English - Renting an Apartment

Lesson 121 of 139

A young renter asking questions about an apartment — English phrases for renting an apartment.

Goal: Ask the right questions before you sign

Free English lessons with audio, guided practice, and speaking support.

Welcome back — lesson 121! This short lesson helps you ask practical questions when you look for an apartment. Keep it simple: listen, repeat, and try the phrases out loud.

Level B1: In this lesson you'll practice useful rental questions: asking about repairs, lease renewal, application documents and fees, payment methods, extra charges, seeing the lease, notice periods, and known problems. These CEFR-aligned phrases help you talk with landlords or agents so you avoid surprises and make clear agreements.

After this lesson you'll be able to:

  • Speak B1-level questions about lease terms and apartment conditions.
  • Ask about documents, fees, payment methods and who handles repairs.
  • Feel confident checking the lease and notice period before you sign.
A friendly agent and a renter reviewing a lease and documents — practice rental questions in English.

Ready? Let's go!

When you tap play on phrases, we track your progress through this lesson.

1. Reading + Listening Practice

Hear core phrases, repeat aloud.

Who is responsible for repairs?

Ask who handles maintenance and repair problems.

Meaning: Ask who handles maintenance and repair problems.

When to use: Use this when you need to know whether the landlord or tenant fixes issues.

"Who is responsible for repairs?
"Who is responsible for repairs?
If the heater breaks, who fixes it?".
If the heater breaks, who fixes it?".

Can I renew the lease after it ends?

Ask about renewing the rental agreement.

Meaning: Ask about renewing the rental agreement after it ends.

When to use: Use this to find out if you can stay longer and on what terms.

"Can I renew the lease after it ends?
"Can I renew the lease after it ends?
If I want to stay another year, what happens?".
If I want to stay another year, what happens?".

What documents do I need for the application?

Ask what paperwork is needed to apply.

Meaning: Ask what paperwork is needed to apply.

When to use: Use this before you start the application so you bring the right documents.

Tip: Don't assume a generic 'ID' is enough — ask for specific documents like proof of income.

"What documents do I need for the application?
"What documents do I need for the application?
Do you need ID and bank statements?".
Do you need ID and bank statements?".

Is there an application fee?

Ask whether applying costs money.

Meaning: Ask whether applying costs money.

When to use: Use this to check if the application requires a nonrefundable fee.

"Is there an application fee?
"Is there an application fee?
How much is it?".
How much is it?".

Can I pay the rent by ___?

Ask about acceptable rent payment methods.

Meaning: Ask about acceptable rent payment methods.

When to use: Use this frame when you want to know if you can pay by bank transfer, card, or another way.

Tip: Beginners sometimes forget to name a method. Use the frame with a specific method: e.g. 'by bank transfer' or 'by card.'

"Can I pay the rent by bank transfer?
"Can I pay the rent by bank transfer?
Can I pay the rent by credit card?".
Can I pay the rent by credit card?".

Are there any extra fees I should know about?

Ask about additional costs not included in the main rent.

Meaning: Ask about additional costs not included in the main rent.

When to use: Use this to find out about utilities, parking, maintenance, or service charges.

"Are there any extra fees I should know about?
"Are there any extra fees I should know about?
Do utilities go on top of the rent?".
Do utilities go on top of the rent?".

Can I see a copy of the lease before I sign?

ask to review contract terms before committing

Meaning: Ask to review contract terms before committing.

When to use: Use this to request a copy of the lease so you can read it before signing.

"Can I see a copy of the lease before I sign?
"Can I see a copy of the lease before I sign?
I want to check the terms first.".
I want to check the terms first.".

What is the notice period for moving out?

ask about ending the rental agreement

Meaning: Ask about ending the rental agreement and required notice.

When to use: Use this to know how much notice you must give when moving out.

"What is the notice period for moving out?
"What is the notice period for moving out?
Do I need 30 days' notice?".
Do I need 30 days' notice?".

Has there been any problem with ___?

ask about possible problems with the apartment

Meaning: Ask about possible problems with the apartment.

When to use: Use this to check for recurring issues like leaks, pests, or noisy neighbors.

"Has there been any problem with mold in the basement?
"Has there been any problem with mold in the basement?
Has there been any problem with the heating?".
Has there been any problem with the heating?".

2. Conversational Listening Practice

Hear phrases in a real mini-conversation.

Anna is viewing an apartment with David, the agent.

Two people talk in an apartment showing — hear and repeat practical rental phrases.

What two main things do Anna and David check about the apartment?

Portrait of Anna in a English lesson dialogue

Anna

What documents do I need for the application?

Ask what paperwork is needed to apply.

Portrait of David in a English lesson dialogue

David

You'll need ID, proof of income, and a reference. Also, is there an application fee?

David lists required documents and mentions the fee.

Portrait of Anna in a English lesson dialogue

Anna

Is there an application fee?

Ask whether applying costs money.

Portrait of David in a English lesson dialogue

David

Yes, it's $30. And you can pay the rent by bank transfer or direct debit.

Explains the fee and payment methods.

Portrait of Anna in a English lesson dialogue

Anna

Who is responsible for repairs if something breaks?

Ask who handles maintenance and repair problems.

Portrait of David in a English lesson dialogue

David

The landlord handles major repairs; small fixes are usually tenant responsibility. You can also see a copy of the lease before you sign.

David explains repair responsibility and offers the lease copy.

3. Guided Practice

Quizzes and matching to lock in meaning.

Which sentence asks about extra costs besides the main rent?

Which phrase is best when you want to check how to pay the rent?

You want to stay longer after your lease ends. Which question should you ask?

Which question helps you avoid signing a contract without reading it first?

Before I apply, I want to know what documents do I need for the application so I can gather everything.

Before I apply, I want to know __ so I can gather everything.

If I move next month, I should ask what is the notice period for moving out so I don't miss the deadline.

If I move next month, I should ask __ so I don't miss the deadline.

I want to be careful: Can I see a copy of the lease before I sign? before I sign anything.

I want to be careful: __ before I sign anything.

Match the core phrases

Match the extra phrases

4. Speaking Practice

Say phrases yourself (mic/recording).

Recording stays on your device only. Check speech uses your browser's speech tools when available.

Say this phrase out loud:

Who is responsible for repairs?

Ask who handles maintenance and repair problems.

Say this phrase out loud:

Can I renew the lease after it ends?

Ask about renewing the rental agreement.

Say this phrase out loud:

What documents do I need for the application?

Ask what paperwork is needed to apply.

Say this phrase out loud:

Is there an application fee?

Ask whether applying costs money.

Say this phrase out loud:

Can I pay the rent by ___?

Ask about acceptable rent payment methods.

Say this phrase out loud:

Are there any extra fees I should know about?

Ask about additional costs not included in the main rent.

Say this phrase out loud:

Can I see a copy of the lease before I sign?

Ask to review contract terms before committing.

Say this phrase out loud:

What is the notice period for moving out?

Ask about ending the rental agreement.

Say this phrase out loud:

Has there been any problem with ___?

Ask about possible problems with the apartment.