🏠 IELTS General – everyday life, housing, services, work · Vocabulary by Exam · 112 words

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tenancy agreement /ˈtenənsi əˌɡriːmənt/ n	a written contract between a landlord and a tenant setting out the terms of renting a property Read the tenancy agreement carefully before you sign it.
tenant /ˈtenənt/ n	a person who pays rent to live in or use a building or land Tenants are responsible for keeping the garden tidy.
landlord /ˈlændlɔːd/ n	a person or company that rents out a house, flat or room Report any repairs to your landlord as soon as possible.
letting agent /ˈletɪŋ ˌeɪdʒənt/ n	a person or business that finds tenants and manages rented property for owners The letting agent will carry out an inspection every six months.
lease /liːs/ n	a legal agreement to rent a building or land for a fixed period We signed a two-year lease on the flat.
fixed-term /ˌfɪkst ˈtɜːm/ adj	lasting for a period of time that has been agreed in advance Most students take a fixed-term tenancy of twelve months.
rent arrears /ˈrent əˌrɪəz/ n	rent that should have been paid by now but has not been paid Tenants with rent arrears of more than two months may be asked to leave.
notice period /ˈnəʊtɪs ˌpɪəriəd/ n	the length of time you must warn someone before you leave a job or a rented home The notice period for ending the tenancy is one month.
give notice /ˌɡɪv ˈnəʊtɪs/ phrase	to tell someone officially that you will leave a job or a home by a certain date If you wish to move out, you must give notice in writing.
unfurnished /ʌnˈfɜːnɪʃt/ adj	rented without any furniture Unfurnished flats are usually cheaper but you need to buy your own beds.
sublet /ˌsʌbˈlet/ v	to rent to someone else all or part of a property that you rent yourself Tenants may not sublet any part of the property without written permission.
wear and tear /ˌweər ən ˈteə/ phrase	the damage that happens to something through normal use over time The deposit will not be used to cover normal wear and tear.
council tax /ˈkaʊnsl tæks/ n	a tax paid to the local council in the UK, based on the value of your home Full-time students are usually exempt from council tax.
communal /ˈkɒmjənl/ adj	shared by all the people who live in a building or group Please keep the communal areas, such as the hallway and kitchen, clean.
resident /ˈrezɪdənt/ n	a person who lives in a particular place Parking spaces are reserved for residents only.
household /ˈhaʊshəʊld/ n	all the people who live together in one house Each household is allowed two free bulky waste collections a year.
meter reading /ˈmiːtə ˌriːdɪŋ/ n	the number shown on a gas, electricity or water meter, used to calculate a bill Submit a meter reading online to avoid an estimated bill.
direct debit /dəˌrekt ˈdebɪt/ n	an arrangement that lets an organisation take regular payments from your bank account Customers who pay by direct debit receive a small discount.
standing order /ˌstændɪŋ ˈɔːdə/ n	an instruction to your bank to pay a fixed amount to someone at regular times I pay my rent by standing order on the first of every month.
tariff /ˈtærɪf/ n	a list of fixed prices charged by a company for a service such as energy or phone calls Switching to a cheaper tariff could save you over a hundred pounds a year.
energy supplier /ˈenədʒi səˌplaɪə/ n	a company that sells gas or electricity to homes and businesses Contact your energy supplier if you have difficulty paying your bill.
boiler /ˈbɔɪlə/ n	a device in a house that heats water for washing and for radiators The boiler broke down, so we had no hot water for three days.
plumber /ˈplʌmə/ n	a person whose job is to fit and repair water pipes, toilets, baths, etc. We had to call out an emergency plumber on Sunday night.
leak /liːk/ n	a small hole or crack through which water or gas escapes There is a leak under the kitchen sink.
blocked /blɒkt/ adj	unable to let liquid or traffic pass through Tenants must not pour fat down the sink, as this causes blocked drains.
pest control /ˈpest kənˌtrəʊl/ n	the removal of insects or animals such as mice that cause damage or disease The council offers a free pest control service for rats.
bin collection /ˈbɪn kəˌlekʃn/ n	the regular emptying of household rubbish bins by the local council Bin collections will take place a day later during the holiday week.
recycling bin /riːˈsaɪklɪŋ bɪn/ n	a container for paper, glass, plastic, etc. that will be recycled Rinse bottles and cans before putting them in the recycling bin.
smoke alarm /ˈsməʊk əˌlɑːm/ n	a device that makes a loud noise when there is smoke in a room Test your smoke alarm once a month by pressing the button.
refund /ˈriːfʌnd/ n	money that is paid back to you, for example because goods were faulty You can get a full refund within 28 days of purchase.
proof of purchase /ˌpruːf əv ˈpɜːtʃəs/ phrase	a document such as a receipt that shows you bought something Refunds cannot be given without proof of purchase.
faulty /ˈfɔːlti/ adj	not working correctly or made with a mistake If an item is faulty, return it to the store with your receipt.
exchange /ɪksˈtʃeɪndʒ/ v	to take back something you bought and get something different instead Unwanted gifts can be exchanged for another size or colour.
store credit /ˈstɔː ˌkredɪt/ n	an amount you can spend in a shop instead of getting your money back Sale items cannot be refunded, but you may receive store credit.
guarantee /ˌɡærənˈtiː/ n	a written promise that a product will be repaired or replaced if it goes wrong The washing machine comes with a two-year guarantee.
statutory rights /ˌstætʃətri ˈraɪts/ n	the legal rights that consumers have, which a shop cannot take away This returns policy does not affect your statutory rights.
goodwill gesture /ˌɡʊdwɪl ˈdʒestʃə/ n	something a company gives a customer to show it is sorry, though not legally required As a goodwill gesture, the hotel offered us a free night.
