HOME / VOCABULARY EXERCISES / LIFE SKILLS: RENTING AN APARTMENT 1
LIFE SKILLS ENGLISH FOR NEW IMMIGRANTS: RENTING AN APARTMENT 1
VOCABULARY BUILDER:
Lease = A rental agreement between the owner of the house/apartment and the tenant. Many leases are for one year.
To give notice = To let someone know that you will be leaving (in this case a house/apartment)
Damage deposit = Money that you give to the manager/owner of the house/apartment to cover any potential damage to the property while you stay there. Deposits are usually returned to you when you leave, unless, of course, you damage something.
Credit check = Checking to see whether or not your credit score is good enough to rent a house/apartment
Utilities = Gas, electricity, water, etc.
Eviction = When you are forced to leave a property, usually because of a failure to pay
Off-street parking = Private garage, parking lot, etc.
EXERCISE/VOCABULARY PRACTICE TEST:
THINGS TO LISTEN FOR:
There's an open house from 6-8 this evening. = There will be a public showing of the property to potential renters between 6 and 8 this evening. An "open house" means you can come anytime during this time without an appointment.
Do you have any references? = Do you have people who can vouch for you? (In this case, people who can say positive things about your rental history, etc.)
You'll need to provide proof of income. = You'll need to show proof of how much money you make.
This is a studio apartment. (in some countries known as a "bachelor apartment") = This is a one-room apartment (with or without separate kitchen)
Your application was denied. = You did not get the apartment. Your application was rejected.
RESOURCES FOR NEW IMMIGRANTS: LOS ANGELES, CA, USA
(Check our other exercises below for resources in other places.)
Here are helpful resources and organizations in Los Angeles that support new immigrants, including legal help, social services, education, employment, and community support:
LEGAL HELP & IMMIGRATION SERVICES
These groups assist with immigration paperwork, legal representation, DACA, green cards, citizenship, deportation defense, and knowing your rights:
• Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights - Advocacy, legal assistance, community support.
• Esperanza Immigrant Rights Project - Legal services for immigrants and families.
• Immigration Center for Women and Children - Supports women and children with legal and social services.
• El Rescate - Immigration and naturalization services with long history in LA.
• CARECEN - Community-based immigration assistance.
• Immigrant Defenders Law Center - Legal defense & deportation protection.
• Legal Aid & Consultants
• Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles - General legal services which can include immigration-related help.
• Get Legal Immigration Services - Immigration and naturalization assistance.
Note: There are also private immigration attorneys/consultants (e.g., LA Immigration Center, LLC, Immigration Law Office of Los Angeles PC, Abogados de Inmigracion en Los Angeles, ALG Lawyers - Immigration Lawyer in Los Angeles) if you need full legal representation (often fee-based).
SOCIAL, SETTLEMENT, AND SUPPORT SERVICES
These support newcomers with resettlement, language classes, job readiness, housing, and integration:
• Catholic Charities of Los Angeles, Inc. - Broad support including employment, education, and basic needs.
• Immigration & Refugee Services - Catholic Charities - Services specifically for refugees and immigrants.
• International Institute of Los Angeles - Long-standing community services for immigrant integration.
FREE PUBLIC & GOVERNMENT SUPPORT
Los Angeles Public Library - New Americans Initiative
The Los Angeles Public Library offers a New Americans Initiative with free services like:
• Citizenship application help
• Green Card renewal
• DACA renewal
• Work permit and adjustment of status assistance
Appointments available in multiple languages.
CITY AND COUNTY RESOURCES
• Los Angeles Mayor's Office of Immigrant Affairs publishes a Community Resource Guide with city, county, and nonprofit services (in English, Spanish, Korean, Chinese).
• LA County Office of Immigrant Affairs (OIA) provides information, referrals, and a helpline (call 1-800-593-8222) for immigration resources.
HEALTH, RIGHTS, & COMMUNITY SUPPORT
• LA County Department of Public Health offers workshops, legal resource referrals, food assistance, mental health support, and rights information for immigrant families.
• Services like 211 LA can help you find food banks, social services, housing, and more by calling 211 or visiting their website.
TIPS FOR NEWLY ARRIVED IMMIGRANTS
• Know your rights - Many groups provide "Know Your Rights" training and materials.
• Connect with a legal advisor - Especially before dealing with immigration authorities or filing important forms.
• Language & job support - Look for ESL classes and job-readiness help via nonprofits and public libraries.
• Emergency help - Shelters, food, and basic needs support may be available through local nonprofits and county services.
