Setting: A sunny afternoon outside a small, charming house.
(The scene opens on a sunny afternoon outside a small, charming house. SARAH and TOM are waiting on the porch. Sarah is looking at her phone, her expression a mix of eagerness and anxiety.)
SARAH: He said he'd be here at two. It's already 2:05. I really hope this works out, Tom. The pictures online looked perfect.
TOM: Just try to stay calm. Remember what we talked about. Don't fall in love with it too fast. We need to ask the right questions about the **lease** and the neighborhood.
SARAH: I know, I know. I have my checklist right here. (She taps her phone.) "Ask about utilities, check for dampness, look for cracks..."
(A car pulls up, and a man gets out. He has a friendly smile and a key in his hand.)
MR. DAVIS: Hello there! You must be Sarah. I'm Mr. Davis. I'm so sorry, traffic was a nightmare.
SARAH: No problem at all. It's a pleasure to meet you. This is my friend, Tom.
TOM: (Shakes his hand) Nice to meet you.
MR. DAVIS: (Unlocks the door) Please, come on in.
(They enter the house. It's bright and clean. Sarah's eyes light up.)
SARAH: Oh, wow. It's even better in person! The living room is so big, and look at all the natural light.
TOM: (Walks around, tapping on a wall) It seems well-maintained.
MR. DAVIS: We just painted it last month. The previous **tenants** were here for five years, so it's been well-cared for. This house is a real gem.
SARAH: (Follows him into the kitchen) What about the appliances? Are they included?
MR. DAVIS: Yes, the stove and refrigerator are yours to use. They're a few years old, but they work perfectly. Now, let’s talk about the **rent**. The monthly rent is $1,800, and a **security deposit** of one month's rent is required.
TOM: What about the **move-in date**? And is there a background check or a credit check?
MR. DAVIS: We can be flexible on the move-in date. A background check is a standard procedure, and we’ll also need references from your previous landlords.
SARAH: (Looking out a window at the garden) This garden is beautiful. Am I responsible for the yard work?
MR. DAVIS: Good question! The yard work is included in the rent. I have a gardener who comes every two weeks.
TOM: And what about **repairs**? If something breaks, like the furnace, who is responsible?
MR. DAVIS: I am. You just need to notify me, and I'll take care of it as quickly as possible.
SARAH: That's great to hear. This place feels perfect.
MR. DAVIS: Well, I think you’d be very happy here. I'll send you the application form by email. Just fill it out and send it back with the references.
SARAH: Thank you so much! We'll do that right away.