Apartment:Renting a Place of Your Own

Last month, I decided to move out of my parents' place and start living on my own. I searched in the newspaper for apartment listings and found a place not too far from my work. The landlord showed me around the apartment, and because it suited my needs, I signed the rental agreement and paid a deposit, some of which I might get back when I move out. The apartment has two bedrooms, one bathroom, a living room, and kitchen. It also has a small utility room where I keep my washer and dryer. Right before I moved in, the landlord put in new carpet and had the walls painted, so it looks like a new place. The rent is $650 a month, not including utilities. I pay about $100 for gas, electricity, water, sewage, and Internet service. Unfortunately, the apartment complex doesn't allow pets, so my dog has to stay with my parents for now. I might get a roommate at some point to share expenses, but I haven't decided on that yet. The place looks a little empty because it isn't furnished, but for the time being, I only have the basics: a bed, a table, a small sofa in the living room, and a TV. It's not as liveable and cozy as my parents' place, but it will have to do for now.

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Train Your Accent

Apartment Rentals

Actual Transcription:

I have decided to move out of my parents' place to live on my own, and now I am looking for an apartment. However, it is a lot more difficult and expensive than I thought. First of all, a one-bedroom apartment is going for about $500, and that is a little over my budget. Second, you have to pay a deposit, often equal to your first month's rent. Next, most apartments are not furnished, so I have to come up with furniture and a washer and dryer. Finally, the utilities, including gas, electricity, and water are not included either, so that adds to the overall expenses of having your own place. I really think I need to get a roommate, or I will have to move back in with my parents.

Reduced Speech:

I've decided tə move out əf my parents' place tə live on my own, ən' now I'm looking fər ən apartment. However, it's ə lot more difficult ən' expensive than I thought. First əf all, ə one-bedroom apartment is going fər əbout $500, ən' that's ən' little over my budget. Second, yə have tə pay ə deposit, often equal tə your first month's rent. Next, most apartments aren't furnished, so I have tə come up with furniture ən' ə washer ən' dryer. Finally, thə utilities, including gas, electricity, ən' water are not included either, so that adds tə thə overall expenses əf having your own place. I really think I need tə get ə roommate, ər I'll have tə move back in with my parents.

Activities:

1. Discussion: Explain thə process əf finding ən apartment in your hometown, including any expenses associated with this move.

2. The Internet: Search thə Internet fər apartment rentals in thə area where you live. Find two apartments with similar amenities ən' decide which suits you best. Share your ideas with ə partner.

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Vocabulary on Housing

1. apartment 2. apartment manager 3. carport 4. condominium 5. dormitory 6. down payment 7. duplex 8. furnished / unfurnished 9. gas / light / water bill 10. housing 11. landlord 12. mortgage payment 13. parking space 14. rent 15. roommate 16. security deposit 17. tenant 18. townhouse 19. utilities 20. yard

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Vocabulary on Apartment Rentals

1. apartment 2. carport 3. elevator 4. facilities 5. first floor 6. garage 7. landlord 8. laundry room

9. lease 10. mailbox 11. manager 12. parking lot 13. parking space 14. roommate 15. second floor 16. security deposit 17. smoke detector 18. stairway 19. tenant 20. vacancy