American English for Life and Work in the USA. Lesson 2.
In this lesson you step into the U.S. rental market and speak with a landlord or leasing agent about an apartment. Through phone calls, messages, and an in-person viewing, you learn the language you need for rent, leases, deposits, utilities, and building rules. You notice how American landlords typically explain conditions and what polite but clear questions you should ask to protect yourself, such as what the security deposit covers or who pays for repairs. We highlight key differences from British or international English, including common U.S. terms on rental listings and forms. You also practice pushing back softly if something seems unclear or unfair. By the end, you can ask for details, confirm important points, and show that you are a responsible, informed tenant, not an easy target or a confused newcomer.
1. Calling about an apartment listing.
Imagine you have just arrived in a U.S. city and you finally see a promising apartment listing online: a one‑bedroom on Oak Street, close to your new office. Now you need to make that very first call to the landlord or leasing agent. In this block, we are going to focus on those first 30 to 40 seconds on the phone. Your goal is to sound clear, friendly, and confident, not confused or too formal. You will hear and read a model scene where a renter calls about the Oak Street apartment, says what they are looking for, and checks if the unit is still available. I will highlight some very useful American phrases such as “I am calling about the apartment on Oak Street” and “Is the unit still available?”. Then you will look at a short written listing and practice saying what you would actually say at the start of your own call. Think of this as your personal script for the next real landlord you call.
Scene: Your first call with the landlord.
You found a listing for a 1‑bedroom apartment on Oak Street. You call the number in the ad and a leasing agent named Lisa answers.
Model phone conversation (opening):
> You: Hi, my name is Alex. I am calling about the apartment on Oak Street.
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> Lisa (landlord): Hi Alex, thanks for calling. Yes, we do have a one‑bedroom on Oak Street.
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> You: Great, is the unit still available?
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> Lisa: Yes, it is still available for now.
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> You: I am looking for a one‑bedroom, ideally with in‑unit laundry. I work downtown, so I need to be close to the subway.
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> Lisa: That sounds like this place could work for you.
Notice how the renter is friendly but direct:
They say their name.
They mention the exact listing.
They ask if the unit is still available.
They briefly describe what they are looking for.
Useful phrases for the opening of the call.
Here are some helpful American English chunks you can borrow:
Hi, my name is … I am calling about the apartment on Oak Street.
Is the unit still available?
I saw your listing online.
I am looking for a one‑bedroom near downtown.
Ideally, I would like in‑unit laundry and good natural light.
When would it be possible to come see the place?
These phrases help you sound like a serious, organized renter, not someone who is just calling randomly.
Mini-task on the screen.
Look at how short each line is. In American English, you do not need long, formal sentences like “Good afternoon, I am inquiring as to whether your flat remains vacant.” Instead, you can say:
> Hi, I am calling about the apartment on Oak Street. Is the unit still available?
In the activity below, you will read a very short listing for the Oak Street apartment. Then you will write what you would say in the first 30–40 seconds of the call, using some of the chunks above.
Practice & Feedback
Read the short apartment listing in the box carefully. Then imagine you are calling Lisa, the leasing agent, for the first time.
Write 4–6 sentences that you would actually say in the first 30–40 seconds of the call. Include:
a natural greeting and your name;
a clear reference to the apartment listing (street name, size, or price);
a question to check if the unit is still available;
one or two short details about what you are looking for (move‑in date, size, location, or a key feature).
Write it as if you are speaking, not as a formal letter. You do not need to complete the whole conversation, just the opening part.
Apartment listing: Oak Street 1BR.
Location: Oak Street, 10 minutes from downtown
Type: 1‑bedroom, 1 bathroom apartment
Rent: $1,850 per month
Available: September 1
Details:
In‑unit washer and dryer
Small balcony
Heat and water included
No smoking in the building
Contact: Call or text Lisa at 555‑0134
2. Clarifying rent, deposit and utilities.
Once you know the apartment is still available, the next logical step is to talk about money. In the U.S. this usually means at least three things: the monthly rent, the security deposit, and utilities. Many internationals feel nervous here because they are not sure what is included or what words to use, and they are afraid of sounding rude. In this block, we will listen to Lisa explain all the costs for the Oak Street unit and notice how a good renter asks clear follow‑up questions. You will see useful phrases like, “How much is the monthly rent?”, “What does the security deposit cover?”, and “Are utilities included in the price?”. Then you will listen to a short audio where Lisa gives all the details and you will summarize what you heard in your own words. This is great practice for real calls where the information comes quickly and you only get one chance to catch it.
Moving from availability to money questions.
In the last block, you opened the call and checked if the unit was still available. Now you continue the same conversation.
Model conversation (money details):
> You: Thanks, that sounds good. How much is the monthly rent?
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> Lisa: The rent is one thousand eight hundred fifty dollars per month.
