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B1Renting an Apartment

Sort Out Problems When Renting an Apartment

Phrasal Verb: sort out |Grammar: Modal Verbs (need to)

Objective

Students will learn how to use the phrasal verb 'sort out' and modal verbs with 'need to' to talk about resolving issues with landlords when renting an apartment.

Article

Renting an apartment can sometimes come with challenges. When you find a problem, you need to sort out the issue quickly. For example, if the heating is not working, you need to contact your landlord to sort out the repair. Sometimes, you need to sort out disagreements about the rent or deposit. You need to be clear about your rights and responsibilities. If you need to sort out a problem, you should explain the situation calmly and ask the landlord to fix it. In many cases, you need to sort out these issues in writing, so there is a record. Remember, you need to act politely but firmly to sort out problems before they become bigger.

Grammar Explanation

Meaning

To 'sort out' means to find a solution or fix a problem.

Grammar Note

Modal verbs like 'need to' express necessity or obligation. We use 'need to' before the base form of a verb to say something is necessary.

Usage Tips

  • Use 'sort out' when talking about solving problems or organising things.
  • Use 'need to' to show that something is necessary or important.
  • Combine 'need to' with 'sort out' to talk about necessary problem-solving actions.

Examples

I need to sort out the broken heater with the landlord.

Talking about fixing an apartment problem

You need to sort out the rent payment before the deadline.

Discussing paying rent on time

We need to sort out the noise complaint quickly.

Resolving neighbour issues

They need to sort out the contract details before signing.

Checking rental agreements

She needs to sort out the water leak in her apartment.

Fixing maintenance problems

Dialogue

Context: Tenant calls landlord to discuss a problem with the apartment.

A:
Hello, I need to sort out an issue with the heating in my apartment.
B:
I’m sorry to hear that. When did the problem start?
A:
It started yesterday. I need to sort it out quickly because it’s very cold.
B:
You need to give me access tomorrow morning so I can send a technician.
A:
Okay, I will be home at 9 am to let the technician in.
B:
Great. We’ll sort this out as soon as possible.

Vocabulary

Landlord
A person who rents out property to tenants.
Example: The landlord fixed the leaking tap quickly.
Synonym: Property owner
Tenant
A person who rents and lives in a property.
Example: The tenant needs to pay rent on time.
Synonym: Renter
Deposit
Money paid in advance to cover possible damage.
Example: You need to pay a deposit before moving in.
Synonym: Security payment
Repair
To fix something that is broken.
Example: The landlord promised to repair the heater.
Synonym: Fix
Contract
A legal agreement between tenant and landlord.
Example: You must read the contract carefully before signing.
Synonym: Agreement
Maintenance
The work needed to keep something in good condition.
Example: The landlord is responsible for maintenance.
Synonym: Upkeep
Complaint
A statement about something wrong or unsatisfactory.
Example: The tenant made a complaint about the noise.
Synonym: Grievance
Issue
A problem or concern that needs to be addressed.
Example: There is an issue with the water supply.
Synonym: Problem
Resolve
To find a solution to a problem.
Example: We need to resolve the heating issue quickly.
Synonym: Solve
Urgent
Needing immediate attention.
Example: This repair is urgent and must be done soon.
Synonym: Important

Tips

  • Always communicate politely but clearly when you need to sort out apartment issues.
  • Keep a written record (email or message) when you need to sort out problems with your landlord.
  • Don’t forget to check your rental contract before asking to sort out an issue.

Summary

In this lesson, you learned to use the phrasal verb 'sort out' to talk about solving problems in a rental apartment. You also practised using 'need to' to express necessity when dealing with landlord issues. These skills help you communicate clearly and solve problems effectively.

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