← Back to lessons
B1Renting an Apartment

Fixing Up Your New Apartment

Phrasal Verb: fix up |Grammar: Present Continuous

Objective

Students will learn to use 'fix up' in the present continuous tense to describe ongoing repairs and improvements in a rented apartment.

Article

When you rent a new apartment, sometimes you need to fix up things before you move in. For example, you might be fixing up the kitchen by painting the walls or repairing the cabinets. Right now, many tenants are fixing up their apartments to make them more comfortable. Some people are fixing up the bathroom by changing the showerhead or cleaning the tiles. Fixing up a place helps to feel more like home. If you are renting a place that isn’t perfect, you can ask the landlord if you can fix up certain parts. Many renters are fixing up old apartments this way. Fixing up takes time, but it makes the apartment nicer and better to live in.

Grammar Explanation

Meaning

'Fix up' means to repair or improve something, especially a place or object.

Grammar Note

The present continuous tense shows that an action is happening right now or around this time. It uses 'am/is/are' + verb + -ing.

Usage Tips

  • Use 'fixing up' to describe repair or improvement activities happening now.
  • Remember to match 'am', 'is', or 'are' with the subject.
  • Use 'fix up' mainly for places or things that need repair or improvement.

Examples

I am fixing up the living room before my guests arrive.

Talking about current home improvements

She is fixing up the broken sink in the kitchen.

Repairing something broken

They are fixing up the apartment to make it more modern.

Improving the style and condition

We are fixing up the old walls by painting them white.

Renovation activity

The landlord is fixing up the heating system this week.

Repairs done by the landlord

Dialogue

Context: A tenant talks with the landlord about repairs in the apartment.

A:
Hi, I’m fixing up the kitchen right now, but the cupboard door is still broken.
B:
Thanks for letting me know. I am fixing up the plumbing this week, so I can fix the cupboard then.
A:
That sounds great. I’m also fixing up the bathroom lights because they are too dim.
B:
I see. If you need any help, please tell me. I want to make sure everything is comfortable for you.
A:
Thank you! I’m really enjoying fixing up the apartment and making it my home.
B:
You’re welcome. Keep me updated on your progress.

Vocabulary

Repair
To fix something that is broken
Example: I need to repair the broken window.
Synonym: mend
Improve
To make something better
Example: They are improving the apartment by painting the walls.
Synonym: enhance
Tenant
A person who rents a property
Example: The tenant is fixing up the kitchen.
Synonym: renter
Landlord
A person who owns a property and rents it out
Example: The landlord is fixing up the heating system.
Synonym: owner
Renovation
The process of improving or repairing a building
Example: The apartment is under renovation.
Synonym: remodelling
Painting
Applying colour to walls or surfaces
Example: She is painting the living room walls.
Synonym: decorating
Cabinet
A piece of furniture with doors for storage
Example: He is fixing up the kitchen cabinet.
Synonym: cupboard
Plumbing
The system of pipes for water and heating
Example: The plumbing needs to be fixed up.
Synonym: pipework
Showerhead
The part of the shower where water comes out
Example: They are fixing up the showerhead.
Synonym: spray head
Tile
Flat pieces used for covering walls or floors
Example: She is cleaning the bathroom tiles.
Synonym: ceramic slab

Tips

  • Use present continuous to talk about repairs happening now, e.g., 'I am fixing up the kitchen.'
  • Ask permission from the landlord before fixing up major parts of the apartment.
  • Do not confuse 'fix up' with just cleaning; it involves repairs or improvements.

Summary

In this lesson, you learned how to use 'fix up' to talk about repairing or improving an apartment. You practised using the present continuous tense to describe actions happening now. Remember to use 'am/is/are fixing up' when speaking about current repairs or improvements.

← Back to all lessons