Updated: November 28, 2025
Reading Time: 11 minutes
Reading Time: 11 minutes
This article is part of our English for Immigration series by SmallTalk2Me – an AI-powered English Speaking Practice Platform designed to help you train English fluency through real-life conversation simulations.
Why Housing English Matters for Immigrants
Moving to an English-speaking country is an exciting journey, but finding a place to live can feel overwhelming if you're not confident with housing vocabulary. Whether you're renting your first apartment or buying your dream home, knowing the right English phrases can save you time, money, and stress.
In this comprehensive guide, you'll learn essential vocabulary for apartments and houses, key questions to ask landlords and real estate agents, practical dialogues to practice before your real conversations, and tips for negotiating rent and understanding contracts.
Looking for a complete resource? Check out our English for Immigration Guide.
In this comprehensive guide, you'll learn essential vocabulary for apartments and houses, key questions to ask landlords and real estate agents, practical dialogues to practice before your real conversations, and tips for negotiating rent and understanding contracts.
Looking for a complete resource? Check out our English for Immigration Guide.
Housing Vocabulary in English
Before you start looking for accommodation, make sure you understand these common terms used in real estate listings and conversations.
Parts of a House or Apartment
Rooms
Common Appliances
Furniture Vocabulary
Utilities (Bills You May Need to Pay)
People You'll Meet
Important Real Estate Terms
- Living room / Sitting room
- Bedroom
- Kitchen
- Bathroom
- Dining room
- Laundry room
- Floor
- Ceiling
- Walls
- Roof
- Basement
- Attic
- Balcony
- Porch
- Garden / Yard
- Garage
- Swimming pool
- Patio
Common Appliances
- Refrigerator (fridge) – keeps food cold
- Stove / Cooker / Oven – for cooking
- Dishwasher – cleans dishes automatically
- Washing machine – for laundry
- Tumble dryer / Clothes dryer – dries clothes
- Microwave – heats food quickly
- Air conditioning (AC) – cools the apartment
Furniture Vocabulary
- Bed, wardrobe (closet), bedside table / nightstand
- Sofa (couch), armchair, coffee table
- Dining table, chairs, shelves
- Desk, bookcase, dresser
Utilities (Bills You May Need to Pay)
- Gas – for heating and cooking
- Electricity – for lights and appliances
- Heating – keeps the home warm in winter
- Water – for drinking, bathing, cleaning
- Wi-Fi / Internet – for online access
People You'll Meet
- Landlord / Landlady – the property owner
- Tenant – the person renting the property (you)
- Real estate agent / Realtor – helps buy or sell properties
- Flatmate / Roommate – someone you share the apartment with
- Neighbor – people living next door or nearby
Important Real Estate Terms
- Furnished apartment – comes with furniture included
- Unfurnished apartment – no furniture, you bring your own
- Security deposit / Damage deposit – money paid upfront as protection for the landlord
- Lease / Rental agreement / Contract – the legal document you sign
- Mortgage – a loan to buy a home
- Down payment – initial payment when buying a home
Useful Phrases for Finding Housing
Memorize these expressions to sound confident when speaking with landlords, agents, or property managers.
Expressing Your Needs
Making Inquiries
Expressing Your Needs
- "My budget is $1,500 per month."
- "I need a one-bedroom / two-bedroom / three-bedroom apartment."
- "I'm interested in renting your flat/house/room."
- "I'm looking for a pet-friendly apartment."
- "I prefer a quiet neighborhood near public transportation."
Making Inquiries
- "I'm calling about the 2-bedroom apartment on [street name]."
- "Is the apartment still available?"
- "I just have a few questions if that's OK."
- "I'd like to schedule a viewing."
- "When can I move in?"
15 Questions to Ask Your Landlord or Real Estate Agent
Before signing any agreement, make sure you get answers to these important questions. This will help you avoid surprises and ensure the property meets your needs.
- Am I speaking with the landlord or a real estate agency?
- Is the apartment still available for rent / to see?
- How much is the monthly rent?
- Are utilities included in the rent?
- It's a little over my budget. Would you consider [lower price]?
- How much is the security deposit?
- Is the apartment furnished or unfurnished?
- How is the neighborhood? Is it safe?
- Do you allow pets?
- How close is the nearest public transportation?
- Does the apartment have [dishwasher / washing machine / air conditioning]?
- When can I move in?
- What is the lease term? (6 months, 1 year, etc.)
- I'll need a mortgage. What will my monthly payment be?
- Could you please send me the address by text?
Practice Dialogue 1: Renting an Apartment
Tenant: Hello. Am I speaking with the landlord?
