Practicing English Conversation Skills with a New Apartment Theme

Understanding the terminology associated with apartment living is essential for both first-time renters and seasoned apartment dwellers. From leases and security deposits to utilities and amenities, there are many terms you’ll encounter in the apartment rental process. This glossary aims to clarify these terms and help you navigate the world of apartment living with confidence.

Having a Conversation About Apartments

Practicing conversation skills is an important way to improve your fluency and confidence in English. Discussing the process of finding and applying for an apartment provides opportunities to practice language skills. Below is a conversation between two people discussing their experiences and tips related to renting an apartment.

Conversation

Person 1: Hey, I'm moving into a new apartment next month and I'm trying to get everything organized.
Person 2: Awesome, congratulations! What do you need to take care of before the move?
Person 1: Well, I need to sign the lease and pay the security deposit and move-in fee. I also need to transfer the utilities into my name and figure out the rent payment schedule.
Person 2: Don't forget to also check out the amenities and see if there are any additional fees for things like the gym or pool.
Person 1: Right, I'll have to do that. And I'm also trying to find a roommate to help split the cost of rent. I'm thinking of subletting the apartment if I have to leave town for a few months.
Person 2: That's a good idea. Have you considered getting a co-signer to help with the lease?
Person 1: Yeah, I've thought about it. I'm also going to see if my landlord allows pets and if there's a pet deposit.
Person 2: Definitely make sure to clarify that before you move in. And don't forget to fill out a rental application and gather any necessary references.
Person 1: Yeah, I've already taken care of that. I'm just trying to figure out the best way to move all my stuff and where to park my car.
Person 2: Make sure to get quotes from different moving companies and compare prices. And see if your new apartment complex has designated parking spots or if you'll need to find street parking.
Person 1: Yeah, I've been doing all that. And I've already submitted a maintenance request to fix a couple of things in the apartment before I move in.
Person 2: Good thinking. And make sure to set up a roommate agreement with whoever you end up living with to establish some ground rules and responsibilities.
Person 1: Definitely. I'm just trying to get everything organized and make sure I don't forget anything.
Person 2: It can be overwhelming, but with some careful planning and organization, the move should go smoothly. Good luck with everything!

Glossary of Words

• Lease: A legal agreement between a landlord and tenant that outlines the terms and conditions of renting an apartment.
• Landlord: The person who owns an apartment building or individual apartment and rents it out to tenants.
• Tenant: A person who rents an apartment from a landlord.
• Rent: The money that a tenant pays to a landlord in exchange for the use of an apartment.
• Security deposit: A sum of money that a tenant pays to a landlord at the beginning of a lease to cover any damages to the apartment during the tenancy.
• Utilities: Services such as electricity, gas, water, and internet that are necessary for the operation and maintenance of an apartment.
• Amenities: Extra features or services that an apartment complex or individual apartment may offer, such as a gym, pool, or concierge.
• Furnished apartment: An apartment that comes with furniture and other household items, such as a bed, sofa, and kitchen appliances.
• Unfurnished apartment: An apartment that does not come with any furniture or household items.
• Studio apartment: A small, self-contained living space that combines the bedroom, living room, and kitchen into one room.
• One-bedroom apartment: An apartment with one separate bedroom and a living room, kitchen, and bathroom.
• Two-bedroom apartment: An apartment with two separate bedrooms, a living room, kitchen, and bathroom.
• Apartment complex: A group of apartments that are owned and managed by the same company or individual.
• Apartment building: A structure that contains multiple apartments, usually with more than one floor.
• Roommate: A person who shares an apartment with one or more other people.
• Sublet: The act of renting out an apartment that you are currently leasing from a landlord to another person for a short period of time.
• Move-in fee: A fee that a landlord may charge a tenant at the start of a lease to cover the cost of preparing the apartment for occupancy.
• Pet deposit: A sum of money that a landlord may require a tenant to pay to cover any damages to the apartment caused by a pet.
• Parking: The availability and cost of parking at an apartment complex or individual apartment.
• Maintenance request: A request made by a tenant to a landlord or property manager to fix a problem or issue with the apartment, such as a plumbing issue or a broken light fixture.
• Eviction: The legal process of forcing a tenant to leave an apartment due to non-payment of rent or violation of the lease agreement.
• Renewal: The process of extending a lease for an additional term.
• Co-signer: A person who signs a lease with a tenant and agrees to be financially responsible for the apartment if the tenant is unable to pay the rent.
• Roommate agreement: A document that outlines the terms and conditions of living with roommates, such as responsibilities for cleaning and paying bills.
• Rental application: A form that a landlord may require a tenant to fill out in order to apply for an apartment, including information about employment, credit history, and references.

Questions About the Conversation

• What does Person 1 need to do before moving into the new apartment?
• Why is Person 2 suggesting to check out the amenities?
• What is a co-signer, and why might Person 1 need one?
• What should Person 1 do regarding a pet deposit?
• Why is it important to have a roommate agreement?

Grammar Questions from Conversations

• What verb tense is used when Person 1 talks about their future plans?
• Identify the modal verbs used in the conversation and explain their meanings.
• How does Person 2 use the present continuous tense in their responses?

Being knowledgeable about the terms and phrases related to apartments can significantly ease the process of renting and living in an apartment. Through conversations and understanding the related vocabulary, you can improve your English skills and feel more confident as you navigate the world of apartment living.

Answers to Questions and Grammar Questions

• Person 1 needs to sign the lease, pay the security deposit and move-in fee, transfer utilities, and figure out the rent payment schedule.
• Person 2 suggests checking out the amenities to avoid unexpected additional fees after moving in.
• A co-signer is someone who signs the lease alongside the tenant and agrees to be responsible for the rent if the tenant cannot pay.
• Person 1 should clarify whether the landlord allows pets and if there is a pet deposit to avoid issues later.
• A roommate agreement is important to establish responsibilities and rules for shared living arrangements.
• Person 1 uses the future simple tense when discussing plans, such as "I'm moving" and "I'll have to do that."
• Modal verbs in the conversation include "should," "might," and "can," indicating obligation, possibility, and ability, respectively.
• Person 2 uses the present continuous tense to describe ongoing actions, such as "I'm trying to get everything organized."