
New here? This is lesson 132 of a free 240-lesson English course.
Signing the lease in English
Ana is on the porch of the three-flat. Mr. Kowalski holds the lease and waits.
She needs to ask what papers to bring, who fixes things, and how to leave.
You will also ask to read the lease first, and check for extra fees.
Keep the questions polite and short. He answers in a few words, then he waits.
By the end of this lesson
Ask what to prepare, who fixes things, and how to leave.
- What documents do I need for the application?What papers should I bring to apply?
- Who is responsible for repairs?Who must fix things when they break?
- Can I see the lease before I sign?May I read the contract first?
- What is the notice period for moving out?How early must I say I am leaving?
- Are there any extra fees?Do I pay more costs besides the rent?
- Is there an application fee?Does it cost money to apply?
Scene — the porch
The brick three-flat on Larch Street. Ana stands on the front porch. Mr. Kowalski holds a stack of papers and a ring of keys.
A snow shovel leans by the door. He looks at her and waits. He does not like long talks.

Learn — papers and the lease
Six questions help you talk about papers, repairs, the lease, fees, and how to leave.
Ask them before you sign. He will wait.

What documents do I need for the application?
What papers should I bring to apply?
When to use it: Ask this before you fill out an application.
Documents means the papers you bring, like ID.
Say it: The stress is on the first part of documents.

Who is responsible for repairs?
Who must fix things when they break?
When to use it: Ask this before you sign, so you know who fixes things.
Responsible here means the person who must do the repairs.
Say it: The stress is on the second part of responsible.

Can I see the lease before I sign?
May I read the contract first?
When to use it: Ask this when they want you to sign today.
A lease is the contract for the apartment.

What is the notice period for moving out?
How early must I say I am leaving?
When to use it: Ask this so you know how early to say you are leaving.
Moving out is the -ing form and means leave the home.

Are there any extra fees?
Do I pay more costs besides the rent?
When to use it: Ask this before you agree to pay the rent.
Fees here means extra costs, not the monthly rent.

Is there an application fee?
Does it cost money to apply?
When to use it: Ask this before you turn in your papers.
An application fee is money you pay only to apply.
Say it: The stress is on the third part of application.
Story — he waits
Watch Ana on the porch with Mr. Kowalski. She asks about papers, repairs, and how to leave.
The highlighted words are the lines you just learned.
- The three-flat porch is quiet. Mr. Kowalski holds the papers.
AnaHello. What documents do I need for the application?She greets him and asks what papers to bring.
Mr. KowalskiPhoto ID and pay stubs. That's it.He names the papers she should bring.
AnaWho is responsible for repairs?Who must fix things when they break?
Mr. KowalskiWell, I am. You tell me, I fix it.He fixes things if she tells him.
AnaCan I see the lease before I sign?May I read the contract first?
Mr. KowalskiYes. Read it here. Take your time.He lets her read the lease now.- He holds the papers out. Ana looks at the first page.
AnaWhat is the notice period for moving out?How early must I say I am leaving?
Mr. KowalskiThirty days. Write me a letter.She must tell him thirty days before she leaves.
AnaI put a sign on the door?She thinks notice means a sign on the door.
Mr. KowalskiNo. A letter to me, Miss.He wants a letter, not a sign on the door.
AnaAre there any extra fees?Do I pay more costs besides the rent?
Mr. KowalskiNo extra fees. Just the rent.She pays rent and no extra costs.
AnaIs there an application fee?Does it cost money to apply?
Mr. KowalskiNo application fee.It does not cost money to apply.
AnaDo I need to sign this?Ask if you must write your name on the form.
Mr. KowalskiYes, when you're ready.He says she should write her name when she is ready.- He waits. The snow shovel leans by the door.
Practice — ask before you sign
Eleven short tasks wait here. You will listen, pick, build a line, and fill a gap.
They stay small, so you can move fast.
0 of 11 done
What did you hear?
What did you hear?
Match the pairs
English
Who is responsible for repairs?Drop the Simple English hereCan I see the lease before I sign?Drop the Simple English hereWhat is the notice period for moving out?Drop the Simple English hereIs there an application fee?Drop the Simple English hereSimple English
What do you say?
What do you say?
The kitchen faucet does not work. Ask who must fix it.
What does it mean?
What does it mean?
Is there an application fee?
Fill the gap
Fill the gap
How early must I say I am leaving?
What is the ____ period for moving out?
Build the line
Build the line
Do I pay more costs besides the rent?
?
Tap the words in order.
Pick the reply
Mr. Kowalski says:
Pick the reply
You can sign now.
He says it is time to write your name.
And you reply with:
Swap the word
Swap the word
Ask who must fix things when they break.
Who is responsible for ____?
True or false?
True or false?
This line asks if you must write your name on the form.
What do you say?
What do you say?
You are at the clinic desk after a change. Ask which cards or papers to take.
What do you say?
What do you say?
You must drop your clinic visit. Ask if that costs money.
Say it — say it on the porch
Now you're Ana on the porch. Mr. Kowalski has the lease. When it's your turn, tap the microphone and speak.
Tap play first if you want to hear the line. Your recording stays on your device.
Mr. KowalskiGood afternoon, Miss.He says hello after noon and calls her Miss.- Ana (you)Ask what papers you need to apply.

Ask what papers you need to apply.
What documents do I need for the application?
What papers should I bring to apply?
0 of 6 said
Recap — what you can say now
| English | Simple English | Play |
|---|---|---|
| What documents do I need for the application? | What papers should I bring to apply? | |
| Who is responsible for repairs? | Who must fix things when they break? | |
| Can I see the lease before I sign? | May I read the contract first? | |
| What is the notice period for moving out? | How early must I say I am leaving? | |
| Are there any extra fees? | Do I pay more costs besides the rent? | |
| Is there an application fee? | Does it cost money to apply? |
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Keep practicing with Yak Cards
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A quick round with the Yak Cards keeps these questions ready for the porch.
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