Übung 1

Which of the following bills could be described as "utility bills"?

There may be more than one correct answer!

Rent

This is not correct. "Rent" is indeed a bill, but it is not a "utility". "Utilities" are household services, whereas "rent" describes the money we pay to an owner or proprietor in order to live in a house or apartment.

Security deposit

This is not a good choice. A "deposit" (or a "security deposit") is money that is given to someone (for example: the owner of a property) in case money is needed to cover damage or loss. We leave security deposits for rented apartments, cars, bicycles etc. It is not a "utility".

Electricity

This is a correct answer. An "electricity bill" is a good example of a "utility bill". Every home needs electricity, so it is a very common utility.

Tax

Tax is not a "utility". "Tax" is the money we pay to the government, and the amount varies depending on how much we earn. The government then uses this money to wage war and build nuclear reactors.

Water

"Water" is an example of a household utility. "Utilities" are household services like gas, water and electricity. We are often asked for a "utility bill" to prove where we live, and that we pay the money we owe!

Gas

"Gas" is a good choice here. Gas is a household utility. Jean could bring a gas bill to the bank to prove where he lives and that he pays his bills.

Übung 2

Match the terms to the definitions! Not all of the words were used in the dialogue.

a housing = a financial contribution that helps someone pay for an apartment.

= a formal letter that informs a landlord that you intend to move out of a house.

a/an = a written description of a rented property, noting the condition of fixtures and any damage.

a/an = a sum of money paid to the landlord in case the property is damaged or rent is unpaid.

Match the terms to the definitions! Not all of the words were used in the dialogue.

a housing subsidy 1 = a financial contribution that helps someone pay for an apartment.

notice 2 = a formal letter that informs a landlord that you intend to move out of a house.

a/an inventory 3 = a written description of a rented property, noting the condition of fixtures and any damage.

a/an deposit 4 = a sum of money paid to the landlord in case the property is damaged or rent is unpaid.

1 subsidy: "Housing subsidies" are typically government funds that are used to help people pay for homes or apartments. Bruno states that the Delavigne Corporation contribute towards Edward's housing costs. In more general terms, a "subsidy" is a financial contribution from an institution, such as the government or a business, that is intended to stimulate economic growth. Example: Many farmers wouldn't be able to survive without government SUBSIDIES.

1 notice: "Notice" is the letter written to a landlord to say that you are moving out. This term doesn't work here!

1 inventory: An "inventory" is a written record of the condition of a flat. This term doesn't work here!

1 deposit: A "deposit" is paid to the landlord just in case you destroy their property. This term doesn't work here!

2 notice: In this context, the term "notice" refers to a formal announcement, notification, or warning about property. A tenant gives notice to a landlord when they want to move out, and a landlord gives notice to a tenant when they want the tenant to move out. "Notice" has a few meanings, but this use of the term can also refer to employment: I have to give 1 month's notice before I leave the company'.

2 subsidy: A "housing subsidy" is a financial contribution. Not the right choice, I'm afraid!

2 inventory: An "inventory" is a written record of the condition of a flat. This term doesn't work here!

2 deposit: A "deposit" is paid to the landlord just in case you destroy their property. This term doesn't work here!

3 inventory: In this context, an "inventory (of fixtures)" is the written record of the things in a rented apartment, including their condition. "Inventory" is also the term that describes the inspection that takes place when the tenant moves into a rented apartment. Example: During the INVENTORY, we made sure that the landlord noted the damage to the carpet.

3 notice: "Notice" is the letter written to a landlord to say that you are moving out. This term doesn't work here!

3 subsidy: A "housing subsidy" is a financial contribution. Not the right choice, I'm afraid!

3 deposit: A "deposit" is paid to the landlord just in case you destroy their property. This term doesn't work here!

4 deposit: A "deposit" (or a "security deposit") is money that is given for someone to hold in case money is needed to cover damage or loss. One leaves security deposits for rented apartments, cars, bicycles etc.

4 notice: "Notice" is the letter written to a landlord to say that you are moving out. This term doesn't work here!

4 inventory: An "inventory" is a written record of the condition of a flat. This term doesn't work here!

4 subsidy: A "housing subsidy" is a financial contribution. Not the right choice, I'm afraid!

