How to ask your landlord for repairs in English
This call usually comes after several polite messages that went nowhere. The hard part in English is sounding firm without sounding rude, and turning answers like "I'll try to sort it soon" into an actual day. Many learners accept the vague promise because they can't find the words to push a second time.
The situation
The heating has been broken for a week. Your landlord keeps delaying. Get a firm repair date.
Your goals
- Explain the impact on you
- Push back on vague promises
- Get a specific date
Words to use
Words you probably know but rarely say. In the app they tick off as you use them.
- urgent
- needs action now
- unacceptable
- not okay at all
- commit to
- promise to do
- in writing
- as a written record
- deteriorate
- get worse
- follow up
- check back later
Phrases that work here
I'm calling about the heating. It's been broken for a week now.
States the problem and how long it has lasted. The duration is your strongest argument.
It's getting really difficult. The flat is freezing at night.
Explains the impact on your life, which is harder to ignore than a repair request.
I appreciate that you're busy, but this is urgent.
Shows understanding and still makes clear it can't wait.
When you say soon, which day do you mean?
Turns a vague promise into a question that needs a real answer.
Could you commit to a specific day this week?
Asks directly for a promise, without sounding aggressive.
Could you confirm that in writing, by text or email?
Gives you a record, and people are more likely to keep a promise they've written down.
If I haven't heard anything by Tuesday evening, I'll follow up.
Ends the call with your own next step, so the landlord knows you'll be checking.
How the conversation can go
Mr. Hale opens the call. One way to answer:
- Mr. Hale
Hello? Yes, this is Hale. You left me a message about the flat?
- You
Yes, thanks for calling back. It's about the heating. It's been broken for a week now, and it's getting really cold at night. I've been sleeping in a jacket.
- Mr. Hale
Right, yes. Sorry about that. I'll try to get someone round as soon as I can.
- You
I appreciate that, but I've heard that twice already. When you say as soon as you can, which day do you mean?
- Mr. Hale
Well, my usual engineer is very busy this month. Maybe next week sometime?
- You
I understand, but a week without heating is already too long, and there's damp starting in the bedroom. Could you commit to a specific day, even with a different engineer?
- Mr. Hale
Fine. I'll get someone there on Wednesday morning.
- You
Thank you. Could you send me that in writing, just so we're both clear? And if I haven't heard anything by Tuesday evening, I'll follow up.
Mistakes to avoid
The heater is broken since one week.The heating has been broken for a week.
Something that started in the past and is still true needs "has been" plus "for". This one comes from "sudah rusak sejak seminggu".
You must fix it today!I really need this fixed by Wednesday at the latest.
"You must" sounds like an order and makes people defensive. A clear deadline about your need is firmer and more polite.
Okay, no problem.Okay, but can we put a day on that?
Saying "no problem" to a vague promise accepts the delay. Many Indonesian speakers say it just to be polite.
Before you start
- Before you call, write down three facts: how long it's been broken, how many times you've asked, and how it affects you.
- Answer every vague word (soon, later, next week) with a question that asks for a day.
- Close by repeating the agreed day out loud, then ask for it in writing.
Practise it out loud with Mr. Hale
In Lorivo, Mr. Hale answers you on a live voice call for about 7 minutes, then you get feedback on your own sentences.
Get it on Google Play