Intermediate · B1 / B2 · Housing

Renting a Place

Your goal: enquire about a flat, understand the contract, and ask the right questions before signing.

1

Survival Phrases

Enquiring

  • I'm calling about the flat on Bridge Street — is it still available?
  • When could I come and view it?
  • Is the rent inclusive of bills?

The contract

  • What's the length of the tenancy?
  • Is there a break clause?
  • How much is the deposit, and is it protected?

Practicalities

  • Who's responsible for repairs — the landlord or me?
  • What's the notice period?
  • Are pets allowed?

Money

  • What's the council tax band?
  • Is there an agency fee?
  • When is rent due, and how do I pay?
2

Model Dialogue

Read the dialogue aloud twice — once for each speaker. Notice how B picks up A's words and adds something.

Marina: Hi, I'm calling about the one-bed on Bridge Street — is it still available?

Agent: It is. Would you like to view it? I've got Thursday at 2 or Saturday at 10.

Marina: Saturday, please. A few questions first — is the rent inclusive of bills?

Agent: Water's included; gas, electric and council tax are on you.

Marina: OK. And the deposit — how much, and is it protected?

Agent: One month's rent, £1,200, held in a deposit protection scheme — standard.

Marina: Good. Length of the tenancy and a break clause?

Agent: Twelve months, with a six-month break clause. Two months' notice either side.

Marina: Perfect. One more — are pets allowed? I've got a cat.

Agent: Cats are fine with the landlord's say. I'll confirm in writing.

3

Register: formal vs informal

SituationMore formalMore informal / natural
EnquiringI'm calling about the flat on Bridge Street — is it still available?Is the Bridge Street place still going?
Asking about billsCould you confirm whether the rent is inclusive of bills?Are bills included?
The depositHow much is the deposit, and is it held in a protection scheme?How much's the deposit and is it protected?
NoticeWhat's the notice period on either side?How much notice do I give?
At B1/B2 the line between formal and informal is often tone and softeners (just, a bit, possibly), not different words. Soften requests when the stakes are higher.
4

Typical Mistakes (B1/B2 & Portuguese interference)

  • The flat is free? → Is the flat still available? ((free → available))
  • Is the rent with bills? → Is the rent inclusive of bills? / Are bills included? ((with → inclusive of))
  • I want to sign the contract. → I'd like to go ahead, subject to viewing. ((softer; subject to))
  • How much time of contract? → What's the length of the tenancy? ((length))
  • I have a cat, is possible? → Are pets allowed? I have a cat. ((are pets allowed))
  • When I have to pay the rent? → When is rent due, and how do I pay? ((ordem + due))
5

Culture Note

  • In the UK, deposits must be protected in a government-backed scheme — if a landlord won't say which, walk away.
  • A break clause lets either side end early with notice; without one you're tied for the full term.
  • Council tax is a real monthly cost — ask the band, or budget for it separately.
  • Get everything in writing ('I'll confirm in writing') — verbal promises vanish.
6

Practical Task

  1. Rebuild the dialogue with a two-bed and a different bills setup.
  2. Record both roles, asking the four key questions.
  3. Write the four questions you'd ask before signing.
  4. Real-life mission: read a real tenancy ad in English and find three terms (PCM, furnished, deposit).

Before you finish, can you…

  • ☐enquire and arrange a viewing?
  • ☐ask about bills, deposit protection and break clause?
  • ☐ask about repairs and notice?
  • ☐get a written confirmation?
Bring your dialogue — the teacher plays an agent who's vague about the deposit scheme.