NARRATOR:
You will hear a woman calling the owner of a house she is about to rent to ask about local furniture rental companies.
NARRATOR:
First, you have some time to look at questions one to five.
NARRATOR:
Now listen carefully and answer questions one to five.
SHELLEY:
Hello, it's Shelley Meyer.
SHELLEY:
I'm renting your property on Archwood Avenue, and I'm moving in next week.
LANDLORD:
Oh yes, Miss Meyer, how can I help?
SHELLEY:
When I came to see the house, I mentioned that I'd probably have to hire some furniture.
SHELLEY:
My work contract is temporary for now, so I don't want to buy everything until I know whether the job will become permanent.
LANDLORD:
Yes, I remember.
LANDLORD:
I said I could tell you about a few furniture hire companies in the city.
LANDLORD:
The largest one is Peak Rentals.
LANDLORD:
I've sent several tenants to them, and the comments I've heard have always been favorable.
SHELLEY:
Can you give me a rough idea of what they charge?
LANDLORD:
I've got their leaflet here.
LANDLORD:
The monthly rate for furnishing one room begins at $105 and can be as high as $239, depending on which rooms you want equipped.
SHELLEY:
I just need an approximate figure for my budget.
SHELLEY:
And what did people particularly like about Peak Rentals?
LANDLORD:
They said Peak's furniture was more modern than the pieces supplied by any of the other firms.
LANDLORD:
Delivery is quick, too.
LANDLORD:
Once the order has been confirmed, it normally arrives within one or two days.
SHELLEY:
That speed would certainly help.
LANDLORD:
There's also a promotion running now.
LANDLORD:
If you hire a living room set, that means the chairs and a table for the television.
LANDLORD:
They include a lamp free of charge.
SHELLEY:
That sounds useful, but the overall price range is higher than I'd hoped.
LANDLORD:
In that case, you could look at Aaron and Oliver.
SHELLEY:
Sorry, what was the first name?
LANDLORD:
It's spelt A-A-R-O-N.
SHELLEY:
Are their rates lower?
LANDLORD:
I'd describe them as mid-range.
LANDLORD:
However, they add 12% to the monthly bill to cover possible damage.
LANDLORD:
So remember to include that when you calculate the cost.
SHELLEY:
I'll need to work that out carefully.
LANDLORD:
They can also provide a cleaning service for clients.
SHELLEY:
Do you mean cleaning the furniture?
LANDLORD:
No, the house itself.
SHELLEY:
I doubt I'll require that.
NARRATOR:
Before you hear the rest of the conversation, you have some time to look at questions 6 to 10.
NARRATOR:
Now listen and answer questions 6 to 10.
LANDLORD:
Another option is large furniture.
LANDLORD:
It is only recently opened, and its prices are the lowest in the city.
LANDLORD:
That applies both to furniture and to electronic equipment.
SHELLEY:
That could suit me.
SHELLEY:
I'm bringing very little, and once I start work, I won't have much time to shop.
LANDLORD:
There are two conditions you should know about.
LANDLORD:
First, the furniture has to be insured, and you must arrange the insurance yourself.
SHELLEY:
That shouldn't be difficult.
LANDLORD:
Second, there are contracts run for at least six months.
LANDLORD:
I don't imagine that will cause you a problem since your agreement for the house is for 12 months.
SHELLEY:
No, that should be fine.
LANDLORD:
Sorry to cut in, but I've just remembered one more business.
LANDLORD:
It's called Space Rentals, and it's very close to the house.
LANDLORD:
I don't have their current rates, so the best way to check the latest prices is through their app.
SHELLEY:
I'll have a look.
LANDLORD:
One advantage is that if the furniture isn't right once it arrives, exchanges are allowed.
LANDLORD:
You just need to ask within seven days of delivery.
SHELLEY:
That's excellent.
SHELLEY:
Thanks very much.
SHELLEY:
This has been really helpful.
NARRATOR:
That is the end of part one.
NARRATOR:
You now have one minute to check your answers to part one.
