Foundation · Housing

Asking for repairs

Your goal: report common household problems and ask for help to fix them. Clear communication for when things break down.

1

Survival Phrases

Describing problems

  • The heater isn't working.
  • There is a leak in the bathroom.
  • The light bulb is broken.
  • The toilet is blocked.

Requesting a repair

  • Could you fix it, please?
  • Can you send someone to look at it?
  • It's an emergency.
2

Model Dialogue

Tenant: Hello, this is the tenant in Flat 4B.

Landlord: Hello! How can I help you?

Tenant: There is a leak in the kitchen sink. It's making a big mess.

Landlord: Oh, I'm sorry to hear that. I'll send a plumber today.

Tenant: OK, great. Will you be here at what time?

Landlord: Probably around 3 PM. Is that okay?

3

Register: formal vs informal

SituationFormal (Property Agency)Casual (Direct Landlord)
ReportingI am reporting a maintenance issue.I have a problem with...
RequestingPlease arrange for a repair.Can you fix it?
4

Typical Mistakes

  • The tap have a problem. → The tap has a problem.
  • Can you fix for me? → Can you fix it?
5

Culture Note

  • Tenancy Agreement: This is the legal paper you signed. It usually says that the landlord is responsible for major repairs (like the roof or heating).
6

Practical Task

  1. Practice. Imagine your washing machine is broken. What do you say?
  • ☐say what is broken?
  • ☐ask for a repair/help?