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Dealing with Landlords: Repairs and Maintenance
Living in Italy often involves renting, and knowing how to communicate effectively with your landlord (il proprietario) about maintenance issues is an essential B1 skill. Whether something is broken or leaking, you need the right vocabulary and grammar.
Key Grammar: Reporting Problems
To report that something is broken, we often use the verb rompersi (to break) or expressions with c'è (there is) and non funziona (it doesn't work).
- Si è rotto il rubinetto. - The faucet broke.
- Il riscaldamento non funziona. - The heating doesn't work.
- C'ertura una perdita d'acqua. / C'è una perdita. - There is a leak.
Common Mistakes
Avoid translating literally from English. For example, don't say "ho rotto il riscaldamento" (I broke the heating) unless you actually damaged it yourself! Use the reflexive passive construction: si è rotto (it broke).
| Problem | Italian |
|---|---|
| Leaky pipe | T tubo rotto |
| Broken lock | La serratura rotta |
| Mold | La muffa |
Words
Lessons are prepared with the help of AI.
Patterns
Non funziona ___.
Expressing that an appliance or facility is not working.
Si è rotto ___.
Reporting that a specific item has broken.
È possibile mandare ___?
Asking the landlord to send a worker or help.