Topic: Complaining to the landlord| Daily English Conversation| English speaking & listening skills

Summary

In this video, Kelly, a tenant, calls her landlord Rob to address several apartment issues, including a leaking shower and toilet, a broken air conditioner, a cockroach infestation, and noisy neighbors. Rob, though helpful, suggests simple solutions like sending his brother over to inspect and repair things, but Kelly’s frustration grows as the problems persist. The dialogue teaches useful English phrases for politely making complaints and requesting help, while highlighting the challenges tenants often face with maintenance and communication in rental situations.

Takeaways

• 😀 Did I catch you at a bad time? – A polite and casual way to ask if it's a good moment to talk.
• 😀 What can I do for you? – A friendly way of offering assistance or help in any situation.
• 😀 Leaking shower and toilet – Common plumbing issues that can be inconvenient for tenants.
• 😀 Mop usage – A mop is a tool to clean up spills, especially liquid, like water from a leaking shower or toilet.
• 😀 AC (Air Conditioner) issues – The importance of keeping air conditioners functional, especially in hot weather.
• 😀 Remote control – Often the cause of confusion, it's important to ensure you're using it properly to avoid issues.
• 😀 Repaired vs. Replaced – If something is broken, it can either be repaired (fixed) or replaced (swapped for a new one).
• 😀 Cockroaches in the kitchen – A major problem for tenants; cleanliness and tidiness help prevent this issue.
• 😀 Neat and tidy – Essential for maintaining a clean living space, preventing pests, and ensuring comfort.
• 😀 Chemicals to handle pests – Use of pest control products (in this case, chemicals) to eliminate cockroaches.
• 😀 Noise complaints – A common issue in shared living spaces like apartments, and how tenants can report it.

Q & A

What does the phrase 'Did I catch you at a bad time?' mean?

It is a polite and casual way to ask if someone is available to talk. It's equivalent to asking, 'Is it a good time to talk?'

Why does Kelly mention that both the shower and toilet started leaking?

Kelly is informing Rob, her landlord, about issues with her apartment. The leaking shower and toilet are likely causing her inconvenience and require attention.

What does the word 'leaky' refer to in the context of the script?

'Leaky' describes something that has a small crack or hole through which liquid, typically water, is escaping. Kelly’s shower and toilet are both described as leaky.

What is the difference between 'repaired' and 'replaced' in the context of the air conditioner?

'Repaired' means fixing the air conditioner to restore its function, while 'replaced' means swapping it for a new one. Rob suggests repairing the air conditioner first rather than replacing it.

What does 'using the remote properly' refer to in the script?

It refers to using the remote control in the correct way, such as pointing it at the TV to make it work. Rob asks Kelly if she is using the remote properly because the air conditioner is not functioning.

How does Rob respond to Kelly's complaint about cockroaches in the kitchen?

Rob suggests that Kelly may not be keeping her kitchen 'neat and tidy,' implying that cleanliness can prevent pests like cockroaches from appearing. However, Kelly assures him that her kitchen is clean.

What is the meaning of 'neat and tidy'?

'Neat and tidy' refers to something being organized and free from clutter or mess. Rob implies that if Kelly's kitchen were neater, she might not have cockroaches.

What does 'assure' mean in the context of Kelly's response about the kitchen?

In this context, 'assure' means to confidently promise or guarantee that something is true. Kelly is assuring Rob that her kitchen is clean, despite his suggestion that it may not be.

Why does Rob mention sending his brother with 'chemicals'?

Rob offers to send his brother with chemicals, which in this case likely refers to pesticides or cleaning agents, to help eliminate the cockroaches in Kelly's kitchen.

What is a 'noise complaint' and why does Kelly make one?

A 'noise complaint' is when someone complains about excessive or disturbing noise. Kelly makes a noise complaint about her neighbors, hoping Rob will address the issue with them.

What is the twist in the story regarding the noisy neighbors?

The twist is that Rob’s brother is actually the neighbor causing the noise. This adds humor to the situation, as Kelly did not know that Rob's brother was the one making the noise.