Landlord: Hello. Yes, Judy speaking. How can I help you?
Tenant: My name is Mike Bale. I'm calling about the 2-bedroom apartment on Greenwood Street. Is it still available for rent?
Landlord: Yes, it is. Would you like to come and look at it?
Tenant: I just have a few questions first, if that's OK.
Landlord: Sure, go ahead.
Tenant: Does the rent include utilities?
Landlord: Yes, absolutely. All utilities including Wi-Fi are included.
Tenant: Great. What about pets? Are they allowed?
Landlord: It depends. The flat is newly renovated, so I don't want any damage. Do you have a cat or a dog?
Tenant: I have one small dog. It's very calm and friendly. I've lived with it in different apartments and it has never damaged anything.
Landlord: I can allow it with an extra $150 per month. You'll also need to pay for any damage caused by your dog.
Tenant: That sounds fair. And how much is the deposit?
Landlord: With a pet, it will be three months' rent, but it's refundable when you move out.
Tenant: That's a bit more than I expected. Would you consider two months' rent instead?
Landlord: I'm willing to consider it, but I can't promise anything.
Tenant: One last question. How is the neighborhood, and where is the nearest transportation?
Landlord: The neighborhood is safe and vibrant, but quiet in the apartment. There are many young people and students. The subway is only a 10-minute walk, and it takes you to the city center in 20 minutes.
Tenant: That sounds perfect! I'd like to schedule a viewing.
Landlord: Would tomorrow at 5 PM work for you?
Tenant: Yes, that works. Thank you!
Landlord: Hello. Yes, Judy speaking. How can I help you?
Tenant: My name is Mike Bale. I'm calling about the 2-bedroom apartment on Greenwood Street. Is it still available for rent?
Landlord: Yes, it is. Would you like to come and look at it?
Tenant: I just have a few questions first, if that's OK.
Landlord: Sure, go ahead.
Tenant: Does the rent include utilities?
Landlord: Yes, absolutely. All utilities including Wi-Fi are included.
Tenant: Great. What about pets? Are they allowed?
Landlord: It depends. The flat is newly renovated, so I don't want any damage. Do you have a cat or a dog?
Tenant: I have one small dog. It's very calm and friendly. I've lived with it in different apartments and it has never damaged anything.
Landlord: I can allow it with an extra $150 per month. You'll also need to pay for any damage caused by your dog.
Tenant: That sounds fair. And how much is the deposit?
Landlord: With a pet, it will be three months' rent, but it's refundable when you move out.
Tenant: That's a bit more than I expected. Would you consider two months' rent instead?
Landlord: I'm willing to consider it, but I can't promise anything.
Tenant: One last question. How is the neighborhood, and where is the nearest transportation?
Landlord: The neighborhood is safe and vibrant, but quiet in the apartment. There are many young people and students. The subway is only a 10-minute walk, and it takes you to the city center in 20 minutes.
Tenant: That sounds perfect! I'd like to schedule a viewing.
Landlord: Would tomorrow at 5 PM work for you?
Tenant: Yes, that works. Thank you!
Practice Dialogue 2: Buying a House
This dialogue demonstrates a conversation with a real estate agent when viewing a property to buy. Notice the vocabulary used to describe features and discuss pricing.
Agent: Hello, Alex. This is the house I told you about.
Buyer: Wow! It's gorgeous – even better than in the photos.
Agent: It's one of the best properties in this area.
Buyer: I love the garden. It's huge with lots of trees. And the garage looks pretty big.
Agent: The garage fits two cars. Let's go inside.
Buyer: Hmm, the entrance hall seems a bit small.
Agent: The entrance is compact, but the living room and kitchen are spacious. Let me show you.
Buyer: Yes, this is nice. I like the open-plan layout. Perfect for hosting guests.
Agent: Exactly. It's a three-bedroom, three-bathroom house with plenty of space. There's also an outdoor area with a garden and a pool.
Buyer: A pool? How much is the maintenance?
Agent: Including the garden, approximately $200 per month.
Buyer: That's a lot, but I've always dreamed of having a pool. Is the house fully furnished?
Agent: Yes, it's fully furnished. You can move in immediately.
Buyer: Does it have all the appliances – dishwasher, washing machine, air conditioning?
Agent: Everything is installed. There's also a laundry room in the basement.
Buyer: The house is amazing. What would my monthly mortgage payment be?
Agent: It depends on various factors, but typically between $1,500 and $2,500 per month.
Buyer: When can we sign the contract?
Agent: The paperwork will be ready in 3-4 days. Would Friday morning work?
Buyer: Perfect! See you then. Thank you!
Agent: Hello, Alex. This is the house I told you about.