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> You: And what does the security deposit cover?
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> Lisa: The security deposit is the same as one month’s rent. It covers any damage beyond normal wear and tear.
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> You: Are utilities included in the price, or would I pay those separately?
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> Lisa: Heat and water are included. You would pay for electricity and internet.
Key rental vocabulary.
In U.S. rental conversations, you will often hear:
Monthly rent – the amount you pay every month.
Security deposit – money you pay at the beginning. You may get it back when you move out, if there is no damage.
Utilities – things like heat, water, electricity, gas, trash, internet.
Included vs. separate – included means it is in the rent price, separate means you pay it on top.
Notice the questions:
How much is the monthly rent?
What does the security deposit cover?
Are utilities included in the price?
They are direct but polite, and very typical in American English.
Listening strategy.
When a landlord explains costs, they often speak quickly and use numbers. A useful strategy is to listen for categories: rent, deposit, utilities, and other fees. Do not try to remember every single word. After you listen, say the information back in your own words to check your understanding.
In the activity for this block, you will listen to Lisa explain rent, deposit, utilities, and a couple of extra fees for the Oak Street apartment. Then you will practice summarizing the important points in clear written English, just as you might repeat them back on a call or in a follow‑up email.
Practice & Feedback
Listen to Lisa’s explanation of the costs for the Oak Street apartment. You will hear information about rent, the security deposit, utilities, and other fees.
After listening, write a short summary of 3–5 sentences in your own words. Include:
the exact monthly rent;
how much the security deposit is and what it covers;
which utilities are included and which you would pay for separately;
any extra fees that Lisa mentions (for example, an application fee or parking).
Write as if you are explaining the situation to a friend who is also interested in the apartment. You can also add one follow‑up question you would like to ask Lisa about the costs.
3. Checking lease length and application steps.
After you understand the price, a smart renter in the U.S. asks about the lease and the application process. This is where many important details hide: how long you are committing, how difficult it is to leave early, and what documents you need. In this block, we stay with the Oak Street apartment and move to the next part of the conversation. Lisa explains when the lease would start and end, what kind of lease it is, and how the application and approval work. You will also see some common U.S. terms like twelve‑month lease, month‑to‑month, application form, and background check. Then you will read a realistic follow‑up email from Lisa summarizing the conditions. Your task will be to reply to that email: first, to confirm the key points you think you understood, and second, to ask 2–3 polite clarification questions. This is exactly the kind of message you might send after a real viewing or call.
Talking about lease length and move‑in dates.
Once you feel comfortable with the price, the next step is to clarify time: how long is the lease, and when can you move in?
Typical landlord questions and answers:
> You: When would the lease start and end?
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> Lisa: The lease starts September 1 and runs for twelve months, so it ends August 31 next year.
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> You: Is it possible to start a bit later? I might only arrive around the middle of September.
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> Lisa: We could hold it for you until September 15, but you would still pay from the first.
Useful U.S. terms.
Twelve‑month lease – you agree to stay and pay for one year.
Month‑to‑month – a flexible lease you can usually end with 30 days’ notice.
Move‑in date – the day you can start living in the apartment.
Notice – how far in advance you must tell the landlord if you want to leave.
Some useful questions:
When would the lease start and end?
Is there any flexibility on the move‑in date?
What happens if I need to move out early?
Application forms and approval.
In many U.S. cities, you do not just say “Yes, I want it” and move in. You usually need to apply.
Common elements:
An application form with your basic information.
A background and credit check.
Supporting documents like proof of income or an employment letter.
Useful question from the chunk bank:
Could you walk me through the application process?
How long does approval usually take?
In the activity for this block, you will read an email from Lisa that summarizes the lease length, move‑in date, and application steps for the Oak Street apartment. Then you will respond as a careful, responsible renter who wants to confirm the main points and politely double‑check anything that is not totally clear.
Practice & Feedback
Read Lisa’s email carefully. Imagine that you really want this apartment, but you also want to be sure about the conditions before you apply.
Write a reply email of 6–9 sentences. Do two things:
Confirm the key points you understood (for example, lease length, start date, notice period, application fee or documents).
Ask 2–3 polite clarification questions about anything you want to double‑check, such as what happens if you need to leave early, how long approval takes, or whether there is any flexibility on the move‑in date.
Use friendly, clear American English. You do not need a long introduction or closing, but include a simple greeting and a short, polite ending line.
Subject: Oak Street 1BR – Lease and Application Details
Hi Alex,
Great speaking with you today about the one‑bedroom on Oak Street. I wanted to summarize the main points for you.
The lease for this unit is a standard 12‑month lease. For this opening, we are looking at a September 1 start date, with the lease ending August 31 of next year. If needed, we can hold the apartment for you until September 15, but rent would still begin on September 1.
If you need to move out before the end of the lease, we do charge an early termination fee equal to one month’s rent, and you would need to give 60 days’ written notice.
