Initial Contact - Text/Email
The tenant drafts a message (text or email) to the landlord, briefly explaining the issue and asking about the best way to proceed.
租客起草一条消息（短信或电子邮件）给房东，简要说明问题并询问最佳处理方式。
对话
聆听并跟进对话
词汇
对话中的必备词汇和短语
issue
A problem or concern, often minor. In this dialogue, it's used to politely describe a small household problem like a leak.
一个问题或担忧，通常是小的。在这个对话中，它被用来礼貌地描述像漏水这样的小家庭问题。
dripping
Leaking liquid slowly, drop by drop. Here, it describes a faucet that is leaking water, which is a common plumbing problem.
液体缓慢地、一滴一滴地漏出。这里描述的是水龙头漏水，这是一种常见的管道问题。
faucet
A device that controls the flow of water from a pipe, also called a tap in British English. It's essential for talking about kitchen or bathroom issues.
一种控制管道中水流流动的装置，在英式英语中也称为水龙头。对于谈论厨房或浴室问题至关重要。
urgent
Needing immediate attention or action. Use it to explain that a problem is not serious, like 'It's not urgent' to avoid alarming the landlord.
需要立即注意或行动。使用它来解释问题并不严重，比如说‘这不是紧急的’以避免惊动房东。
availability
The times when someone is free or available. In rentals, landlords often ask for this to schedule repairs.
某人空闲或可用的时候。在租赁中，房东经常要求这个信息来安排维修。
flexible
Able to change or adapt easily. Tenants might say they are flexible when discussing repair schedules to show cooperation.
能够轻松改变或适应。租户在讨论维修时间表时可能会说他们很灵活，以显示合作。
heads-up
An informal warning or notice about something in advance. It's a casual way to thank someone for informing you early, common in American English.
一种非正式的警告或提前通知。是一种随意感谢某人提前告知的方式，在美国英语中常见。
关键句型
需要记住和练习的重要短语
I wanted to let you know about a small issue at the apartment and see what the best way to get it fixed is.
This is a polite introduction to a problem. It uses 'wanted to' for indirect politeness (past tense softens the request) and 'see what the best way is' to ask for advice. Useful for starting emails or texts about non-emergency issues.
这是一个对问题的礼貌介绍。它使用 'wanted to' 来表达间接的礼貌（过去时柔化了请求），并用 'see what the best way is' 来征求建议。适用于开始关于非紧急问题的电子邮件或短信。
The faucet in the kitchen sink has started dripping pretty consistently.
Describes the problem clearly with present perfect 'has started' to show a recent change, and 'pretty consistently' means regularly but not always. Great for specifying household details without exaggeration.
使用现在完成时 'has started' 清楚地描述了问题，以显示最近的变化，'pretty consistently' 意思是定期但不总是。非常适合指定家居细节而不夸张。
It's not urgent, but I don't want it to get worse or waste water.
Downplays the issue with 'It's not urgent' while explaining reasons. The 'but' connects contrast, showing concern. Use this pattern to reassure while requesting action in similar situations.
用'不是紧急的'淡化问题，同时解释原因。'但'连接对比，显示出担忧。在类似情况下使用这种模式来安慰同时请求行动。
Could you let me know your availability for a maintenance person to take a look?
A polite request using 'Could you' for questions. 'Take a look' means inspect briefly. This is useful for scheduling repairs, focusing on the tenant's schedule.
使用 'Could you' 的礼貌请求，用于提问。'Take a look' 意思是简要检查。这对安排维修很有用，关注租户的日程。
Sure, I work from home most days, so I'm pretty flexible.
Agrees and provides details with 'so' for logical connection. 'Pretty flexible' means quite adaptable. Ideal for responding to schedule requests, showing willingness to accommodate.
同意并使用 'so' 提供逻辑连接的细节。'Pretty flexible' 意思是相当适应力强。适合回应日程请求，显示出愿意迁就的意愿。
That sounds good. I'll check with our plumber and get back to you with a specific time.
Agrees with 'That sounds good' (informal positive response) and promises follow-up with 'get back to you.' Useful for confirming plans and maintaining communication in professional exchanges.
同意'That sounds good'（非正式的积极回应），并以'get back to you'承诺跟进。有助于确认计划并在专业交流中保持沟通。
Thanks again for the heads-up!
Expresses repeated thanks with 'again,' and 'heads-up' means advance notice. This closing is polite and appreciative, perfect for ending messages about reported issues.
用 'again' 表示重复的感谢，'heads-up' 意为提前通知。这个结尾礼貌且表达感激，非常适合结束关于报告问题的消息。