Main Lesson
Discussion
• Would you prefer a furnished or unfurnished apartment? Why?
• What’s more important to you: low rent or a good location?
• Is it expensive to rent an appartment in your country?
• If you could change one thing in your apartment, what would it be?
Review Words: fully furnished, semi-furnished, landlord, landlady, tenant, lease, deposit, amenity, studio, dormitory, utility bills.
1. Facts
In many English-speaking countries, landlords often ask for a security deposit, usually one month’s rent and a proof of income or references before signing a lease.
It’s common to sign a fixed-term lease (e.g., 6 or 12 months) rather than renting month-to-month, and many places expect tenants to pay utilities separately unless the listing says “utilities included.”
During viewings, punctuality and polite questions are expected — bringing a list of questions shows you’re serious.
2. My experience
When I first moved to Busan, I ended up living in a tiny apartment for a few months because of my circumstances. It was a tough period, but also one of the biggest learning experiences of my life.
📝{ask a question}
After living in that place, I knew I needed a change, so I looked for a bigger apartment. I found one through a local real estate agent, and we set up a viewing. The apartment turned out to be smaller than I had imagined, but it was cozy.
I checked the appliances. The fridge hummed, but it was okay—it still worked fine. I noticed the bedroom window. It rattled when the wind hit it. I mentioned it to the agent and he said he’d have maintenance fix it before I move-in.
He said the rent was $450 per month, with a security deposit of $3000. The lease was for one year. It seemed reasonable, and since I could afford it, I agreed.
The viewing went smoothly, but the trouble started when it came time to sign the contract.
❓What might have happened?
Continue
I was late—about 30 minutes—and when I finally arrived, the agent was shouting at me and the landlady had already left. The agent called her back, and she eventually came. They did everything in an angry manner, barely looking at me as we went through the paperwork. My first impression with them was terrible, and I could tell they were not happy with me at all.
📝{ask a question}
But I got the apartment…
3. Practice
Fill-in the blanks
• Every month, I have to pay my __ to the landlord on time.
• The apartment __ is signed for one year, after which it can be renewed.
• The __ is responsible for fixing problems like broken pipes or heating issues.
• The windows in the old apartment would __ loudly whenever the wind blew.
• We scheduled a __ with the real estate agent to see the apartment on Saturday.
4. Discussion
• What utilities do you think should be included in the rent? Why?
• Is it better to sign a long lease (12 months) or rent month-to-month? What are the pros and cons?
• Imagine you found mold or a pest problem after moving in — how would you handle it with the landlord?