Submitting an Online Maintenance Request
The tenant uses the property management's online portal or app to submit a detailed maintenance request for a broken air conditioning unit, including photos and a description of the problem.
Dialogue
Listen and follow along with the conversation
Vocabulary
Essential words and phrases from the dialogue
AC
Short for 'air conditioning,' a system that cools the air in a room or building. In the dialogue, it's used casually to refer to the broken unit.
maintenance request
A formal way to ask for repairs or fixes in a rental property, often done online. It's useful when reporting issues to landlords.
tenant portal
An online website or app where renters (tenants) can access services like paying rent or submitting requests. It's like a digital dashboard for apartment living.
HVAC
Stands for 'heating, ventilation, and air conditioning.' It's a category for systems that control indoor temperature and air quality.
buzzing noise
A low, continuous humming or vibrating sound, often indicating a mechanical problem. Describe sounds like this to explain issues clearly.
attach
To add a file, like a photo, to an email or online form. In requests, attaching evidence helps support your description.
double-check
To verify or review something again to ensure accuracy. It's a good habit before submitting important forms to avoid mistakes.
Key Sentences
Important phrases to remember and practice
Okay, the AC is officially dead.
This sentence uses 'officially' for emphasis to show something is completely broken. It's useful for casual complaints about appliances and shows informal spoken English with exaggeration for effect.
Just log into the tenant portal.
A simple imperative sentence giving instructions. 'Just' makes it sound easy and reassuring. Use this pattern to guide someone through online steps in everyday situations.
The more details, the better.
This is a common proverb-like expression using comparative structure ('the more... the better') to advise providing thorough information. It's practical for any request form to ensure better service.
Describe exactly what's happening.
An imperative with 'exactly' for precision. It teaches how to give clear descriptions in reports. Useful in professional or service contexts to avoid misunderstandings.
Attach those photos you took of the unit.
This uses a verb of action ('attach') in a command form, with a relative clause ('you took'). It's key for online submissions, emphasizing visual evidence to support written details.
Double-check your contact info before submitting.
A phrasal verb 'double-check' in an imperative sentence with a time clause ('before submitting'). It highlights caution in forms. Use it to remind others of important pre-submission steps.
Hopefully, they can fix it quickly, it's getting warm!
This expresses hope with 'hopefully' and explains urgency due to weather. The comma joins two clauses casually. It's useful for polite requests showing why quick action is needed.