30 Housing Role-play Scenarios for Real-life Conversations

Housing role-play scenarios are perfect for helping ESL students practice everyday conversations about homes and apartments. Whether they’re renting their first place, dealing with noisy neighbors, or figuring out utility bills, these realistic dialogues prepare students for common housing situations.

Practicing these scenarios helps students build confidence in talking about housing, asking questions, and using Basic vocabulary naturally. From describing their home to negotiating rent, each role-play strengthens speaking and listening skills while teaching practical language for real-life interactions.

Every scenario includes two roles—one person facing a housing situation and another responding (like a landlord, neighbor, or roommate). Students can switch roles, expand the conversations, and add their own ideas to make them more engaging. The simple, structured format makes it easy for beginners to follow while still encouraging natural conversations.

Try these 30 housing role-play scenarios in your ESL class! They’re designed to be fun, interactive, and useful—helping students communicate more confidently about where they live. Just pick a topic, assign roles, and let the learning begin!

1. Renting an Apartment

Person A
You want to rent an apartment. Call the landlord and ask about the apartment. Ask questions like:

• Is the apartment available now?
• How many rooms does it have?
• Is there a parking space?
• Can you visit to see it?

Person B
You are the landlord. Answer the caller’s questions politely. Tell them:

• The apartment is available next month.
• It has 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom, and a small kitchen.
• There is free street parking.
• They can visit tomorrow at 3 PM.

2. Asking About the Rent

Person A
You like an apartment but need to know more about the rent. Ask the landlord:

• How much is the rent per month?
• Does it include water and electricity?
• Is there a security deposit?
• Can you pay monthly or only yearly?

Person B
You are the landlord. Answer the questions:

• The rent is $800 per month.
• Water is included, but electricity is extra.
• There is a $500 security deposit.
• They can pay monthly or sign a 1-year contract.

3. Talking to a Landlord

Person A
You have lived in your apartment for 6 months, but now you want to move out. Call your landlord and tell them:

• You are leaving next month.
• Ask if you need to give written notice.
• Ask about getting your security deposit back.

Person B
You are the landlord. Respond to the tenant:

• They must give 30 days’ written notice.
• You will check the apartment for damages before returning the deposit.
• If everything is clean and undamaged, they will get their full deposit back.

4. Reporting a Problem in the House

Person A
Your kitchen sink is leaking. Call your landlord and:

• Explain the problem.
• Say it is making the floor wet.
• Ask when someone can fix it.

Person B
You are the landlord. Listen to the problem and respond:

• Apologize for the inconvenience.
• Say you will send a plumber tomorrow morning.
• Ask if 10 AM is a good time.

5. Moving into a New Home

Person A
You just moved into a new house, but you don’t know where the nearest supermarket is. Ask your new neighbor:

• Where is the closest supermarket?
• Is it within walking distance?
• What time does it open and close?

Person B
You are the neighbor. Answer politely:

• The nearest supermarket is two blocks away.
• It’s a 5-minute walk.
• It opens at 8 AM and closes at 10 PM.

6. Buying Furniture

Person A
You need a new sofa for your living room. Go to a furniture store and ask the salesperson:

• Do you have sofas on sale?
• What colors are available?
• Can it be delivered to your home?

Person B
You work at the furniture store. Answer the customer:

• Yes, some sofas are 20% off this week.
• They come in black, gray, and blue.
• Delivery costs $50 and takes 3 days.

7. Asking for Directions to Your House

Person A
Your friend is coming to visit but doesn’t know your address. Give them directions:

• Tell them the nearest bus stop.
• Explain which streets to turn on.
• Describe what your house looks like.

Person B
You are the friend. Ask for clarification if needed:

• “Is it the red house or the white one?”
• “Should I walk straight after the bus stop?”
• “How long does it take to get there?”

8. Inviting a Friend Over

Person A
You want to invite your friend to your new apartment. Call them and:

• Tell them your new address.
• Ask if they are free this weekend.
• Suggest a time to meet.

Person B
You are the friend. Respond:

• Thank them for the invitation.
• Say if you are free or busy.
• Ask if you should bring anything (food, drinks, etc.).

9. Describing Your Home

Person A
Your classmate asks about where you live. Describe your home:

• Is it a house or apartment?
• How many rooms does it have?
• What do you like about it?

Person B
You are the classmate. Ask follow-up questions:

• “Do you live alone or with family?”
• “Is it near the school?”
• “Do you have a garden or balcony?”

10. Looking for a Roommate

Person A
You need a roommate to share rent. Post an ad online and answer questions from someone interested. Tell them:

• The rent price and what’s included.
• House rules (no smoking, quiet hours, etc.).
• When they can move in.

Person B
You are looking for a room to rent. Ask questions:

• “How much is the rent?”
• “Are utilities included?”
• “Can I see the room first?”

