Renting a Flat in English: Viewing Questions to Ask

Intermediate · B1–B2 Episode 28 · about 2 minutes · Hosts: Mel and Josh

1. Before you listen: key words

Press 🔊 to hear each word or phrase. You'll hear all of them in the conversation.

viewing / inspection a visit to see a home before renting it
rent money you pay to live in a place
bills costs like electricity, gas, water and internet
deposit / bond money you pay at the start and usually get back at the end
lease the rental contract
furnished with furniture included
mould a black or green growth caused by damp

2. Listen to the episode

Press Play. The line being spoken lights up so you can read along. Start with Slow if you're a beginner, then try Normal. For a challenge, hide the transcript the first time you listen.

3. Check your understanding

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4. Shadow the hosts

Shadowing means repeating a line straight after you hear it, copying the speed, stress and rhythm. Press 🔁 next to any line in the transcript, then press 🎤 and say it. Your browser shows what it heard. Try 3 to 5 lines a day.

5. Talk about it

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Listening Room, episode 28: Renting a flat: the viewing

Intermediate (B1–B2) · englishcoaching.co

1. Vocabulary: write the meaning

viewing / inspection: ________________________
rent: ________________________
bills: ________________________
deposit / bond: ________________________
lease: ________________________
furnished: ________________________
mould: ________________________

2. Questions

What is a 'viewing'?
☐ A visit to see a home before renting ☐ A movie night ☐ The moving day
What are 'bills'?
☐ Costs like electricity, gas, water and internet ☐ The rent ☐ Furniture
What is a 'lease'?
☐ The rental contract ☐ A type of key ☐ A bill
What does 'furnished' mean?
☐ It has furniture ☐ It's empty ☐ It's new
Why should you follow up quickly?
☐ Lots of people may want the same place ☐ It's required by law ☐ To get a discount

3. Talk or write about it

You're at a rental viewing. Ask the agent five questions about money, the lease and the flat.

Transcript

Josh: Hi, welcome to the Listening Room. I'm Josh.

Mel: I'm Mel. Today we're looking for a place to live: going to a rental viewing.

Josh: A viewing, or an inspection, is when you visit the flat before you rent it.

Mel: And you should ask lots of questions. Josh, what's first?

Josh: Money. 'How much is the rent?' 'Is it paid weekly or monthly?' And 'Are bills included?'

Mel: Bills are things like electricity, gas, water and internet.

Josh: Then ask, 'How much is the deposit?' Some places call it the bond. It's money you usually get back at the end if there's no damage.

Mel: Next, the lease. That's the contract. 'How long is the lease? Six months or twelve?'

Josh: Ask about the place itself: 'Is it furnished?' That means it comes with furniture.

Mel: And: 'Is there a washing machine?' 'Are pets allowed?' 'Is there parking?'

Josh: Look carefully too. Check for damp, mould, broken windows, and see if the water pressure is okay.

Mel: Good tip: take photos. And if something is broken, ask, 'Will this be fixed before I move in?'

Josh: Rules about renting are different in every country and city, so check the official rules where you live before you sign.

Mel: Absolutely. And read the whole lease. If something isn't clear, ask.

Josh: After the viewing, follow up quickly: 'Hi, I viewed the flat on Elm Street this morning and I'd love to apply.'

Mel: Being quick and polite really helps when lots of people want the same place.

Josh: So: viewing, rent, bills, deposit or bond, lease, furnished, and follow up.

Mel: Good luck finding a great home. See you next time!

Answers: 1. A visit to see a home before renting · 2. Costs like electricity, gas, water and internet · 3. The rental contract · 4. It has furniture · 5. Lots of people may want the same place

Frequently asked questions

Is there a transcript for this English listening practice?

Yes. The full transcript is on this page and each line lights up as it's read. You can also print a worksheet with the transcript, questions and answers.

What English level is this episode?

Intermediate (about B1–B2). Beginners can use the Slow speed and read along.

Which words will I learn in this episode?

viewing / inspection, rent, bills, deposit / bond, lease, furnished, mould. Each one has audio and a simple meaning.