Renting your first place in Australia

Intermediate · B1–B2 Episode 5 of 8 · about 2 minutes · Hosts: Mel and Josh

1. Before you listen: key words

Press 🔊 to hear each word or phrase. You'll hear all of them in the conversation.

inspection a visit to look at a property
agent / property manager the person who manages the rental for the owner
bond money paid at the start, returned at the end if there's no damage
lease the rental agreement and how long it lasts
negotiable can be discussed and changed
mould black or green growth caused by damp
rental history your record of renting homes in the past

2. Listen to the episode

Press Play. The line being spoken lights up so you can read along. Start with Slow if you're a beginner, then try Normal. For a challenge, hide the transcript the first time you listen.

3. Check your understanding

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4. Shadow the hosts

Shadowing means repeating a line straight after you hear it, copying the speed, stress and rhythm. Press 🔁 next to any line in the transcript, then press 🎤 and say it. Your browser shows what it heard. Try 3 to 5 lines a day.

5. Talk about it

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Listening Room, episode 5: Renting your first place in Australia

Intermediate (B1–B2) · englishcoaching.au

1. Vocabulary: write the meaning

inspection: ________________________
agent / property manager: ________________________
bond: ________________________
lease: ________________________
negotiable: ________________________
mould: ________________________
rental history: ________________________

2. Questions

What is a bond?
☐ Monthly rent ☐ Money paid at the start and returned at the end ☐ A fee for the agent
What is an 'open inspection'?
☐ A private visit ☐ A time when many people can view the property ☐ When the owner checks your home
Why should you take photos when you move in?
☐ To share online ☐ To help get your bond back ☐ The agent asks for them
What do agents usually ask for when you apply?
☐ ID, proof of income and references ☐ Only your name ☐ Your passport photo only
How should you ask for repairs?
☐ Fix it yourself ☐ In writing, like an email ☐ Wait until you move out

3. Talk or write about it

You're at a rental inspection. Ask the agent three questions about the property.

Transcript

Mel: Welcome to the Listening Room, I'm Mel.

Josh: And I'm Josh. Today we're talking about renting a home in Australia, which can be stressful.

Mel: Very stressful! Let's start with some key words. First: inspection. That's when you visit the property to look at it.

Josh: Often it's an open inspection, so lots of people come at the same time. Sometimes twenty or thirty people!

Mel: Next: the agent, or property manager. That's the person who manages the property for the owner.

Josh: Then there's the bond. That's money you pay at the start, usually four weeks' rent. You get it back at the end if the place is in good condition.

Mel: And the lease is the rental agreement. It might be six months or twelve months.

Josh: So, at the inspection, what questions should you ask?

Mel: Good questions are: 'When is it available?', 'How long is the lease?', 'Are pets allowed?' and 'Is parking included?'

Josh: You can also ask, 'Is the rent negotiable?' But in a busy market, probably not.

Mel: Look carefully at the property. Check for mould, test the taps, and look at the windows and locks.

Josh: And take photos when you move in. That helps you get your bond back later.

Mel: Then you apply. Agents usually want ID, proof of income, like payslips, and references from past landlords or employers.

Josh: If you're new to Australia, you might not have a rental history here. It's fine to explain that in your application.

Mel: Something like, 'I've recently moved to Australia, so I don't have a local rental history, but I have a stable job and references from my employer.'

Josh: Great sentence. Being clear and organised really helps.

Mel: And if something breaks while you're living there, contact the agent. Repairs are usually the owner's responsibility.

Josh: Put requests in writing, like an email, so you have a record.

Mel: Good luck with your search, everyone. See you next time!

Answers: 1. Money paid at the start and returned at the end · 2. A time when many people can view the property · 3. To help get your bond back · 4. ID, proof of income and references · 5. In writing, like an email