Negotiating Deposit & Utilities

The tenant and landlord discuss the security deposit amount, its return conditions, and who is responsible for paying utilities (water, electricity, gas, internet).

Dialogue

Listen and follow along with the conversation

Sarah (Female)

Okay, Michael, everything looks great with the apartment. Now, let's talk about the security deposit and utilities. What's the standard deposit amount?

Michael (Male)

Typically, the security deposit is one month's rent, so that would be $1,500. It's fully refundable, of course, assuming no major damages beyond normal wear and tear when you move out.

Sarah (Female)

That sounds reasonable. And what are the conditions for its return? Is there a specific timeframe for when I can expect it back after I vacate?

Michael (Male)

Per the lease agreement, I'll return the deposit within 30 days of your official move-out date, after a final walkthrough to check the property's condition.

Sarah (Female)

Understood. And regarding utilities, who is responsible for what? Water, electricity, gas, internet?

Michael (Male)

For this unit, the tenant is responsible for all utilities. That includes electricity, gas, water, and internet. You'll need to set up accounts with the respective providers once you move in.

Sarah (Female)

So, water isn't included in the rent either? Some places include at least water or trash.

Michael (Male)

No, sorry, water is also separate for this unit. We found it's fairer to have tenants pay for their own usage directly. Trash collection is taken care of by the building management, so you won't need to worry about that.

Sarah (Female)

Okay, that's clear. So, just to recap, $1,500 deposit fully refundable within 30 days, and I'm responsible for electricity, gas, water, and internet. Does that sound right?

Michael (Male)

That's exactly right, Sarah. Is there anything else you'd like to clarify about these terms?

Vocabulary

Essential words and phrases from the dialogue

security deposit

A sum of money paid upfront by a tenant to protect the landlord against damages or unpaid rent; it's returned if everything is fine at the end of the lease.

refundable

Something that can be returned or paid back, like money; often used in rentals to mean the deposit will be given back if conditions are met.

wear and tear

Normal damage or deterioration to a property from everyday use, not considered the tenant's fault; landlords can't deduct for this from the deposit.

lease agreement

A legal contract between a landlord and tenant that outlines the terms of renting, like rent amount, duration, and rules.

utilities

Essential services like electricity, water, gas, and internet that tenants often pay for separately from rent.

tenant

A person who rents a property from a landlord; the opposite of the owner.

provider

A company or service that supplies something, like utility companies for electricity or internet.

usage

The amount of a resource, like water or electricity, that is used; bills are based on this.

Key Sentences

Important phrases to remember and practice

What's the standard deposit amount?

This is a polite question to ask about the usual or typical amount for something like a security deposit; useful in negotiations to get clear information without sounding demanding.

It's fully refundable, assuming no major damages beyond normal wear and tear.

This sentence explains conditions for getting money back; 'assuming' means 'if' or 'on the condition that,' and it uses a clause to describe exceptions, common in legal or rental discussions.

What are the conditions for its return?

A direct way to inquire about requirements or rules; 'conditions' refers to specific terms, helpful for clarifying agreements in conversations like renting.

Who is responsible for what?

This is a practical question to divide duties clearly; 'responsible for' means in charge of, and it's useful in shared or rental situations to avoid confusion.

You'll need to set up accounts with the respective providers.

This instructs on next steps; 'set up' means to establish or start, and 'respective' means corresponding to each one, showing how to handle utilities practically.

So, just to recap, ... Does that sound right?

A summary phrase to confirm understanding; 'recap' means to summarize briefly, and ending with a question checks agreement, great for ensuring clarity in negotiations.