Renting an apartment in English: keys, rules and repairs
How do I get the keys? Is there a lockbox?
“How can I get the keys? Is there a small box with a code?”
When: Messaging or calling the host the day before you arrive
The moment
You rented a small apartment in Brooklyn for a week. Text and call the host to find out how to get in, what's included and what the house rules are, then report the hot water when it stops working.
A2 · Unit 2 · Travel days
The lines
Getting in the door
Many rentals have no person to give you keys. Ask: 'How do I get the keys? Is there a lockbox?' A lockbox is a small box with a code. The key is inside.
How do I get the keys? Is there a lockbox?
“How can I get the keys? Is there a small box with a code?”
When to use it: Messaging or calling the host the day before you arrive
What you’ll hear back: Yep, it's on the gate. I'll text you the code in the morning. (Yes, it is on the gate. I will send you the code.)
Reporting a problem to the host
Say what stopped working: 'There's no hot water.' Then ask for help: 'Can someone come take a look?' 'Take a look' means 'check it and fix it'.
There's no hot water. Can someone come take a look?
“The hot water does not work. Can someone come and check it?”
When to use it: Calling or texting the host when something in the apartment breaks
What you’ll hear back: Oh no, sorry! I'll have the super come by this afternoon.
Words for this scene
| Word or phrase | Say it | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Are utilities included? | ar yoo-TIL-ih-deez in-KLOO-did | Is the cost of electricity, water and gas already in the price? |
The price looks good, but are utilities included? The price is nice, but do I pay extra for power and water? Tip: In short-term rentals utilities are usually included; long leases often aren't. | ||
| Is it okay to have friends over? | iz-it oh-KAY tuh hav FRENZ OH-ver | Can I invite friends to the apartment? |
Just checking, is it okay to have friends over for dinner? I want to be sure: can my friends come to eat here? Tip: Most hosts ban parties; neighbors complain fast in NYC buildings. | ||
| Where do I put the trash? | WEHR-duh-ai PUT thuh TRASH | Where do I throw away the garbage? |
Before I leave, where do I put the trash and the recycling? Before I go, where do I throw away garbage and bottles? Tip: Americans say trash or garbage, not rubbish; NYC separates recycling. | ||
Your objective
Find out how to get in, then report the problem with the water and ask when someone can fix it.
- how to get in
- the water problem
- when it can be fixed
Lines that get it done
- How do I get the keys? Is there a lockbox?
- Are utilities included? · Is the cost of electricity, water and gas already in the price?
In the live scene the objective stays on screen, and the Replay afterwards says whether you got it done.
Check yourself
1. You arrive and the kitchen tap has no hot water. What do you text the host?
- There's no hot water. Can someone come take a look?
- There isn't warm water. Can someone come to take a look?
- There's no hot water. Can someone come take a see?
- It has no hot water. Can somebody look it?
Show the answer
There's no hot water. Can someone come take a look?
Say 'There's no...' for something missing, and 'come take a look' is the natural phrase.
2. The host writes, 'I'll have the super come by this afternoon.' What does this mean?
- The building manager will visit to fix it later today.
- The host will come to your apartment tomorrow.
- You have to go to the supermarket this afternoon.
- You need to call the building manager yourself.
Show the answer
The building manager will visit to fix it later today.
In New York the 'super' (superintendent) fixes things in the building, and 'come by' means visit.
3. You want to know if you pay extra for electricity and water. What do you ask?
- Are utilities included?
- Are services inclusive?
- Is the utility in the price included?
- Are the bills comprised?
Show the answer
Are utilities included?
Americans call power, gas and water 'utilities', and ask if they're 'included'.