Skip to content
AylaraTalks

Role-play

Renting a Flat Role Play (B1–B2)

A tight budget, a cat and a deal that only works if both sides listen.

Age
Ages 18+
Level
B1–B2
Skill
Speaking
Format
Teacher guide
More in the library

The situation

A viewing of a bright one-bedroom flat. A possible tenant is looking round with the letting agent.

5-minute timer

Role card A

Tenant

You are viewing a one-bedroom flat to rent and talking to the letting agent.

Your goals

  • Find out the rent and whether bills are included.
  • Ask about the deposit and when you can move in.
  • Ask to see the contract before you agree.

Only you know

  • Your budget is £1,100 a month in total, including bills.
  • You work from home, so you need fast internet. You also have a cat.

Role card B

Letting agent

You are a letting agent showing a one-bedroom flat to a possible tenant.

Your goals

  • Point out the flat's best features.
  • Explain the rent, bills, deposit and contract.
  • Find out if the tenant wants to reserve the flat.

Only you know

  • The rent is £1,000 a month and bills are about £130. If the tenant signs for 12 months, the landlord will include the internet, bringing bills down to about £100.
  • Pets are allowed if the tenant pays for a professional clean when they move out. The deposit is five weeks' rent, and the flat is free from 1 November.

Model dialogue

One good version. Read it after the pairs have tried, not before.

Show the model dialogue
A
Hi, thanks for showing me round. It's a lovely flat — really bright.
B
It is, isn't it? The kitchen was redone last year, too. Do you have any questions?
A
Yes — how much is the rent, and are bills included?
B
The rent is £1,000 a month. Bills aren't included; they usually come to about £130.
A
Hmm, that's a bit over my budget. I can't really go above £1,100 in total.
B
I understand. If you sign for twelve months, the landlord will include the internet, which brings the bills down to around £100.
A
That would work. Is the internet fast? I work from home, so I need a reliable connection.
B
Yes, it's full fibre, so video calls shouldn't be a problem.
A
Good. I should also mention that I've got a cat. Is that allowed?
B
Pets are fine, but you'd need to pay for a professional clean when you move out. The deposit is five weeks' rent.
A
That seems fair. When would the flat be available?
B
From the first of November. Would you like me to reserve it for you?
A
Yes, please. Could you send me the contract to read first?
B
Of course. I'll email it to you this afternoon.

Extension for stronger students

Another person has also offered to rent the flat: B explains this, and A must convince the agent they're the better tenant — and try to negotiate a move-in date two weeks later without losing the flat.

Printable role cards

Card A and card B on one page, with a cut line between them, plus the phrases.