renting a house

Words Storm

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Furnished有家具的 Unfurnished

Apartment公寓单元房 Block of flats公寓楼 Studio flat一居室公寓 Bungalow平房

Single/double room Air-conditioning Central heating high speed Internet Deposit押金

Landlord/landlady Tenant房客 Agency中介 Lease租期 Let

Pay monthly月付 Renew续约 Balcony Parking Basement

Pets not allowed禁养宠物

Listen to the dialogue and answer the following

questions:

• 1. What are they talking about?

• 2. How much can the man afford per month? • 3. Does he have a preference for smokers?

• 4. How long does he want to sign a contract for? Why? • 5. Why does he have to factor in about 100 pounds more each month?

• • • • •

A: How is your house hunting going?

B: Not very well. I haven’t found anything within my price range yet. A: How much are you looking to spend?

B: I can only afford about 300 pounds a month.

A: Looks like you ‘re not going to get more than a bedroom in a shared flat with that.

• • • •

B: Really? That’s a lot of money to pay for one room.

A: Well, if you want to live in London, you have to pay the price! B: Do you know of anyone who needs a roommate?

A: I can ask around at work. Do you have a preference for smokers or non-smokers?

• B: I’d prefer non-smoking roommates, but I guess I’ll have to take what I can get!

• A: How long do you want to sign a contract for?

• • • • • •

B: I can sign a contract up to a year. I don’t know where I’ll be after that. A: Do you need a furnished or unfurnished apartment?

B: I don’t have any furniture, so it’d be great if it were furnished.

A: You know that you’ll have to pay utilities on top of the rent, right? B: No, I thought that would be included in the rent.

A: It’s not usually included, so you’ll have to factor in about 100 pounds more each month for utilities. • B: I don’t think I can afford that.

• A: Don’t worry. Sometimes people will give you a discount if you promise to do the cleaning or take care of the children.

• B: That’s a good idea. I’ll look into finding something like that.

Pair-work

• Situation 1: You want to live off campus so you ask your friend to help you find a studio flat near CCNU. He is asking you for some detailed information about the flat you are looking for.

• Situation 2: You phone the rental agency as you want to let your apartment. You are describing your apartment to the rental agent.

Other Useful expressions

• • • • • • • • • •

What type of apartment do you want to live in? Is it available now?

You seem like the ideal tenant.

The deposit is two months’ rent, and the rent is 200 pounds. When is the rent due?

We’d like for you to leave the apartment just the way it is. The apartment is conveniently located. The lease is up.

For the renewal, how long do you want to stay?

Do you want to share with any roommates or live alone?

Model

• A: Hi. Are you Jane from the rental agency? • B: Yes. Nice to meet you. I take it you’re Tim.

• A: Yeah. Well, I just started to look into moving off campus. It seems that all the good places are going fast.

• B: That’s right; you gotta be quick. Let me tell you a little about this apartment. It’s a one bedroom, one living room apartment, with a

bathroom and a kitchen. The furnishings are all new. There are hardwood floors, and it is very quiet in the neighborhood. • A: And how about the transportation?

• B: Well, from the bus stop down the block you can always catch buses onto campus, or into the city. • A: OK. How about the rent? • B: The rent is $300 per month. • A: Is there a security deposit?

• B: Yes. You must first pay the security deposit, which is one month’s rent, and the last month’s rent. Then, normal monthly payment begins. • A: And, would you mind if I have a roommate? • B: Of course not! Whatever you like.

• A: Well, the place looks good. I’ll definitely be in touch.

• B: OK. Here’s my business card. Give me a call if you have any questions. • A: Will do.

Role-play

• Three Chinese students are studying in USA. They want to find an apartment off campus and are now talking with a landlady who has an apartment to let. They think the rent is beyond them so they ask the lady for a discount. In return, they offer to help her clean the house, look after her children and also teach her Chinese.

• • • • • • • •

I wonder if i/we could possibly…? May/Can I…?

Would it be possible for me/us to…? Could I/we (please)…? Could I/we possibly…? Is it all right if I/we…?

Would/Do you mind if I…?

Seeking permission

To seek permission

To give permission

• • • • • • • • • •

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

By all means.

Certainly/Sure/Of course. No problem. Go ahead. Yes. All right. Ok.

Not at all/ Of course not. No, I wouldn’t mind. I don’t mind.

Model

O: May I see your passport, please? V: Here you are.

O: Where are you going?

V: I’m going to Toronto, Canada. O: What’s the purpose of your visit?

V: I’m going to study at the University of Toronto. O: How long are you going to be there? V: For about ten months.

O: Do you have anything to declare? V: No. Nothing, sir.

O: Are you bringing in any gifts? V: Yes, I have a few silk and scarves. O: How much are they worth?

V: Oh, about fifty Canadian dollars, I think.

O: Do you have any food with you? Any canned goods? V: I have a can of Chinese peppers. O: Can I look at it, please? V: Here it is.

Pair-work

• You are just back after a week’s holiday in France. You are going through the Customs at the airport. The officer is asking you some questions.

To refuse to give permission

• • • • • • • • • • • •

I’d prefer you not. I’d rather you didn’t. I don’t think you should. I’m afraid not.

No, I don’t want you to.

I’m sorry, you can’t. + explanation You’d better not. I hope not. No way.

That’s not a very good idea. No, please don’t.

I’m sorry, but that’s not possible.

For example

• A: Is it all right if I bring a friend home to spend the weekend?

• B: No, I don’t want you to this weekend. We have to finish painting the house and I really need your help.

Expressions for explaining your reason

• Well, you see… • The reason is…

• It’s sort of complicated but you see… • …and that’s why I’d like to… • It’s because…

Pair-work

• Situation 1: You ask your teacher whether you can hand in your term paper late. Your teacher refuses to let you do so and gives his reason.

• Situation 2: You ask your boss whether you can have a few hours off work today for some personal reasons and whether you can change shifts with a colleague tomorrow, who has already agreed to the switch. Your boss refuses to let you do so and gives his reason.