5. We’re going to get that done next week.
6. Why don’t I come by your office tomorrow to sign the lease?
7. You’ve done a great job.
8. How long did you want the place?
9. I’m not planning on leaving the area anytime soon.
10. You can move your stuff in tomorrow.

Part Two: Dialogues
1. Looking for an Apartment
A: I need to find a new place to live.
B: Yeah? Why? Don’t you like living with me?
A: Oh, it’s not you. I just want my own place.
B: Well, check the newspaper.
A: Jeez… I didn’t realize a single-bedroom apartment went for so much these days.
B: Yeah, prices have really gone up the past couple of years.
A: Oh, here’s one. It looks like it’s in this neighborhood, $600 a month. That’s not too bad.
B: No, it’s pretty good. Why not give the landlord a call?
A: Hello. I’m calling about the one-bedroom in Lincoln Park. Could I take a look at it? Yes. Tonight at six is fine. Thanks.
2. Renting a House
A: Hi, I’m Mary Smith.
B: Hello, I’m the landlord, John Taylor.
A: Nice to meet you, Mr. Taylor.
B: Please, call me John.
A: O.K., John. Well, can I have a look at the place?
B: Sure. Come on in. We just finished rebuilding everything.
A: Oh, it hasn’t been painted yet.
B: No, we’re going to get that done next week.
A: Well. It’s certainly nice. You’ve done a great job.
B: Thank you.
A: The rent is $600 a month?
B: That’s right.
A: Well, I think I’ll take it. Can I write you a check for the security deposit now? $1200?
B: Yeah. But why don’t you come by your office tomorrow to sign the lease?
A: That would be fine.
B: Thank you. See you tomorrow.
A: See you.
3. Signing a Lease
A: Hi, John.
B: Oh, hi, Mary, come on in. Any problem?
A: Oh, no problem.
B: Great. I forgot to ask you, though. How long did you want the place?
A: Six months.
B: Oh, well, that might be a problem. I usually only sign one-year leases.
A: Well, one year would be fine, too. I’m not planning on leaving the area anytime soon.
B: Well, if it’s not a problem. Then here you go.
A: Just let me look at it quickly.
B: Of course.
A: Looks like a standard lease.
B: Yeah, and don’t worry about the security deposit. If everything’s all right when you move out, you’ll get it back.
A: O.K. Great. Just sign and date it here?
B: Yes. Thanks. You can move your stuff in tomorrow.
A: Wonderful.

Part Three: Substitution Drills
1. A: I need to find a new (place to live/ apartment/ home).
B: Why?
2. A: (Prices/ rents) have really gone up the past couple of years.
B: Yeah.
3. A: Could I (take a look/ look/ have a look) at it?
B: Sure. Come in.
4. A: We just finished (rebuilding/ remodeling/ renovating) everything.
B: It looks great!
5. A: We’re going to (get that done/ do that/ finish up) next week.
B: O.K.
6. A: (Why don’t I/ May I/ Can I) come by your office tomorrow to sign the lease?
B: Yeah, all right.
7. A: You’ve done a (great/ wonderful/ magnificent) job.
B: Thanks.
8. A: Don’t (worry/ be concerned) about the security deposit.
B: O.K. Great.
9. A: I’m not planning on (leaving the area/ moving/ moving out) anytime soon.
B: All right.
10. A: You can move your stuff in (tomorrow/ this weekend/ whenever you want).
B: Wonderful.

Part Four: Monologue
There is a wide variety of rental housing in the United States. In the cities, this mostly means apartments. They usually have one, two, or three bedrooms, a living room, a kitchen, and a bathroom. Some are just one-room apartments with a kitchen and bathroom, these are called efficiencies. People also rent out houses. When you rent a house, you pay its owner a fixed monthly amount to live there. Prices vary according to its location and the quality of the apartment or house. You usually have to pay three months rent up front. Two months rent for security deposit, in case you do any damage to the apartment, and the first month’s rent. Most owners, or landlords, will require you to sign a contract agreeing to pay rent for a full year. At the end of the year, you’re free to find another place, or renew your lease with the landlord, as long as he still wants you as a tenant.

Part Five: Vocabulary and Phrases
--apartment （一户）公寓房间
--lease [li:s]租约，租契
--rent [rent]租金，租费
--landlord 房东；（旅馆、家庭公寓等的）主人，老板
--landlady 女房东；（旅馆、家庭公寓等的）女主人，女老板
--neighborhood 邻近地区，近邻，整个街坊
--plan on…打算
--credit 信用，信赖
--kitchen 厨房
--living room 客厅
--bedroom 卧室，寝室
--bathroom 浴室，化妆室，厕所
--security deposit 保证金，不动产租赁押金