Übung 3

Fill in the blanks using the terms listed below. Warning: not all the terms are used!

guest | tenant | rent | lease | utilities | neighborhood | square feet | landlord | deposit | condo

The term which describes the owner of a property is a "".
The occupant of this property is called the "".
In the US, the surface area of a property is measured in "".
The legal contract that is signed before occupying a property is called a "".
A "" describes a sum of money kept as security in case the property is damaged or if the "" (money paid to live in the property) is unpaid.
The term used to describe commodities or services such as gas, water, or electricity is "".
Lastly, the area or district situated around the property is called the "".

I don't know

Fill in the blanks using the terms listed below. Warning: not all the terms are used!

guest | tenant | rent | lease | utilities | neighborhood | square feet | landlord | deposit | condo

The term which describes the owner of a property is a "landlord 1".
The occupant of this property is called the "tenant 2".
In the US, the surface area of a property is measured in "square feet 3".
The legal contract that is signed before occupying a property is called a "lease 4".
A "deposit 5" describes a sum of money kept as security in case the property is damaged or if the "rent 6" (money paid to live in the property) is unpaid.
The term used to describe commodities or services such as gas, water, or electricity is "utilities 7".
Lastly, the area or district situated around the property is called the "neighborhood 8".

1 landlord: A "landlord" ("landlady" for women) owns land, buildings, homes, apartments or other property. Landlords rent properties to tenants and are responsible for the general upkeep and maintenance during the time that the property is being occupied. The term "landlord" is also used to describe the person who manages a pub.

2 tenant: A "tenant" is someone that pays rent to work, use or live in a building, or other property owned by another person. "Co-tenants" (other people who occupy the property) are also called "roommates" in American English ("flatmates" in British English).

3 square feet: "Square feet" (abbreviation "sq ft") is a term used to measure surface area - equal to one foot by one foot square. A "foot" (plural "feet") is a measurement of 12 inches (0.3048 meters). In countries where the metric system is used, "square metres" or "metres squared" is the relevant term. Example: My apartment measures 35 metres squared.

4 lease: A "lease" is a rental agreement between the landlord and tenant which gives the tenant the right to occupy a property for a period of time. This contract is usually signed before renting or living in the property. The advertisement refers to a "short-term lease", this is a property contract which is valid for a short period of time (such as 6 months).

5 deposit: A "deposit" (or a "security deposit") refers to money that is held as guarantee - to cover damage or loss of property or objects. One leaves security deposits for rented apartments, cars, bicycles etc.

6 rent: "Rent" refers to a sum of money that is paid to use, work or live in property. "To rent (something)" is to pay or receive a fixed amount of money for the use of something such as a car, flat, house, etc. Example: I rented a car for a week when I went to the south of France.

7 utilities: "Utilities" refers to public commodities or essential services, such as water, gas and electricity. A "utility bill" refers to a list of charges that one pays for the use of these services. Example: The rent of my apartment is $1200 per month including utilities.

8 neighborhood: A "neighborhood" (British spelling "neighbourhood") refers to a locality, district, or part of town. Example: This house is situated in a busy neighborhood, there are a lot of clubs and bars situated nearby. Note the term "neighbor" (or "neighbour") which refers to people who live close to you. Example: My neighbors have a child who makes a lot of noise.

Übung 4

At the end of the email, Flatman writes that all the properties require .

At the end of the email, Flatman writes that all the properties require minor work.

minor work: At the end of his email, Flatman writes "all of the properties require a few touch-ups". A "touch-up" is a small change to improve something. For example: to touch-up paintwork is to paint over any cracks or marks rather than re-painting the whole wall. The term "minor" means "slight" or "not very serious".

a small security deposit: A "security deposit" is money that is given for someone to hold in case money is needed to cover damage or loss. One leaves security deposits for rented apartments, cars, bicycles etc. When Jacob writes about "touch-ups", he isn't referring to a "security deposit".

a quick inspection: An "inspection" is an official examination or review of something. When Jacob writes about "touch-ups", he isn't referring to an inspection.

a building permit: A building permit is the official license required to perform construction. When Jacob writes about "touch-ups", he isn't referring to an inspection.

Übung 5