Renting & Maintenance
- “I’m interested in the one-bedroom apartment you listed.”
- “Is heat included? What about parking?”
- “I’d like to submit a maintenance request for a leaking sink.”
- “When is the earliest available move-in date?”
Utilities & Bills
- “I’d like to start service at 120 Main Street on March 1st.”
- “Could you explain the delivery charge and taxes?”
- “I think my bill is unusually high this month.”
- “Can I set up autopay and paperless billing?”
Model Dialogue (Maintenance Request)
You (Tenant):
Hi, I’d like to submit a maintenance request. My kitchen sink is leaking under the cabinet.
Property Manager:
Thanks for letting us know. When did you first notice the leak?
You:
Yesterday evening. There’s a small puddle every few hours.
Property Manager:
We can send a technician tomorrow between 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. Will someone be home?
You:
Yes, I’ll be here. Could you please text me when they’re on the way?
Property Manager:
Absolutely. We’ll also bring a new P-trap in case that’s the issue.
Audio coming when backend is ready.
Pronunciation Tips
“Maintenance” /ˈmeɪntənəns/
Stress the first syllable: MAIN-tuh-nence (not “mainten-ance”).
“Utilities” /juːˈtɪlɪtiz/
Link softly: you-TIL-i-ties; keep the second syllable stressed.
Numbers on Phone
Say account digits slowly and in groups; confirm: “That’s 4-2-1-9, correct?”
Email: Start Utility Service
Subject: Start Electric Service — 120 Main St
Hello, I’d like to start electric service at 120 Main Street on March 1st. Please confirm the monthly basic charge and how to set up autopay. Thank you.
Portal Message: Maintenance
Hi, the kitchen sink is leaking under the cabinet. First noticed it yesterday. Could someone come between 9–11 a.m. tomorrow? Please text before arrival. Thanks!
Micro-Practice
- Call a pretend power company to start service; give address and start date.
- Write a short maintenance request with the problem, when it started, and a good time window.
- Read your latest bill and explain one charge in your own words.