Reviewing House Rules & Pet Policy

The landlord explains specific house rules such as noise regulations, guest policies, maintenance responsibilities, and whether pets are allowed.

Dialogue

Listen and follow along with the conversation

Lisa (Female)

Alright, Michael, before we finalize things, let's go over some of the house rules. It's important we're on the same page.

Michael (Male)

Sounds good, Lisa. I'm ready to listen.

Lisa (Female)

First, regarding noise: please keep noise levels down, especially between 10 PM and 7 AM. We have other tenants who value their quiet. For guests, occasional visits are fine, but no extended stays without prior discussion. Also, tenants are responsible for minor maintenance like changing light bulbs or unclogging small drains. Anything major, of course, call me.

Michael (Male)

Understood. No loud parties, and I'll handle the basics. What about pets? I have a small, very well-behaved cat.

Lisa (Female)

Ah, the pet policy. Unfortunately, this building has a strict no-pet rule. We've had issues in the past with noise and damage, so we decided it's best for everyone if there are no animals on the premises.

Michael (Male)

Oh, I see. That's a bit of a deal-breaker for me. My cat, Whiskers, is part of my family, and I can't imagine living without her.

Lisa (Female)

I completely understand, Michael. It's tough when a beloved pet is involved. I just wish I could make an exception, but it applies to all tenants.

Michael (Male)

I appreciate your understanding. In that case, I don't think this apartment will work for me then. Thank you for your time and for being upfront about the rules.

Lisa (Female)

You're very welcome, Michael. I hope you find a place that's a perfect fit for both you and Whiskers.

Vocabulary

Essential words and phrases from the dialogue

house rules

These are the regulations or guidelines that tenants must follow when living in an apartment or house, like rules about noise or guests.

tenants

People who rent and live in a property owned by someone else, such as an apartment from a landlord.

maintenance

The work done to keep a building or apartment in good condition, like fixing small problems.

deal-breaker

Something that is so important that it stops a deal or agreement from happening, like a rule you can't accept.

pet policy

The official rules about whether pets are allowed in a building and what conditions apply.

premises

The actual property or building, including the apartment and common areas where rules apply.

upfront

Being honest and direct from the beginning, without hiding information.

Key Sentences

Important phrases to remember and practice

It's important we're on the same page.

This idiom means making sure both people understand and agree on something. Use it in discussions to confirm mutual understanding. The contraction 'we're' shows present tense for ongoing agreement.

Please keep noise levels down.

A polite request to reduce noise. 'Keep ... down' is a common phrasal verb meaning to lower something. Useful for setting boundaries in shared living spaces.

Tenants are responsible for minor maintenance.

This explains duties using passive-like structure with 'are responsible for' to indicate obligation. Helpful for discussing roles in rentals; 'minor' means small or not serious.

That's a bit of a deal-breaker for me.

Expresses that something prevents agreement. 'A bit of a' softens the statement. Use in negotiations when an issue is unacceptable, like a pet rule.

I completely understand.

Shows empathy and agreement. Simple present tense for stating comprehension. Useful in conversations to build rapport, especially when someone faces a difficulty.

I appreciate your understanding.

Polite way to thank someone for being empathetic. 'Appreciate' means to value. Use at the end of talks to show gratitude and end positively.

Thank you for your time and for being upfront about the rules.

A courteous closing. 'Being upfront' uses gerund for ongoing action. Ideal for ending interviews or meetings, emphasizing honesty.