Renting is one of the first big tasks for newcomers. You need English to ask about an apartment, understand the lease, and report repairs clearly and politely.

Dialogue: viewing an apartment

Fatima: Hi, I'm Fatima. We spoke on the phone about the one-bedroom apartment.

Landlord: Yes, come in. The rent is $1,650 a month.

Fatima: Thank you. Does the rent include utilities, like heat and hydro?

Landlord: Heat and water are included. Hydro is extra.

Fatima: Okay. Is there laundry in the building, and is parking available?

Landlord: There's a laundry room in the basement. Parking is $75 a month.

Fatima: How long is the lease, and when is the apartment available?

Landlord: It's a one-year lease, starting March 1.

Fatima: Great. Could you send me the application form by email?

Model repair request (by email or text)

"Hi Mr. Novak, this is Fatima in unit 304. The kitchen sink has been leaking since Sunday, and there is now water under the cabinet. Could you please send someone to fix it this week? I am home after 5 p.m., or you can enter with notice. Thank you."

Key phrases

"Does the rent include utilities?"
"Is the apartment furnished or unfurnished?"
"How long is the lease?"
"When is the rent due, and how do I pay it?"
"The ... is broken / leaking / not working."
"Could you please send someone to fix it?"

Good to know in Canada

"Hydro" is a common Canadian word for electricity, especially in Ontario, Quebec and British Columbia.
Always get the lease in writing and keep a copy. Read it before you sign.
Rules for deposits, rent increases and repairs are different in each province. Check your province's tenant information website.
Report repairs in writing (email or text), so you have a record with the date.

Homework

Write 6 questions you would ask at an apartment viewing. Then write a short repair request (40-60 words) about a real or imaginary problem: what is broken, since when, and when you are available.

English for Canadian Work and Life