11. Paying the Rent Late

Person A
You couldn’t pay your rent on time because of money problems. Call your landlord and:

• Apologize for paying late
• Explain why you were delayed (medical bill, lost job, etc.)
• Ask if you can pay in 3 days
• Promise to pay on time next month

Person B
You are the landlord. The tenant often pays late. Respond by:

• Saying you understand but rent must be paid
• Giving them 3 extra days but adding a $25 late fee
• Warning that repeated late payments may require them to move out
• Asking when exactly they will pay

12. Complaining About Noisy Neighbors

Person A
Your upstairs neighbors play loud music every night after 11 PM. Call the building manager and:

• Explain the problem politely
• Say you can’t sleep because of the noise
• Ask if the manager can talk to them
• Suggest quiet hours after 10 PM

Person B
You are the building manager. Listen to the complaint and:

• Apologize for the disturbance
• Say you will warn the noisy neighbors
• Explain the building’s quiet hour rules (10 PM-7 AM)
• Promise to check if the noise continues

13. Calling a Repair Person

Person A
Your bathroom light stopped working. Call the maintenance office and:

• Clearly explain what’s broken
• Say it’s been dark for 2 days
• Ask when someone can fix it
• Tell them your apartment number

Person B
You work in maintenance. Respond by:

• Asking if it’s just one light or all lights
• Saying a technician will come tomorrow
• Giving a time window (9 AM-12 PM)
• Telling them to call back if no one comes

14. Asking About Utilities

Person A
You’re renting a new apartment. Ask the landlord:

• Which utilities are included in rent?
• Who provides electricity/gas?
• Where to pay water bills?
• Average cost for winter heating?

Person B
You are the landlord. Explain:

• Water is included, tenant pays electricity/gas
• Electric company is “City Power”
• Water bills come to mailbox monthly
• Heating costs about $80 in winter

15. Checking Out a House for Rent

Person A
You’re visiting a house you might rent. Ask the owner:

• How old is the roof?
• Are appliances included?
• Why did last tenants leave?
• Can you paint the walls?

Person B
You own the house. Answer:

• Roof was replaced 5 years ago
• Fridge and stove stay, washer goes
• Last family bought their own house
• Light colors allowed with approval

16. Signing a Lease Agreement

Person A
You’re about to sign a 1-year lease. Ask questions:

• What happens if you need to move early?
• Can you have a pet cat?
• Is subletting allowed?
• Who handles pest control?

Person B
You’re the landlord. Explain the lease:

• Early move-out = lose deposit + 2 months rent
• Cats allowed with $200 pet deposit
• No subletting without permission
• Owner sprays for bugs yearly

17. Packing to Move

Person A
Your friend is helping you pack. Give instructions:

• Ask them to wrap dishes in newspaper
• Tell them which boxes are for kitchen
• Warn about heavy books box
• Ask them to label boxes clearly

Person B
You’re the helper. Ask questions:

• “Should I pack this picture frame?”
• “Where’s more tape?”
• “Is this junk or keeping?”
• “How many boxes for clothes?”

18. Asking for Help with Heavy Furniture

Person A
You need to move a heavy sofa. Ask your neighbor:

• Explain you’re moving it to your new apartment
• Ask if they’re free this Saturday
• Offer pizza and drinks as thanks
• Promise it will take only 1 hour

Person B
You’re the neighbor. Respond:

• Agree if you’re free OR politely refuse
• Ask what time exactly
• Confirm how many people are needed
• Suggest using moving blankets

19. Living in a Dormitory

Person A
You’re a new student. Ask your dorm roommate:

• What are the shower times?
• Where’s the laundry room?
• Are guests allowed overnight?
• How do you share the fridge space?

Person B
You’ve lived there 6 months. Explain:

• Showers busy 7-9 AM
• Laundry in basement ($1.50 per load)
• Guests max 2 nights with permission
• Label your food or it may disappear

20. Staying at a Friend’s House

Person A
You’re visiting for 3 days. Ask your host:

• What time is breakfast?
• Can you use the washing machine?
• Where should you put your suitcase?
• What house rules should you know?

Person B
You’re the host. Explain:

• Breakfast at 8-10 AM, help yourself
• Laundry on 2nd floor, detergent under sink
• Put suitcase in guest room
• Rules: no shoes inside, quiet after 11 PM

21. Buying a House

Person A
You want to buy your first house. Ask the real estate agent:

• What’s the first step in buying?
• How much down payment is needed?
• What extra costs are there (taxes, fees)?
• How long does the process take?

Person B
You’re a real estate agent. Explain:

• First get loan approval from bank
• Usually 10-20% down payment
• Extra 2-4% for taxes and fees
• Typically takes 1-3 months to complete

22. Selling a House

Person A
You’re selling your house. Tell the agent:

• Why you’re selling (job change, etc.)
• What features to highlight (new kitchen)
• Your ideal selling price
• When you need to move out

Person B
You’re the agent. Respond with advice:

• Suggest staging the home nicely
• Recommend a competitive price
• Explain average selling time in area
• Discuss marketing plan

23. Living in a Big City vs. a Small Town

Person A
You’re deciding where to live. Ask a friend:

• Which has better job opportunities?
• Where are rents cheaper?
• Which is safer for children?
• Where is public transportation better?