To apply, you would complete an online application form and pay a $40 non‑refundable application fee per adult. We run a standard background and credit check. We usually ask for proof of income (for example, recent pay stubs or an offer letter) and a copy of your ID. Approval typically takes 1–2 business days.
Please let me know if you have any questions.
Best,
Lisa
4. Talking about rules and repairs politely.
During an in‑person viewing, the landlord often explains building rules and how maintenance works. This is where you learn about pets, smoking, quiet hours, guests, and who pays for which repairs. Sometimes, you hear something that feels a bit strict or unfair, such as a very high move‑out fee or a rule that you pay for many small repairs. In American culture, it is normal and smart to ask questions, but you still want to sound calm and reasonable, not aggressive. In this block, we stay in the Oak Street apartment. Lisa explains some rules and a policy about repairs. You will see language you can use to react, for example, “I just want to make sure I understand the rules,” or “Is there any flexibility on that?” or “I understand, I am just a little concerned about…”. Then you will listen to Lisa and practice writing a short, polite response that asks for clarification and softly pushes back on one point.
Rules, policies, and your rights as a renter.
At the viewing, Lisa walks you through the apartment and then talks about rules and maintenance.
Examples of what a landlord might say:
> Lisa: We do not allow smoking anywhere in the building.
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> Lisa: Quiet hours are from 10 pm to 7 am.
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> Lisa: Small repairs under $200 are the tenant’s responsibility.
Some of these policies may be fine, others may worry you. It is completely acceptable to ask questions.
Softening questions and pushback.
Compare these two styles:
Very direct:Why do I have to pay for all small repairs? That does not sound fair.
Polite but firm:I understand the idea, I just want to make sure I understand the details. For repairs under $200, would I always have to arrange and pay for them myself?
Notice some useful softening phrases:
I just want to make sure I understand the rules.
I understand, I am just a little concerned about…
Is there any flexibility on that?
Could you explain how that works in practice?
These help you protect yourself without sounding angry.
Maintenance vocabulary.
Maintenance issues – problems with the apartment (leaks, broken heater, etc.).
Repair request / maintenance request – what you send when something breaks.
Normal wear and tear – small, normal damage from everyday use.
You can ask questions like:
Who should I contact for maintenance issues?
How quickly do you usually respond to repair requests?
In the activity below, you will listen to Lisa explain the Oak Street building’s rules and her policy about repairs under $200 and a move‑out cleaning fee. Your job is to write a short answer that shows you are listening, asks for clarification, and, if you want, gently questions one part of the policy.
Practice & Feedback
Listen carefully to Lisa’s explanation of the building rules and repair policy. Pay attention to:
the rules about smoking, quiet hours, and guests;
who pays for repairs under a certain amount;
any move‑out or cleaning fees.
Then write a 4–6 sentence response as if you are speaking to Lisa in person right after she finishes. Your response should:
show that you heard and respect the rules;
include at least one clarifying question about repairs or fees;
softly express any concern you have, using phrases like I just want to make sure I understand or I am a little concerned about.
Focus on sounding calm, polite, and informed, not upset. Imagine you really might rent this apartment.
5. Texting the landlord after the viewing.
These days, many landlords and leasing agents in the U.S. prefer quick text messages for simple updates. After a viewing, it is common to send a short thank‑you text, ask one quick question, or confirm next steps. The tone is usually friendly, short, and clear – more casual than email but still polite. In this block, we stay with Lisa and the Oak Street apartment. You have already seen the place and talked about rent, deposits, rules, and the lease. Now Lisa sends you a text to check whether you are still interested. On the screen, you will see an example of a natural text exchange between a renter and a landlord. We will notice how they say thank you, ask about next steps, and mention timing without writing long paragraphs. Then, in the activity, you will write your own short text conversation with Lisa, using several short messages to sound natural in a U.S. context.
Following up by text after a viewing.
After you see the Oak Street apartment, Lisa sends you a message:
> Lisa: Hi, this is Lisa from Oak Street. It was nice meeting you earlier.
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> Lisa: Just checking if you are still interested in the unit.
How can you respond in a way that is friendly, clear, and efficient?
Example text exchange:
> You: Hi Lisa, this is Alex from the 5 pm viewing. Thanks again for showing me the place.
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> You: Yes, I am definitely interested.
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> You: I just have one quick question about the early termination fee.
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> Lisa: Sure, what would you like to know?
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> You: If I had to move out for work before the 12 months, would I always pay one month’s rent?
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> Lisa: Yes, that is our standard policy, but we sometimes make exceptions if we can find a new tenant quickly.
Style tips for landlord texts.
In American English, texts to landlords are usually:
Short – one or two sentences per message;
Friendly – Hi, Thanks again, Have a good night are common;
Clear – one idea or question per text;
Professional – no emojis for serious topics, no slang like yo or lol.
