Renting an apartment: discussing obligations and advice
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Think about these questions before reading. Share your ideas with a partner.
- If you were searching for a new apartment today, what would be your top three 'must-have' features, and why are they so important to you?
- What are the most important pieces of advice you would give a friend before they sign a rental agreement for a new home?
- In your opinion, what are the key responsibilities a landlord has towards their tenants, and what are the tenants' main obligations in return?
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Renting an Apartment
Listen to the dialogue. Notice how the vocabulary and grammar from the lesson are used.
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Answer these questions in your own words. Support your answers with evidence from the article.
01Why is Marco's friend stressed at the beginning of the dialogue?
Sample answerHe's stressed because his plan to rent a new apartment fell through at the last minute, and he's worried he won't get his deposit back.
02What key piece of advice does Emma give to avoid a landlord-tenant dispute?
Sample answerEmma advises that to avoid a potential dispute, one should always get agreements in writing.
03According to Emma, what is the difference between actual damages and 'normal wear and tear'?
Sample answerShe explains that landlords can charge for actual damages but not for normal wear and tear, which includes minor issues like small scuffs on the wall from everyday use.
04What does a tenant usually have to do before they can move out of a rented apartment?
Sample answerA tenant typically has to give notice, usually in writing, about 30 days before they plan to move out, as specified in the lease.
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Key vocabulary for renting
Vocabulary
These expressions will help you communicate more naturally and precisely when discussing housing and rental agreements.
Examples
Normal wear and tear — the expected decline in the condition of a property due to normal, everyday use over time.
Usage note: This is a key legal term in rental agreements. It distinguishes between damage you must pay for (like a large hole in the wall) and minor issues the landlord is responsible for (like faded paint or worn-out carpet).
To fall through — to fail to happen or be completed, especially a plan or agreement.
Usage note: This phrasal verb is common when a deal fails unexpectedly. For example: 'We thought we had the apartment, but our application fell through at the last minute.'
To give notice — to formally inform your landlord, usually in writing, that you intend to end your rental agreement and move out on a specific date.
Usage note: This is a standard procedure. You can say, 'I have to give my landlord 30 days' notice before I move out.' The amount of notice required is an important obligation in your lease.
Landlord-tenant dispute — a formal disagreement or argument between a property owner and the person renting from them.
Usage note: This is a slightly formal phrase for serious problems that might require mediation or legal action, often related to repairs, rent increases, or the security deposit.
To vet a tenant — for a landlord to carefully check someone's background, references, and financial history before renting to them.
Usage note: While landlords do the vetting, it's useful for tenants to understand this process. You should be prepared to provide documents to prove your income and reliability.
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Renting rules and recommendations
Match each item on the left with the correct item on the right.
Drag or click to match
Definitions
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Grammar: Modals for rules, advice, and suggestions
Grammar
When renting a property, it's crucial to understand rules, obligations, and advice. We use modal verbs like 'must', 'have to', and 'should' to express these ideas with different levels of strength and formality.
Examples
According to the lease, tenants must pay a security deposit before moving in.
Use 'must' for strong, often written or official, obligations and rules.
You don't have to be present for the inspection, but it's recommended. However, you mustn't make any major changes to the property without permission.
Note the key difference: 'don't have to' means there is no necessity, while 'mustn't' means something is prohibited.
You should document the condition of the apartment with photos when you first arrive.
'Should' is used to give advice or make a recommendation. 'Ought to' is a slightly more formal alternative.
Key points
- Use 'must' for strong obligations or official rules (e.g., from a contract).
- Use 'have to' for obligations that come from an external source or situation.
- 'Mustn't' means something is forbidden or not allowed.
- 'Don't have to' means something is not necessary or required.
- Use 'should' or 'ought to' for advice and recommendations.
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Find the mistake
Read the sentences below about renting an apartment. Each one has a single error related to grammar or vocabulary from the lesson.
Each sentence contains one error. Find and correct it.
01You should to check the inventory list carefully when you first move in to avoid any disputes later.
Corrected version
You should to check the inventory list carefully when you first move in to avoid any disputes later.
02Finding an afford apartment in the city centre can be a real ordeal.
Corrected version
Finding an afford affordable apartment in the city centre can be a real ordeal.
03Our first rental application fell down because my credit score wasn't high enough.
Corrected version
Our first rental application fell down through because my credit score wasn't high enough.
04Tenants don't have to have parties after 10 PM, according to the building regulations.
Corrected version
Tenants don't have to mustn't have parties after 10 PM, according to the building regulations.
05The list of amenities, which includes a gym and a pool, are the main reason I chose this building.
Corrected version
The list of amenities, which includes a gym and a pool, are is the main reason I chose this building.
06The landlord will vet all potential tenants before they sign the lease agrement.
Corrected version
The landlord will vet all potential tenants before they sign the lease agrement. agreement.
07You must giving one month's notice before you decide to move out.
Corrected version
You must giving give one month's notice before you decide to move out.
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Navigating the rental process
Read the passage about the common steps and potential challenges of renting a new home.
Fill in each blank with the correct word or phrase from the word bank.
Word bank
Finding a new apartment can be a real ordeal. Landlords will thoroughly each potential tenant before offering a contract. Once approved, you sign a detailed lease agreement. It's crucial to read this document carefully to avoid a future . If you ever decide to move out, you are legally required to according to the terms, usually 30 days in advance. Understanding the rules around is also key to getting your security deposit back. You wouldn't want the whole deal to over a simple misunderstanding.
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Discuss these questions with a partner. Try to use vocabulary from the lesson.
- To what extent do you think landlords should be allowed to vet a tenant? For example, should they be able to check social media and credit history? Where do you draw the line between protecting property and a tenant's right to privacy?
- In your country, what are the most common reasons for a landlord-tenant dispute? How are these typically resolved, and what advice would you give someone to avoid one in the first place?
- Consider the term 'normal wear and tear'. What's a common disagreement that might arise over this, and how should it be resolved? For instance, who is responsible for a worn-out carpet versus a large stain?