Reporting a Maintenance Issue
A tenant is contacting their landlord or property manager to report a common household maintenance problem, such as a leaky faucet or broken appliance.
Dialogue
Listen and follow along with the conversation
Vocabulary
Essential words and phrases from the dialogue
maintenance
The work done to keep buildings or equipment in good condition, like fixing leaks or broken parts.
issue
A problem or concern that needs attention, often used in formal or polite conversations like reporting a problem.
leaky
Describes something that has a hole or crack allowing liquid to escape, like a leaky pipe or faucet.
faucet
A device in a sink or bathtub that controls the flow of water; it's the American English word for 'tap' in British English.
drip
To fall in small drops of liquid; as a noun, it means a small amount of liquid falling slowly.
tighten
To make something tighter by twisting or pulling, like turning a screw or knob to stop a leak.
confirm
To make sure something is true or agreed upon, often by checking details like a visit time.
Key Sentences
Important phrases to remember and practice
Hi David, I hope you're having a good day.
This is a polite greeting to start a phone call warmly. Use it to build rapport before stating your main purpose. The present continuous 'having' shows an ongoing action.
I'm calling about a maintenance issue at my apartment.
A clear way to state the reason for the call. Useful for reporting problems politely. 'About' introduces the topic, and 'issue' is a neutral word for a problem.
The faucet in my kitchen sink has started leaking quite a bit.
Describes a specific problem with details. 'Has started' uses present perfect for recent changes, and 'quite a bit' means a significant amount. Use this to explain issues clearly.
What seems to be the problem?
A common question to ask for more details. 'Seems to be' softens the question, making it polite. Useful in customer service or when helping someone.
I've tried tightening it but it didn't help.
Shows what you've already done to fix the problem. Present perfect 'I've tried' for past actions with current relevance, and 'but' contrasts failure. Good for showing initiative.
I'll get someone from maintenance to come take a look as soon as possible.
Promises quick action. Future 'I'll get' for offers, and 'as soon as possible' shows urgency. Use this to reassure someone when arranging help.
Can you tell me your apartment number again?
Politely asks for repeated information. 'Again' implies it's been mentioned before. Useful for confirming details without sounding rude.
We'll aim to have someone there within the next 24-48 hours.
Gives a timeframe for action. 'Aim to' means planning to do something, and 'within' specifies a range. Helpful for setting expectations in service situations.
Thanks again!
A repeated thank you to end positively. Short and casual, use it to show appreciation multiple times in a conversation.