Why ask questions before you sign
Renting a flat is exciting, but it is also a big commitment. The viewing is your chance to ask about the rent, the contract, the bills and the building. If you ask clearly and politely, you avoid surprises later. This article gives you the words, the question patterns and a viewing checklist at B1 level. Rules about rent and contracts are different in every country, so use these questions to collect information, then read your own contract carefully.
Key words you will hear
| Word | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| flat / apartment | a home in a building (flat is British, apartment is American) | I am looking for a two-bedroom flat. |
| landlord | the person who owns the flat and rents it out | The landlord lives in the same building. |
| tenant | the person who rents the flat | The tenant pays the rent every month. |
| deposit | money you pay at the start as security | How much is the deposit? |
| tenancy agreement / lease | the rental contract (tenancy agreement is more British, lease more American) | Can I read the lease first? |
| furnished / unfurnished | with or without furniture | Is the flat furnished? |
| utilities / bills | electricity, water, gas and similar costs | Are the bills included in the rent? |
| notice | warning you give before you leave | How much notice do I need to give? |
To say a flat is available, use: The flat is for rent. In Britain you may also see to let. Be careful: I rent a flat usually means you are the tenant. The owner says: I rent out my flat.
Questions about the flat and the rent
- How much is the rent per month?
- Is the rent paid monthly?
- How much is the deposit?
- Are the bills included?
- Is the internet included?
- Is the flat furnished?
- When is it available?
- How many months can I rent it for?
Notice that Are the bills included? uses the passive. It is natural here because we do not know who pays, and we only care about the bills.
Questions about the contract
Before you sign, ask about the general terms. These sentences are useful:
- How long is the contract?
- Can I end the contract early?
- How much notice do I need to give?
- When do I get my deposit back?
- Can the rent go up during the contract?
- Who pays for repairs?
- Can I keep a pet, or have a guest stay?
If you do not understand a part, say: Could you explain this part, please? or Could I take the contract home and read it first? This is a normal and polite request. Never sign something you do not understand. If the contract is long or complicated, ask a qualified person in your country for help.
Questions about the building and the area
- Is there a lift in the building? (Americans say elevator.)
- Is there parking?
- Is the area quiet at night?
- How far is the nearest bus stop or station?
- Are there shops nearby?
- Who do I call if something breaks?
Make your questions polite
In English we soften direct questions with phrases like Could you tell me… or Do you know if… After the polite phrase, the word order goes back to a normal statement.
- Start with the polite phrase: Could you tell me
- Add the question word: how much
- Use statement order for the rest: the deposit is
- Result: Could you tell me how much the deposit is?
More examples: Do you know if the bills are included? Could you tell me when the flat is available? Is it possible to see the bedroom again? Would it be OK to take some photos?
Common mistakes Arabic speakers make
| Mistake | Correct | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Is there include internet? | Is internet included? | Use the passive, not there with include. |
| I want the price. | Could you tell me the price, please? | The first sentence is too direct and can sound rude. |
| Can you tell me where is the station? | Can you tell me where the station is? | In an indirect question, use subject then verb. |
| Can I to keep a pet? | Can I keep a pet? | After can, use the base verb without to. |
| The flat is renting. | The flat is for rent. | Describe an available flat with for rent. |
| How much is the deposit money of the flat? | How much is the deposit? | The word deposit is enough. |
In Arabic you can ask a yes or no question with no helping word. English needs Are, Is or Do at the start of the question. Remember this every time.
A short viewing dialogue
Tenant: Hello, thank you for showing me the flat. Could you tell me how much the rent is?
Agent: It is paid monthly, and you also pay a deposit at the start.
Tenant: Are the bills included?
Agent: No, you pay for electricity and water yourself.
Tenant: I see. How long is the contract?
Agent: Twelve months. After that, you can stay or leave.
Tenant: Could I take a copy home and read it first?
Agent: Of course.
Notice how the tenant uses Could for requests and short, clear sentences. This is enough at B1 level.
Your viewing checklist
Take this list with you and tick each point during the visit. You can also use the tick-box checklist below the article.
- Ask about the rent, the deposit and the payment date.
- Ask if the bills and internet are included.
- Ask about the contract length, early exit and notice.
- Test the taps, windows and doors.
- Look at the walls and ceiling for damp.
- Ask who does repairs and who to call.
- Ask about the area, transport and noise at night.
- Take photos with permission, and ask to read the contract before you sign.
Remember: a polite, clear question gives you better information, and it makes the landlord treat you with respect.