Vocabulary practice · Episode 81

Review the useful expressions from the episode

Study the episode’s central expressions with English definitions, nuance and examples, plus reviewed support-language versions where available.

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  1. Choose one expression. Read its definition, nuance and examples.
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Vocabulary from the episode

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Expression 1

to sort out a problem

to deal with and resolve a problem, especially a practical or administrative one — to fix a situation that has been causing difficulty

Nuance: Sort out is quintessentially British English — it is warmer and more informal than 'resolve' or 'fix'. In landlord/tenant conversations, being able to ask your landlord to 'sort out' an issue signals competent practical English.

Could you sort out the heating issue as soon as possible? It's been three days without hot water.

She sorted out every problem with her landlord calmly and in clear English — no conflict, no stress.

Expression 2

your tenancy agreement

a legal contract between a landlord and a tenant that sets out the terms of renting a property — including rent amount, duration, and responsibilities of each party

Nuance: Tenancy agreement is essential practical legal English for anyone renting in an English-speaking country. Understanding the terms — deposit, notice period, break clause — can protect you from losing money and having problems.

According to my tenancy agreement, the landlord is responsible for maintaining the boiler.

Always read your tenancy agreement before you sign it — and look up any words you don't understand.

Expression 3

a landlord

a person or company that owns a property and rents it out to tenants in exchange for regular payments

Nuance: Landlord is the rental relationship noun. In UK renting English, the landlord owns the property; the tenant lives in it. Key phrases: 'my landlord', 'contact the landlord', 'the landlord is responsible for...'. The landlord has legal obligations — maintaining the property, protecting the deposit — and tenants have rights. Understanding this relationship vocabulary is essential for anyone renting in an English-speaking country.

Your landlord is legally responsible for structural repairs — document issues in writing as soon as they arise.

She contacted her landlord about the leaking roof and kept a written record of all communications in case of a dispute.

Expression 4

a deposit

a sum of money paid in advance by a tenant before moving in — held by the landlord or a protection scheme and returned at the end of the tenancy if the property is in good condition

Nuance: Deposit is the tenancy security noun. In the UK, tenancy deposits are legally protected — landlords must place them in a government-backed scheme. At the end of the tenancy, the deposit is returned minus any legitimate deductions for damage. Key phrases: 'pay a deposit', 'protect the deposit', 'return the deposit', 'dispute a deduction'.

Document the property's condition with photos before moving in — it protects your deposit at the end.

She paid a deposit of one month's rent and received confirmation that it had been placed in a government-protected scheme.

Expression 5

to give notice

to formally inform your landlord that you intend to leave the property — typically in writing and within the time frame specified in your tenancy agreement

Nuance: Give notice is the tenancy departure phrase. Most tenancy agreements require a fixed notice period — typically one or two months. Failing to give notice means you may still owe rent after moving out. Giving notice 'in writing' and keeping a copy is standard practice. Key phrases: 'give one month's notice', 'serve notice', 'notice period'.

Give notice in writing and keep a copy — verbal notice creates disputes you cannot win.

She gave one month's notice as required by her tenancy agreement and started looking for a new flat immediately.

Expression 6

to be liable for

to be legally responsible for — especially for damage, costs, or obligations

Nuance: Liable for is the legal responsibility phrase. In tenancy contexts: 'you are liable for the cost of repairs', 'the tenant is liable for...', 'the landlord is liable for...'. Understanding who is liable for what — maintenance, utilities, damage — is a core part of understanding rental English and avoiding costly disputes.

Know what you are liable for before signing any tenancy agreement — read every clause.

She was told she was liable for the cost of replacing the broken boiler but disputed this as it was pre-existing damage.

Expression 7

to move out

to leave a rented property permanently — taking your belongings and returning the keys

Nuance: Move out is the tenancy end phrase. It is paired with 'move in' — moving in marks the start, moving out marks the end of a tenancy. Key phrases in moving out: 'give notice', 'check-out inspection', 'hand back the keys', 'settle the final utilities'. For English learners planning to live abroad, knowing move-in and move-out procedures in English is essential practical life knowledge.

Before moving out, clean thoroughly and document the property's condition — it maximises your deposit return.

She moved out on the last day of the month and left the flat in better condition than she had found it.

Expression 8

utility bills

regular invoices for essential household services — such as gas, electricity, water, and internet

Nuance: Utility bills is the household expense phrase. In British English, 'bills' or 'utility bills' covers the recurring costs of running a home: gas, electricity, water, broadband. When renting, it is important to know whether bills are included ('bills included') or not ('bills extra'). Key phrases: 'set up the bills', 'split the bills', 'bills in your name'.

Set up utility bills as soon as you move in — delays can mean missed payments and credit impacts.

She set up all the utility bills in her name within the first week of moving into the new flat.

Expression 9

to raise a complaint

to formally notify someone — such as a landlord, company, or authority — about a problem that has not been resolved through informal means

Nuance: Raise a complaint is the formal escalation phrase. In renting contexts, tenants sometimes need to escalate issues: the landlord has not responded, the repair has not been done, the deposit has not been returned. Knowing how to raise a complaint formally — in writing, citing the relevant obligations, and referencing the next step if unresolved — is an important tenant English skill.

Raise a complaint in writing and set a clear deadline for a response — informal complaints are easy to ignore.

She raised a formal complaint with the letting agency after her landlord ignored her repair requests for six weeks.

Expression 10

to sign a contract

to put your signature on a legally binding document — confirming that you agree to its terms and conditions

Nuance: Sign a contract is the legal agreement phrase. Before renting in English-speaking countries, you sign a tenancy agreement — a legally binding document. Before signing any contract, you should read every clause, understand your obligations, and if uncertain, seek advice. Phrases: 'read before you sign', 'sign and date', 'countersigned by the landlord'.

Never sign a contract you have not read fully — not understanding it is not a legal defence.

She read her tenancy agreement carefully before signing the contract and asked the agent to clarify two clauses she did not understand.

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