Accommodation
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Vocabulary for IELTS: Accommodation
"Accommodation" is such a common topic in the IELTS exam, especially in the speaking and writing sections. You may be asked to talk about your living arrangements, describe a place you stayed at, or discuss housing-related issues in an essay. Therefore, knowing some relevant vocabulary will help you respond more naturally and effectively in both written and spoken tasks.
In this "vocabulary" lesson, we will explore some useful words and phrases related to accommodation. These examples are crafted to help you understand their usage in real contexts and improve your fluency when discussing this topic in the exam.
1. Rented accommodation: [Meaning: A place to live that you pay rent for]
Example 1: Due to high property prices, many young professionals are forced to live in rented accommodation far from city centres.
Example 2: When I first moved to London, I had to share a rented accommodation with three other students to save money.
2. Affordable housing: [Meaning: Housing that is reasonably priced and within one's financial means]
Example 1: There is an urgent need for affordable housing in urban areas to accommodate low-income families.
Example 2: Governments should allocate more funds to build affordable housing for the homeless population.
3. Residential area: [Meaning: A part of a town or city where people live]
Example 1: I grew up in a quiet residential area surrounded by parks and tree-lined streets.
Example 2: Noise restrictions are usually stricter in residential areas compared to commercial zones.
4. Landlord / landlady: [Meaning: A person who owns a property and rents it out]
Example 1: Our landlord is quite responsive and fixes any maintenance issues within a day or two.
Example 2: The landlady was very strict about keeping the apartment clean and noise-free.
5. Utility bills: [Meaning: Bills for essential services such as water, gas, and electricity]
Example 1: Rent for the flat is reasonable, but the utility bills during winter can be surprisingly high.
Example 2: In most student accommodations, utility bills are included in the monthly rent.
6. Shared accommodation: [Meaning: A living arrangement where multiple people share a residence]
Example 1: Shared accommodation is a practical option for international students trying to reduce expenses.
Example 2: I once lived in a shared accommodation with five roommates, and maintaining privacy was quite a challenge.
7. Tenant: [Meaning: A person who rents a property from a landlord]
Example 1: The new tenant signed a one-year lease and agreed to follow all the terms in the rental agreement.
Example 2: As a tenant, it’s your responsibility to inform the landlord about any damage to the property.
8. Studio apartment: [Meaning: A small, self-contained apartment with one main living space]
Example 1: Living in a studio apartment taught me to make efficient use of space and avoid clutter.
Example 2: Many professionals prefer studio apartments in city centres for their convenience and lower cost.
9. Housing shortage: [Meaning: Insufficient availability of residential properties]
Example 1: The housing shortage in metropolitan cities has led to skyrocketing property prices.
Example 2: Addressing the housing shortage requires both public investment and relaxed zoning regulations.
10. Long-term lease: [Meaning: A rental agreement that extends for a longer period, usually over a year]
Example 1: Many landlords prefer a long-term lease as it ensures stable rental income.
Example 2: Signing a long-term lease often means a lower monthly rent compared to short-term contracts.
11. Temporary housing: [Meaning: Accommodation for a short stay, often used during relocation or transition]
Example 1: After relocating for work, I stayed in temporary housing until I could find a permanent place.
Example 2: Many refugees are placed in temporary housing while awaiting permanent settlement.
12. Fully furnished: [Meaning: An accommodation that comes with all essential furniture and appliances]
Example 1: I chose a fully furnished apartment so I wouldn't have to worry about buying any household items.
Example 2: Most serviced apartments are fully furnished and ideal for short-term stays.
13. Maintenance cost: [Meaning: Expenses for repairs and upkeep of a property]
Example 1: Living in an old building often means higher maintenance costs due to frequent repairs.
Example 2: Tenants are not usually responsible for major maintenance costs unless otherwise specified in the lease.
14. On-campus housing: [Meaning: University-provided accommodation within campus premises]
Example 1: On-campus housing offers convenience and a sense of community for first-year students.
Example 2: Due to high demand, on-campus housing is often allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
15. Security deposit: [Meaning: A sum of money paid in advance to cover potential damages or unpaid rent]
Example 1: Before moving in, we were asked to pay a two-month security deposit along with the first month’s rent.
Example 2: Tenants are entitled to a full refund of their security deposit if the property is returned in good condition.
16. Housing market: [Meaning: The supply and demand for residential properties in a given area]
Example 1: The local housing market has become increasingly competitive due to a surge in property investors.
Example 2: Economic uncertainty often leads to volatility in the housing market, affecting both buyers and renters.
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