Words (Core Vocabulary)
- listing / ad (n.) – rental post online or on paper.
- studio / bachelor / 1-bed / 2-bed / den – unit types.
- furnished / unfurnished – with/without furniture.
- square footage (sq. ft.) / layout / floor plan
- utilities included – heat, hydro (electricity), water in rent.
- in-suite laundry / shared laundry
- pet-friendly / no pets / pet restrictions
- smoke-free / no smoking / vaping policy
- amenities – gym, pool, rooftop, lounge, bike room.
- parking stall / visitor parking / storage locker
- ground floor / garden level / basement suite / walk-up / elevator
- availability / occupancy date / move-in date
- landlord / property manager / building manager / superintendent (caretaker)
- viewing / showing / open house
- application / applicant / co-applicant / co-signer (guarantor)
- references / credit check / background check
- proof of income – pay stubs, employment letter, bank statements.
- security (damage) deposit / pet damage deposit
- tenant insurance (contents & liability)
- waitlist (n.) – list for future availability.
Phrases (From reading ads → applying)
Reading & clarifying an ad
- Is hydro included, or is it separate?
- What’s the lease term—month-to-month or fixed?
- Are pets allowed? Any pet deposit?
- Is parking or a locker included? If not, what’s the fee?
- What’s the average monthly cost for utilities?
Booking a viewing
- Hi, I’m interested in the 1-bedroom on [Street].
Would it be possible to view it this week? - I’m available Tuesday after 5 p.m. or Saturday morning—what works for you?
At the viewing (good questions)
- How do maintenance requests work?
- How is noise between units? Any quiet hours?
- When was the last renovation of the kitchen/bathroom?
- What’s required for the application (ID, references, proof of income)?
Applying & following up
- I’ve attached my application, ID, and references.
Please let me know if you need anything else. - Just checking in on my application—is there an update on timelines?
Contextual Examples (Natural, everyday)
- **Hi there—**I saw your listing for the garden-level 1-bed. Is hydro included, and is it pet-friendly?
- Could I book a viewing for Thursday after work? I’m available after 6 p.m.
- At the viewing: The unit looks great. What’s the lease term, and how do I submit an application?
- After applying: Thanks for your time today—I’ve attached my proof of income and references. Looking forward to hearing back.
Collocations & Phrases (bold the key words)
Ads & viewings
- browse rental listings
- book a viewing
- attend an open house
- ask follow-up questions
- confirm what’s included
Applications
- submit an application
- attach proof of income
- provide references
- agree to a credit check
- add a co-signer
Money & deposits
- pay a damage deposit
- leave a holding deposit (only if appropriate—clarify policy)
- set up tenant insurance
Logistics
- schedule a move-in
- sign the lease
- join a waitlist
Canadian Cultural Context (How to sound natural & polite)
- “Hydro” means electricity in many provinces (e.g., BC). Ask if it’s included.
- Many landlords accept Interac e-Transfer for rent; always get a receipt or written confirmation.
- Bring ID to viewings and be on time; a short thank-you message after helps.
- Be careful with deposits: pay only to the legitimate landlord/manager and ask for a written receipt. Rules on fees vary—check local regulations if unsure.
Extra Mini-Patterns (plug-and-play)
- Inquiry: “Hi, I’m interested in the 1-bed on Oak Street—is hydro included and when is it available?”
- Viewing request: “Could I view the unit this Saturday morning? I’m flexible on time.”
- Application send: “Please find attached my application, ID, and references. Thanks for considering my tenancy.”