Daily lifeSpeaking roleplay

Viewing a flat in English

Ask about the rent, the bills and the deposit, and try to change the terms, out loud, with a letting agent who reacts to what you say.

Your level

Rob, letting agent

So, this is the kitchen. It's quite small.

Your goal Find out the details, ask about problems and say if you're interested.

Example conversation: viewing a flat

How the roleplay can go at each level, with answers that work. In the roleplay, Rob reacts to your own words, so it can go differently.

BeginnerAsk about the price and the bills, and when you can move in.

Rob
Hi, come in! This is the living room. Do you like it?
You
Yes, it's really nice. It's very bright.
Rob
Yes, it gets lots of light. The rent is nine hundred a month. Any questions?
You
Are bills included?
Rob
Bills are extra, about a hundred. When would you like to move in?
You
Next month, if that's okay. When is it free?
Rob
It's free from next month. Would you like to apply?
You
Yes, please. I'd like to apply.
Rob
Great. I'll email you the form. Thanks for coming. Here's my card.

IntermediateFind out the details, ask about problems and say if you're interested.

Rob
So, this is the kitchen. It's quite small.
You
It's a bit small, but it looks clean and modern.
Rob
Yes, but it's all new. Bills are on top of the rent, by the way.
You
What are the bills usually, more or less?
Rob
About a hundred a month. This is the bedroom. Sorry, it's a bit cold.
You
Has there been any damp in here?
Rob
There was a bit, but it's fixed. The deposit is five weeks' rent. Interested?
You
I'm really interested. Do I get the deposit back at the end?
Rob
Yes, if there's no damage. I'll email you the details.

Upper intermediateAsk sharper questions and try to change the terms.

Rob
That mark on the ceiling? There was a leak, but it's fixed.
You
Has it been properly fixed? Could I see the invoice?
Rob
Yes, in March. I have the invoice. The rent's fourteen hundred, fixed for a year.
You
Would the landlord consider thirteen hundred?
Rob
He might, if you sign for longer. He wants twelve months. Does that work?
You
I'd be willing to pay three months up front for a six-month contract.
Rob
Sounds good. Can you provide references?
You
Yes, from my employer and my last landlord. Could I get that in writing?
Rob
Perfect. If you're keen, make an offer today.

The phrases the roleplay listens for at each level. Use one and it lights up in the roleplay.

Beginner

Intermediate

Upper intermediate

Things people often say here, and a more natural way to say them. If you say one in the roleplay, you see the fix under your answer.

Instead ofThe bills are inside.
SayThe bills are included.
“Included” is the word: are bills included?
Instead ofWhen I can enter?
SayWhen can I move in?
For a new home, you “move in”.
Instead ofCan I have animals?
SayCan I have pets?
For animals that live with you, we say “pets”.
Instead ofThe kitchen is very little.
SayThe kitchen is very small.
For rooms, “small” is the usual word.
Instead ofHow many is the deposit?
SayHow much is the deposit?
Money is “how much”, not “how many”.
Instead ofI want to think and say you tomorrow.
SayI want to think and let you know tomorrow.
“Let you know” is the natural phrase.
Instead ofI will return you tomorrow.
SayI will get back to you tomorrow.
When you answer later, say “I’ll get back to you”.
Instead ofCan you make discount?
SayCan you lower the rent?
For rent, say “lower the rent”. Discounts are for shops.
Instead ofThe ceiling had a leaking.
SayThe ceiling had a leak.
The noun is “a leak”.
Instead ofI can give guarantees.
SayI can provide references.
In renting, “references” is the word.
Instead ofI'd be willing for pay more.
SayI'd be willing to pay more.
After “willing”, use “to”: willing to pay.

Eleven more everyday situations, each at three levels. See them all.