Useful chunks:
Hi Lisa, this is 【your name】 from the viewing.
Thanks again for showing me the apartment.
Yes, I am still very interested.
I have one quick question about 【topic】.
When would be a good time to send the application?
In the activity below, you will answer a real‑sounding text from Lisa. Instead of writing one long block of text, you will create 3–5 short messages, just like in a real chat, to thank her, say if you are interested, ask a quick question, and mention your next step.
Practice & Feedback
Imagine you have just left the viewing and now you receive the text messages below from Lisa. You are still interested, but you have one small question before you apply.
Write a short chat‑style reply with 3–5 separate messages (each 1–2 sentences). Do not write one long paragraph.
In your messages, try to:
say who you are and thank her for the viewing;
say clearly whether you are still interested in the unit;
ask one quick question about something important to you (for example, move‑in date, pets, commute, or repairs);
mention your next step (for example, sending the application tonight, deciding by tomorrow, or asking for one more day to think).
Keep the tone friendly, concise, and professional – like real texts to a landlord in the U.S.
> Lisa: Hi, this is Lisa from Oak Street. It was nice meeting you earlier.
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> Lisa: Just checking if you are still interested in the unit.
6. Writing a clear follow-up email to the landlord.
You have now gone through the whole Oak Street journey: you saw the listing, called to ask if the unit was available, clarified rent, deposit, and utilities, discussed the lease and application, heard about rules and repairs, and even texted Lisa after the viewing. The final step is to put everything together in a clear, professional follow‑up email. This kind of message is very useful in the U.S. because it creates a written record of the key terms and shows you are a responsible tenant. In this block, I will show you a simple structure for a strong follow‑up email: subject line, greeting, short opening, 3–4 key details you are confirming, one or two remaining questions, and a friendly closing. Then you will write your own email to Lisa, either to say that you want to apply or to say you will not take the apartment. Try to reuse the powerful chunks from earlier: “I just want to make sure I understand…”, “That sounds good to me”, and “Could you walk me through the next steps?”.
Putting it all together in one email.
By this point, you have collected a lot of information about the Oak Street apartment. A good follow‑up email helps you:
Confirm the most important terms in writing;
Show that you are organized and reliable;
Ask any final questions before you commit.
Simple structure for a U.S. landlord email.
Subject: Oak Street 1BR – Follow‑up and next steps
Greeting:
> Hi Lisa,
Opening (1–2 sentences):
> Thanks again for showing me the one‑bedroom on Oak Street yesterday. I just wanted to follow up and make sure I understand the main details correctly.
Confirm key points (3–4 sentences):
> As I understand it, the monthly rent is $1,850 and the security deposit is the same as one month’s rent. Heat and water are included in the rent, and I would pay for electricity, gas, and internet separately. The lease would start on September 1 and run for 12 months, with an early termination fee equal to one month’s rent if I need to leave early.
Ask final questions (1–3 sentences):
> I just have a quick question about the repair policy for small issues under $200. Would I always need to arrange those myself, or is it possible to request your handyman for an additional fee?
State your decision / next step (1–2 sentences):
> Overall, the apartment sounds like a great fit for me, and I would like to move forward with the application. Could you let me know the best way to submit the online form and supporting documents?
Clearly say whether you want to apply or not move forward;
Use a friendly, professional tone.
In the activity below, you will write your own full email to Lisa. This is your chance to bring together all the language you have practiced in this lesson.
Practice & Feedback
Write a full follow‑up email to Lisa about the Oak Street apartment.
Choose one of these options:
You want to apply for the apartment and move forward.
You decide not to take it, but you still want to be polite and keep a good impression.
Your email should be around 140–200 words and include:
a clear subject line and greeting;
a short opening that mentions the viewing or call;
3–4 key details you are confirming (for example, rent, security deposit, utilities, lease length, move‑in date, early termination fee, or cleaning fee);
at least one final question or request for clarification;
one sentence that clearly states your decision and next step;
a simple, friendly closing.
Write it as if you are really sending this to a U.S. landlord today.
You are writing to Lisa, the leasing agent for the Oak Street 1BR.
Here is a quick reminder of useful phrases and information you have heard:
I am calling about the apartment on Oak Street.
How much is the monthly rent?
What does the security deposit cover?
Are utilities included in the price?
When would the lease start and end?
Could you walk me through the application process?
I just want to make sure I understand the rules.
Key facts from earlier blocks:
Rent: $1,850/month;
Security deposit: one month’s rent;
Heat and water included; electricity, gas, and internet separate;
Standard 12‑month lease, starting September 1;
Early termination fee: one month’s rent with 60 days’ notice;
Cleaning fee at move‑out: $250, taken from the deposit.
Use this information, but feel free to adjust details to match your real life (for example, your move‑in date or questions).