Person B
You’ve lived in both. Share experiences:

• More jobs in city but higher costs
• Small town cheaper but fewer amenities
• Cities have more crime but better schools
• Only cities have good public transit

24. Sharing a Kitchen with Roommates

Person A
You have kitchen problems with roommates. Have a meeting:

• Somebody keeps leaving dirty dishes
• Food goes missing from fridge
• The trash isn’t taken out
• Suggest making a cleaning schedule

Person B
You’re a roommate. Respond:

• Admit sometimes being messy
• Agree to label your food
• Suggest weekly cleaning rotation
• Offer to buy shelf labels

25. Finding a Cheap Place to Live

Person A
You’re on a tight budget. Ask for advice:

• Where to look for cheap apartments?
• What are “income-restricted” homes?
• How to find roommate listings?
• Are there government housing programs?

Person B
Give helpful suggestions:

• Check community bulletin boards
• Explain income-restricted housing rules
• Recommend safe roommate websites
• Suggest contacting local housing authority

26. Talking About Neighborhood Safety

Person A
You’re new to town. Ask about safety:

• Is it safe to walk at night?
• Where should you avoid?
• Have there been many break-ins?
• Is there a neighborhood watch?

Person B
You’re a long-time resident. Answer:

• Safe until about 10 PM
• Avoid the park after dark
• Occasional car break-ins
• Yes, very active watch group

27. Decorating Your New Home

Person A
You want decorating advice. Ask a friend:

• What color looks good in small spaces?
• Where to find cheap furniture?
• How to make rooms look bigger?
• Any DIY decoration ideas?

Person B
Give decorating tips:

• Light colors make spaces look bigger
• Suggest thrift stores and garage sales
• Use mirrors to create space illusion
• Show how to make wall art from fabric

28. Asking for a Lower Rent Price

Person A
You think the rent is too high. Politely ask:

• Is the price negotiable?
• Would landlord accept less for longer lease?
• Point out needed repairs
• Offer to pay 6 months upfront for discount

Person B
You’re the landlord. Respond:

• Price is firm but will fix repairs
• Might lower $50 for 2-year lease
• Explain market rates in area
• Offer small discount for upfront payment

29. Living in a House vs. an Apartment

Person A
You can’t decide. Ask for pros and cons:

• Which is better for pets?
• Where are utilities cheaper?
• Which has less maintenance?
• Where do you get more privacy?

Person B
Compare both options:

• Houses better for pets usually
• Apartments often include some utilities
• Apartments need less maintenance
• Houses give more privacy

30. Helping a Friend Move

Person A
You’re organizing a move. Ask friends:

• Who can help on moving day?
• Does anyone have a truck?
• What time works best?
• What food/drinks should you prepare?

Person B
You’re a friend being asked. Respond:

• Say if you’re available or not
• Offer what help you can give
• Suggest best moving times
• Recommend easy food options

Conclusion

These 30 housing role-play scenarios give ESL students the perfect way to practice real conversations about homes, apartments, and everyday living situations. By acting out different roles—like tenants, landlords, roommates, and neighbors—students get comfortable asking questions, explaining problems, and using key housing vocabulary naturally.

Whether they’re moving to a new place, dealing with repairs, or just describing their home, these simple dialogues help build confidence and fluency. The best part? Students learn by doing—talking, listening, and problem-solving just like they would in real life.

So try these scenarios in your next class! They’re easy to use, practical, and most importantly—fun. Happy teaching (and learning)!

FAQs about Housing Role-play Scenarios

1. Q: How do I introduce these role-plays to beginners?
A: Start by pre-teaching key vocabulary, demonstrate one scenario yourself, then have students practice in pairs with simple scripts before freestyling.

2. Q: Can I adapt these for online classes?
A: Absolutely! Use breakout rooms for pair work. Share scenario prompts in the chat or on a shared screen.

3. Q: How long should each role-play take?
A: Allow 3-5 minutes per pair. More advanced students can extend conversations naturally.

4. Q: Should students switch roles?
A: Yes! Have them swap after the first run-through to practice both sides of each conversation.

5. Q: How can I make it more challenging?
A: Add complications (“The repair person doesn’t speak English well”) or require specific grammar structures (“Use 3 ‘if’ conditionals”).

6. Q: What if students get stuck?
A: Provide phrase prompts on the board (“How much is…?” “Could you please…?” “I need help with…”).

7. Q: Can I use these for assessments?
A: Yes! Create rubrics for fluency, vocabulary use, and problem-solving. Record pairs for later feedback.

8. Q: How do I handle different proficiency levels?
A: Pair stronger students together for extended dialogues, while beginners can use more scripted versions.

9. Q: Any follow-up activities?
A: Try writing assignments (email to landlord), group discussions (“What makes a good roommate?”), or real-world tasks (research local rents).

10. Q: Where can I find supporting materials?
A: Supplement with rental ads, lease samples, or housing complaint forms for authentic context.