ESL Role Play Exercise: Finding a home for rent

For this role play you will need:

1. “Finding an Rental” Activity Sheets
2. Role Play Cards
The purpose of this role play exercise is to get students to practice talking about
housing and practice finding a place to rent
Finding a House, Room, or Apartment for Rent
The following are good conversation examples to study:
(A: Landlord ; B: Renter)
Conversation example 1:
A: Hello?
B: Hello, I am calling about the rental property. Is it still available?
A: Yes, it is.
B: Great! Could I see it?
A: Sure, what time and date would be good for you?
B: How about Saturday at 10:00am?
B: Sounds great. Do you need directions?
A: Yes, please...
Conversation example 2:
A: Hello?
B: Hi, I am calling about the apartment for rent.
A: I’m sorry, that property has already been rented.
B: OK, thank you for your time. Goodbye.
A: Bye.
Conversation example 3:
A: Hello?
B: Hi, I am calling about the house for rent. Is it still available?
A: Yes, it is. Would you like to see it?
B: Yes, but could I ask you a few questions over the phone first?
A: Sure, what do you want to know?
Possible questions:
Where is the house (or apartment) located?
How much is the rent?
How close is it to public transportation?
Is it near stores, the local university, etc.?
Do you allow pets?
Are there any facilities in the building? A pool, a gym,, etc.?
What is the neighborhood like?
Is there any private parking?
 Homes for Rent (Role Play Cards)
Location: 123 Main Street, Apt. 8a
Rent: $650.00 per month
Security Deposit: $300
Size: 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom
Distance to University: 25 minutes
by car/60 minutes by bus.
Public Transportation: 5 minute
walk to the bus stop.
Pets: No pets allowed.
Facilities in Building: Pool and a
gym
Neighborhood: Busy downtown
neighborhood close to restaurants,
shopping, and a major freeway.
Parking: Each apartment has one
parking space.
Location: 810 Walnut Street
Rent: $350.00
Security Deposit: $100
Size: Private room with your own
bathroom
Distance to University: 5 minute
walk to the college.
Public Transportation: 10 minute
walk to the subway station, 5
minute walk to all major bus
routes.
Pets: No pets allowed.
Facilities in Building: Spa.
Neighborhood: Quiet
neighborhood near public
transportation and the local
university.
Parking: Driveway parking.
Location: Downtown.
Rent: $700.00
Security Deposit: First and last
month’s rent
Size: 2 bedroom, 1 bath
Distance to University: 10 minute
walk to the University, 5 minutes by
car..
Public Transportation: 5 minute
walk the subway station.
Pets: Pets allowed up to 50lbs.
Facilities in Building: Pool and
spa.
Neighborhood: Close to museums,
nightclubs, shopping, and
restaurants.
Parking: Street parking.
Location: 1579 N. Pine Way.
Rent: $900.00
Security Deposit: $1000
Size: 3 bedroom, 2 bath house
Distance to University: 15 minutes
by bus, 20 minute walk, 10 minutes
by car.
Public Transportation: 5 minute
walk to major bus routes and
subway station.
Pets: All pets allowed.
Facilities in Building: None.
Neighborhood: Quiet street close to
parks and elementary schools.
Parking: House includes garage
Location: By the lake.
Rent: $800.00
Security Deposit: Not required
Size: 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom.
Distance to University: 20 minutes
by car, 30 minutes by bus.
Public Transportation: 2 minute
walk to major bus routes.
Pets: Most pets allowed but not
cats.
Facilities in Building: Gym and
pool.
Neighborhood: Quiet
neighborhood with small shops and
restaurants nearby.
Parking: Private parking in
carport.
Location: 818 Raven Drive, #3
Rent: $775.00
Security Deposit: $350
Size: 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms
Distance to University: 45 minutes
by car, 1 hour by subway
Public Transportation: 10 minute
walk to the subway station.
Pets: Pets under 15 lbs. allowed
Facilities in Building: Pool, Spa,
and Sauna.
Neighborhood: Busy street with
shopping and business nearby..
Parking: One reserved parking
space.
As you find out information about the apartment or house you want to
rent, write down the information in the following table.

Apartment 1 Apartment 2 Apartment 3 Apartment 4

Location

Rent per month

($)
Security
Deposit? ($)
Size (number
of bedrooms
and bathrooms)
Distance to
public
transportation
Distance to the
local university
Facilities (pool,
gym, spa, etc.)

Are pets
allowed
Facilities
in Building
Neighbor-hood

Parking