Foundation · Housing

Renting a place

Your goal: ask about a room or apartment, understand basic rental terms, and talk about money and dates. Simple communication for finding your new home.

1

Survival Phrases

Asking about a place

  • Is the room still available?
  • When can I see the apartment?
  • How many bedrooms are there?

Money and Costs

  • How much is the rent?
  • Are bills included? (electricity, water, internet)
  • How much is the deposit?
2

Model Dialogue

Landlord: Hello. Are you here to see the room?

Tenant: Yes. It looks very nice. How much is the rent per month?

Landlord: It's £600. Bills are not included.

Tenant: I see. And how much is the deposit?

Landlord: One month's rent: £600.

Tenant: When can I move in?

Landlord: Next Monday, if you like.

3

Register: formal vs informal

SituationFormal (Real Estate Agent)Casual (Private Landlord/Flatmate)
Asking priceWhat is the monthly rental cost?How much is the rent?
ViewingI would like to schedule a viewing.Can I come and see it?
4

Typical Mistakes

  • How much cost the house? → How much is the rent?
  • The bills are inside? → Are bills included?
5

Culture Note

  • Council Tax: In the UK, this is a local tax you often pay separately from your rent.
  • Unfurnished: Some apartments come with no furniture at all (no bed, no sofa). Always ask!
6

Practical Task

  1. Roleplay. Practice asking a landlord three questions: price, bills, and move-in date.
  • ☐ask for the price and deposit?
  • ☐check if bills are included?
  • ☐ask about the move-in date?