Negotiating Lease Terms

After finding a suitable place, the tenant is discussing and negotiating specific terms of the lease agreement with the landlord or agent, such as rent price, move-in date, or maintenance responsibilities.

Dialogue

Listen and follow along with the conversation

Tenant (Female)

Thanks again for showing me the apartment, Sarah. I really like it and I'm interested in moving forward.

Agent (Female)

You're welcome, David. I'm glad to hear that! So, are there any specific terms you'd like to discuss before we draft the lease agreement?

Tenant (Female)

Yes, there are a couple of things. First, regarding the move-in date, would it be possible to push it back by a week, say to the 15th instead of the 8th? My current lease officially ends on the 14th.

Agent (Female)

Let me check the landlord's schedule. Usually, a few days' flexibility isn't an issue. I'll confirm that for you. Also, about the rent, the advertised price is a firm $1,800, but the owner might be open to a long-term lease. Would you be interested in a 24-month lease?

Tenant (Female)

A 24-month lease sounds good if there's a benefit. Would that come with a slight reduction, or perhaps a rent freeze for the second year?

Agent (Female)

A rent freeze for the second year is definitely something we can propose for a 24-month term. As for a price reduction, let me see what's possible for a committed tenant like yourself. What's your ideal rent if you were to sign for two years?

Tenant (Female)

I was hoping for something closer to $1,750, especially with the 24-month commitment. And one more thing, about maintenance. Who is responsible for minor repairs, like a leaky faucet or a clogged drain?

Agent (Female)

Typically, the landlord covers all major repairs. For minor issues like a leaky faucet or a clogged drain, we usually handle those, unless it's caused by tenant misuse. I'll make sure that's clearly outlined in the agreement. Let me run these points by the landlord, and I'll get back to you by end of day with an updated proposal.

Tenant (Female)

Sounds good, Sarah. Looking forward to hearing from you. Thanks for your help!

Agent (Female)

My pleasure, David. I'll be in touch soon.

Vocabulary

Essential words and phrases from the dialogue

lease

A lease is a legal contract that outlines the terms for renting a property, like how long you'll rent it and how much you'll pay. Use it when discussing rental agreements.

move-in date

The move-in date is the specific day when a tenant starts living in the rented place. It's important in negotiations to match your schedule.

rent

Rent is the money paid monthly to live in a property. In this context, it's negotiated to find a fair price for the apartment.

long-term lease

A long-term lease is a rental contract for an extended period, like 24 months, often leading to better deals like lower rent. Useful for stable housing plans.

commitment

Commitment means a strong promise or dedication to something, like signing a lease for two years. It shows reliability in rental talks.

maintenance

Maintenance refers to the upkeep and repairs of a property. In leases, it clarifies who handles fixes like plumbing issues.

repairs

Repairs are fixes for broken things in a home, such as fixing a leak. Negotiate who pays for minor vs. major ones.

proposal

A proposal is a suggested plan or offer, like an updated lease with better terms. Use it when the agent offers changes after discussion.

Key Sentences

Important phrases to remember and practice

I'm interested in moving forward.

This sentence expresses positive interest in proceeding with a deal. It's useful in negotiations to show enthusiasm politely. Grammar: Simple present tense for current feelings.

Are there any specific terms you'd like to discuss?

This is a polite question to invite discussion on key points like rent or dates. Use it to open negotiations. Grammar: Question form with 'any' for openness and contraction 'you'd' for 'you would'.

Would it be possible to push it back by a week?

This requests a change in schedule, like delaying a date. It's a soft way to negotiate flexibility. Useful for adjusting plans. Grammar: Polite conditional 'would it be possible' for requests.

The advertised price is a firm $1,800.

This states a fixed price from ads, but opens room for talk. 'Firm' means not easily changed. Use in rent discussions to set baselines. Grammar: Present simple for facts.

Would you be interested in a 24-month lease?

This suggests a longer contract to possibly get benefits. It's a question to gauge interest. Useful for proposing alternatives. Grammar: Conditional 'would' for hypothetical offers.

Who is responsible for minor repairs?

This asks about duties for small fixes. Essential in leases to avoid surprises. Use to clarify responsibilities. Grammar: Question with 'who' for roles.

I'll get back to you by end of day.

This promises a quick follow-up with updates. Shows efficiency in business talks. Useful for setting expectations. Grammar: Future 'I'll' contraction for 'I will'.