French · Real conversations
Housing: useful French phrases
Ask about rent and arrange a practical repair.
Start with the essentials
Start with the essential words and expressions below. Next, learn the five specific phrases in the reference table. Finally, read both sides of the exchange and try the linked rehearsal before revealing its sample replies. This collection connects to the broader vocabulary topic.
- House
la maison
House
- Room (hotel)
la chambre
Room (hotel)
- Rent
le loyer
Rent
- Neighbor
le voisin / la voisine
Neighbor
Make the conversation more specific
| What you want to say | French |
|---|---|
| House | la maison House |
| Room (hotel) | la chambre Room (hotel) |
| Rent | le loyer Rent |
| Neighbor | le voisin / la voisine Neighbor |
| Is ... included in the rent? | … est compris dans le loyer ? Show English translationIs … included in the rent? |
| Could you keep the noise down? | Tu pourrais faire un peu moins de bruit ? Show English translationCould you keep the noise down? |
| The heating isn't working. | Le chauffage ne fonctionne pas. Show English translationThe heating isn't working. |
| When can someone come to fix it? | Quand est-ce que quelqu'un peut venir le réparer ? Show English translationWhen can someone come to fix it? |
| How much notice do I need to give? | Combien de temps à l'avance dois-je prévenir ? Show English translationHow much notice do I need to give? |
Read the other side of the exchange
Partner
Le loyer comprend certaines charges.
The rent covers some household costs.
You
L'eau est comprise dans le loyer ?
Is water included in the rent?
Partner
Oui, l'eau est comprise. Il y a des travaux à côté aujourd'hui.
Yes, water is included. There are repairs next door today.
You
Tu pourrais faire un peu moins de bruit ?
Could you keep the noise down?
Housing in other languages
A note on speaking French
Use vous with strangers, staff, and people you address formally; use tu when that relationship is established. Je voudrais and pourriez-vous can make a request considerate. The most appropriate choice depends on the person and the situation.
Keep accents and apostrophes. A familiar spoken expression may differ from its literal English translation. Read the complete line, including the pronoun and the words that connect the request.
