16. Apartment Lease Agreement – Read a lease document and answer questions about rules and costs.

Reading Section Activity: Apartment Lease Agreement

Topic: Understanding an Apartment Lease Agreement

Objective: Help the student practice reading comprehension by interpreting an apartment lease agreement and answering related questions about rules and costs.

Step 1: Reading Passage – Apartment Lease Agreement

Apartment Lease Agreement

Landlord: Jane Doe
Tenant: John Smith
Apartment Address: 123 Maple Street, Apartment 4B, Springfield, IL 62701
Lease Term: June 1, 2024, to May 31, 2025

Monthly Rent:

• Amount: $1,200
• Due Date: 1st of each month
• Late Fee: $50 if rent is not received by the 5th of the month.

Security Deposit:

• Amount: $1,200
• Due Date: Upon signing the lease
• Refund: The security deposit will be refunded within 30 days of lease termination, provided there are no damages.

Rules and Regulations:

1. No Smoking: Smoking is not permitted inside the apartment.
2. Pets: Pets are allowed with an additional non-refundable pet deposit of $300.
3. Noise: Tenants must keep noise levels to a minimum to avoid disturbing neighbors.
4. Alterations: No alterations to the apartment are allowed without the landlord’s written permission.

Utilities:

• Included: Water, trash collection
• Not Included: Electricity, gas, internet, and cable.

Step 2: Comprehension Questions

After reading the lease agreement, answer the following questions based on the details provided.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What is the monthly rent for the apartment?
   a) $1,000
   b) $1,200
   c) $1,500
   d) $1,800
2. What is the penalty for late rent payment?
   a) $25
   b) $50
   c) $75
   d) $100
3. When is the security deposit due?
   a) June 1, 2024
   b) Upon signing the lease
   c) May 31, 2025
   d) 30 days after lease termination
4. Are pets allowed in the apartment?
   a) Yes, with a pet deposit
   b) No, pets are not allowed
   c) Only small pets are allowed
   d) Yes, with prior approval
5. Which utility is included in the rent?
   a) Electricity
   b) Gas
   c) Water
   d) Internet

Short Answer Questions

6. What is the lease term duration in months?
   (Write your answer below)
7. What must a tenant do if they want to make alterations to the apartment?
   (Write your answer below)
8. How long after lease termination will the security deposit be refunded?
   (Write your answer below)
9. What is the total amount of the security deposit?
   (Write your answer below)
10. What must tenants do to avoid disturbing neighbors?
    (Write your answer below)

Step 3: Answer Key

1. b) $1,200
2. b) $50
3. b) Upon signing the lease
4. a) Yes, with a pet deposit
5. c) Water
6. The lease term duration is 12 months (from June 1, 2024, to May 31, 2025).
7. If a tenant wants to make alterations to the apartment, they must obtain the landlord’s written permission.
8. The security deposit will be refunded within 30 days of lease termination.
9. The total amount of the security deposit is $1,200.
10. Tenants must keep noise levels to a minimum to avoid disturbing neighbors.

Step 4: Vocabulary & Definitions

Here are some difficult words and phrases from the lease agreement:

1. Lease Agreement: A legally binding contract between a landlord and tenant outlining the terms of renting a property.
   • Example: “Before signing the lease agreement, read all the terms carefully.”
2. Security Deposit: A sum of money paid by the tenant to cover potential damages to the property.
   • Example: “The landlord returned my security deposit after I moved out, as there were no damages.”
3. Non-refundable: An amount that cannot be returned once paid.
   • Example: “The pet deposit is non-refundable, even if the pet causes no damage.”
4. Alterations: Changes or modifications made to the property.
   • Example: “You need permission for any alterations to the apartment, such as painting the walls.”
5. Utilities: Services such as water, electricity, and gas that are necessary for a property to function.
   • Example: “Be sure to check which utilities are included in your lease.”

Step 5: Selfie Assignment

Assignment:
Record a short video (1-2 minutes) explaining the key points of a lease agreement you might encounter. Discuss the terms you find most important, such as rent, rules, and security deposits, and why they matter to you as a tenant.