Buyer: Wow! It's gorgeous – even better than in the photos.
Agent: It's one of the best properties in this area.
Buyer: I love the garden. It's huge with lots of trees. And the garage looks pretty big.
Agent: The garage fits two cars. Let's go inside.
Buyer: Hmm, the entrance hall seems a bit small.
Agent: The entrance is compact, but the living room and kitchen are spacious. Let me show you.
Buyer: Yes, this is nice. I like the open-plan layout. Perfect for hosting guests.
Agent: Exactly. It's a three-bedroom, three-bathroom house with plenty of space. There's also an outdoor area with a garden and a pool.
Buyer: A pool? How much is the maintenance?
Agent: Including the garden, approximately $200 per month.
Buyer: That's a lot, but I've always dreamed of having a pool. Is the house fully furnished?
Agent: Yes, it's fully furnished. You can move in immediately.
Buyer: Does it have all the appliances – dishwasher, washing machine, air conditioning?
Agent: Everything is installed. There's also a laundry room in the basement.
Buyer: The house is amazing. What would my monthly mortgage payment be?
Agent: It depends on various factors, but typically between $1,500 and $2,500 per month.
Buyer: When can we sign the contract?
Agent: The paperwork will be ready in 3-4 days. Would Friday morning work?
Buyer: Perfect! See you then. Thank you!
Tips for Successful Housing Conversations
Before the Call or Meeting
During the Conversation
Negotiation Tips
- Write down your questions in advance
- Know your budget and non-negotiable requirements
- Practice key phrases out loud
- Research the neighborhood online
During the Conversation
- Speak slowly and clearly
- Don't be afraid to ask for clarification: "Could you repeat that, please?"
- Take notes during the viewing
- Ask to see everything before making a decision
Negotiation Tips
- It's normal to negotiate rent—politely mention your budget
- Ask about included amenities to understand the true value
- Request to see comparable properties in the area
- Get everything in writing before signing
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What should I ask a landlord before renting an apartment?
Ask about the monthly rent, security deposit, included utilities, pet policy, lease terms, move-in date, and neighborhood safety. Also ask about maintenance procedures and who is responsible for repairs.
How do I negotiate rent in English?
Use polite phrases like "It's a little over my budget. Would you consider [lower amount]?" or "Is there any flexibility on the price?" Always be respectful and provide reasons, such as being a reliable long-term tenant.
What does 'utilities included' mean?
When utilities are included, the landlord pays for services like water, electricity, gas, heating, and sometimes internet. Your rent covers everything, so you don't receive separate bills for these services.
What is the difference between a deposit and a down payment?
A security deposit is money paid when renting to cover potential damages –it's usually refundable. A down payment is the initial amount paid when buying a home, typically 10-20% of the purchase price, and is not refundable.
How can I improve my English for real estate conversations?
Practice with AI-powered conversation simulators like SmallTalk2Me, study vocabulary lists, watch property tours on YouTube in English, and read real estate listings to familiarize yourself with common terminology.
Ready to Practice Your Housing English?
Reading vocabulary lists and dialogues is a great start, but real fluency comes from practice. SmallTalk2Me is an AI-powered English Speaking Practice Platform that helps you train English fluency through realistic conversation simulations with instant feedback.
Start practicing now — try our English for Immigration course to role-play housing conversations with instant AI feedback on your pronunciation, grammar, vocabolary and fluency. Practice negotiating rent, asking questions to landlords, and build confidence before your real housing search.
Start practicing now — try our English for Immigration course to role-play housing conversations with instant AI feedback on your pronunciation, grammar, vocabolary and fluency. Practice negotiating rent, asking questions to landlords, and build confidence before your real housing search.
More Articles in the English for Immigration Series
This article is part of our comprehensive English for Immigration series. Explore other essential topics to prepare for life abroad:
📖 For a complete overview of all immigration topics, visit our English for Immigration Guide – your one-stop resource for mastering English in real-life immigration situations.
- English for Immigration: Useful Phrases and Tips for Border Control – Navigate airport security and customs with confidence
- English for Immigration: Vocabulary and Phrases for Lost Luggage – Know what to say if your bags don't arrive
- English for Immigration: Vocabulary and Phrases for Banking – Open accounts and manage your finances
- English for Immigration: At the Doctor's – Describe symptoms and understand medical advice
- English for Immigration: Renting a Car or Bicycle – Get around your new city easily
- English for Immigration: Starting a Business Abroad – Launch your entrepreneurial journey in English
📖 For a complete overview of all immigration topics, visit our English for Immigration Guide – your one-stop resource for mastering English in real-life immigration situations.
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