Welcome to our "English for new immigrants" section. We have created this "life-skills" section for newcomers to an English-speaking country to be able to practice English related to things you might have to do every day. The new vocabulary you learn will help you integrate into society and make life in your new country easier. Most of these questions use our patented approach, which combines both grammar and vocabulary training, and spans a range of levels from low-intermediate to low-advanced.
Topic: 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 come 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.
BACK TO LIST OF EXERCISES
