Tenant's Availability/Access
The tenant explains their availability or arranges for access to the apartment for the repair, or asks for a notification before entry.
Dialogue
Listen and follow along with the conversation
Vocabulary
Essential words and phrases from the dialogue
issue
A problem or concern, often small and not urgent. Use it when reporting something like a household problem to someone in authority, e.g., 'There's an issue with the door.'
fixture
A piece of equipment that is fixed in place and not easily moved, like a light or faucet in a house. Common in rental contexts for maintenance.
flickering
When a light shines with an unsteady, unsteady movement, like blinking on and off. Useful for describing electrical problems.
handyman
A person skilled in doing small repairs around the house. Often used when talking about maintenance services from a landlord.
flexible
Able to change or adapt easily, especially regarding time or plans. Say this when discussing your availability for appointments.
anxious
Feeling worried or nervous about something. Here, it describes an animal's reaction to strangers; use it for emotions in similar situations.
advance
Before the actual time of an event. Common in phrases like 'in advance' for notifications or payments.
proposed
Suggested or offered as a plan. Used when someone suggests a time or idea, e.g., 'a proposed time.'
Key Sentences
Important phrases to remember and practice
I wanted to let you know about a small issue in my apartment.
This is a polite way to start reporting a problem. 'Wanted to let you know' softens the request; use it for non-urgent notifications to landlords or colleagues. Grammar: Past tense 'wanted' shows intention.
What's going on?
A casual question to ask for details about a problem. Useful in conversations when someone mentions an issue; it's informal and shows interest.
I tried changing the bulb, but it didn't help.
Explains what you attempted to fix the problem. 'Tried... but' structure shows effort without success; great for showing you've been proactive before asking for help.
When would be a good time for our handyman to come by and take a look?
Asks about scheduling a repair visit. 'Come by and take a look' means a quick inspection; use this pattern for arranging service appointments.
I work from home most days, so I'm pretty flexible.
Expresses availability for meetings. 'Pretty flexible' means somewhat adaptable; useful when discussing schedules, with 'so' connecting reason and result.
I'd really prefer to be there, if possible.
States a preference politely. 'I'd prefer' is conditional for wishes; 'if possible' makes it less demanding. Use for requesting arrangements in rentals or services.
Could you please just let me know 24 hours in advance?
A polite request for prior notice. 'Could you please' is formal and courteous; 'in advance' specifies timing. Essential for privacy in home access situations.
I'll check with him and get back to you by the end of today.
Promises follow-up after checking. 'Get back to you' means contact later; useful for professional communication to show reliability and set expectations.
Thanks so much! I appreciate your quick help.
Expresses gratitude emphatically. 'Thanks so much' is stronger than 'thanks'; 'I appreciate' adds sincerity. Use at the end of helpful conversations.