This dialogue is a dispute between tenants (Chloe and Leo) and their landlord (Mr. Henderson) regarding an urgent maintenance issue. It is excellent for practicing making clear complaints and negotiating firm agreements.
Setting: The living room of an old apartment. There is a dark water stain on the ceiling and a bucket collecting water below.
**(MR. HENDERSON knocks lightly and enters, glancing nervously at the ceiling stain and carrying a clipboard. CHLOE and LEO stand by the kitchen counter.)**
HENDERSON: Good evening, Chloe, Leo. I’m here, as requested, to review the **ongoing situation**. I’ve just been on the phone with the contractor; I’m waiting for the final quote from the specialized roofers.
CHLOE: Mr. Henderson, thank you for coming, but this is beyond "ongoing." It’s been three full weeks since we first reported the drip, and now look!
**(Chloe points to the ceiling. A new crack has formed near the stain, and the bucket underneath has collected fresh water.)**
LEO: This isn't a small **leak** anymore. When it rains heavily, the bucket needs emptying every few hours. More critically, the water has spread, and now the **drywall** is soft to the touch. We had to move our bookshelf to prevent damage to the wood.
HENDERSON: I understand the **inconvenience**, truly. But you must appreciate the complexities. We need special permits for roof work on this heritage building, and the main roofing company is extremely busy.
CHLOE: We are worried about the quality of our living environment. The dampness is constant. My allergies have been terrible, and honestly, the apartment has a distinct smell now—a damp, musty odor. I’m concerned about **mold** developing in the walls. That is a serious **health hazard**.
LEO: We pay $1,800 a month in rent, Mr. Henderson. We fulfill our end of the **lease agreement** completely. We need to know when you will fulfill yours regarding essential maintenance. When exactly is this "soon" you keep mentioning? We need a definite, guaranteed start date, not an estimate.
HENDERSON: (Sweating slightly, checking his clipboard) Okay. The contractor is ready. They said they could potentially start the exterior roof sealing by the end of next week, Thursday or Friday.
CHLOE: No. We can't accept "potentially." We need a date that is written and agreed upon. If the roof isn't secured, the interior ceiling repair is pointless.
LEO: We are prepared to start **withholding a portion of the rent** if we do not see immediate progress or a **binding timeline**. This falls under our right to a **habitable dwelling**. We require two things today: a confirmed date for the roof work, and a schedule for the interior ceiling replacement.
HENDERSON: (Quickly pulling out his phone) Wait. Let me call them right now. I will push them. (He speaks briefly into the phone, low and urgent.) Alright. I have secured a start date for the roof repairs: **Monday, no later than 9 AM.**
CHLOE: And the interior damage? The wet carpet and ceiling?
HENDERSON: Once the roof is sealed and checked (they estimate three days of roof work), the interior team will come in immediately. I promise to send you an official email by tomorrow morning, before noon, confirming the contractor's start date and the complete project schedule.
LEO: An email by noon tomorrow, confirming a Monday morning start. That is an **acceptable agreement**. Thank you for finally **prioritizing** this.
HENDERSON: Yes. Agreed. I will get this sorted. I apologize again for the delay.
**(Henderson nods, looking relieved but still hurried, and exits, pulling out his phone.)**
— THE END —