customer services /ˌkʌstəmə ˈsɜːvɪsɪz/ n	the department of a company that deals with customers' questions and complaints Please contact customer services if your order has not arrived.
delivery charge /dɪˈlɪvəri tʃɑːdʒ/ n	the amount of money you pay to have goods brought to your home There is no delivery charge on orders over fifty pounds.
non-refundable /ˌnɒn rɪˈfʌndəbl/ adj	that cannot be paid back after you have paid it The booking fee is non-refundable, even if you cancel.
cooling-off period /ˌkuːlɪŋ ˈɒf ˌpɪəriəd/ n	a short period after signing a contract when you can cancel it without paying Online purchases normally have a fourteen-day cooling-off period.
small print /ˈsmɔːl prɪnt/ n	the details of a contract, often printed small, that may contain important conditions Always read the small print before you sign up for a free trial.
subscription /səbˈskrɪpʃn/ n	an amount of money you pay regularly to receive a service or be a member Your monthly subscription will renew automatically unless you cancel it.
replacement /rɪˈpleɪsmənt/ n	a thing that takes the place of something lost, broken or faulty If the item is damaged in transit, we will send a replacement free of charge.
leisure centre /ˈleʒə ˌsentə/ n	a public building with a swimming pool, gym and other sports facilities The new leisure centre has a 25-metre pool and a climbing wall.
peak times /ˈpiːk taɪmz/ n	the times of day when the most people use a service The gym is very busy at peak times, so book a slot in advance.
induction /ɪnˈdʌkʃn/ n	a session that introduces a new member or employee to a place and its rules All new gym members must attend a free induction before using the equipment.
lifeguard /ˈlaɪfɡɑːd/ n	a person employed to watch swimmers and rescue anyone in danger Children must not enter the pool unless a lifeguard is on duty.
lane swimming /ˈleɪn ˌswɪmɪŋ/ n	a session in which the pool is divided into lanes for people swimming lengths Lane swimming is available every weekday from 7 to 9 a.m.
locker /ˈlɒkə/ n	a small cupboard that can be locked, for keeping your belongings safe Lockers require a one-pound coin, which is returned when you open them.
drop-in session /ˈdrɒp ɪn ˌseʃn/ n	a session that you can attend without booking or making an appointment Our advice centre holds drop-in sessions every Tuesday afternoon.
waiting list /ˈweɪtɪŋ lɪst/ n	a list of people who are waiting for something that is not yet available The beginners' class is full, but we can put you on the waiting list.
joining fee /ˈdʒɔɪnɪŋ fiː/ n	a one-off amount you pay when you first become a member of a club Sign up this month and we will waive the joining fee.
booking /ˈbʊkɪŋ/ n	an arrangement to have a seat, room, court, etc. at a particular time Courts can be reserved up to a week ahead; bookings can be made online.
instructor /ɪnˈstrʌktə/ n	a person whose job is to teach a practical skill or sport All classes are led by fully qualified instructors.
evening class /ˈiːvnɪŋ klɑːs/ n	a course for adults that takes place in the evening She is taking an evening class in Spanish at the local college.
supervised /ˈsuːpəvaɪzd/ adj	watched by a responsible person to make sure everything is safe and correct Under-12s may use the climbing wall only in supervised sessions.
accompanied by an adult /əˈkʌmpənid baɪ ən ˈædʌlt/ phrase	with an adult present, as required for children in some places Children under eight must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
opening hours /ˈəʊpənɪŋ ˌaʊəz/ n	the times when a shop, office or public place is open Opening hours are reduced during the Christmas period.
refurbishment /ˌriːˈfɜːbɪʃmənt/ n	the work of cleaning, decorating and improving a building The swimming pool will be closed for refurbishment until March.
GP /ˌdʒiː ˈpiː/ n	a doctor who treats general health problems in a local community (general practitioner) You should register with a GP as soon as you move to the area.
surgery /ˈsɜːdʒəri/ n	the place where a doctor or dentist sees patients (British English) The surgery is open from 8 a.m. to 6.30 p.m. on weekdays.
prescription /prɪˈskrɪpʃn/ n	a written order from a doctor for medicine Repeat prescriptions can be ordered online.
out-of-hours /ˌaʊt əv ˈaʊəz/ adj	happening or available when an office, surgery, etc. is normally closed For urgent problems at night, call the out-of-hours service.
proof of address /ˌpruːf əv əˈdres/ phrase	an official document, such as a bill, that shows where you live To open an account you will need photo ID and proof of address.
current account /ˈkʌrənt əˌkaʊnt/ n	a bank account for everyday payments, from which you can take money at any time Your salary will be paid directly into your current account.
overdraft /ˈəʊvədrɑːft/ n	an arrangement that lets you spend more money than you have in your bank account Students can get an interest-free overdraft of up to £1,000.
parcel /ˈpɑːsl/ n	something wrapped in paper or packed in a box to be sent by post If you are out, your parcel will be left at the local post office.
season ticket /ˈsiːzn ˌtɪkɪt/ n	a ticket for a number of journeys or games over a period of time, cheaper than single tickets An annual season ticket saves commuters about a third of the cost.
bus pass /ˈbʌs pɑːs/ n	a card that lets you travel on buses free or at a reduced price Pensioners are entitled to a free bus pass.
lost property /ˌlɒst ˈprɒpəti/ n	things that people have lost in public places, or the office where they are kept Items left on the train are taken to the lost property office.
job advert /ˈdʒɒb ˌædvɜːt/ n	a notice in a newspaper or online that describes a job and invites people to apply I saw the job advert in the local paper last week.
part-time /ˌpɑːt ˈtaɪm/ adj	for only part of the usual working day or week We are looking for part-time staff to work weekend shifts.
flexible hours /ˌfleksəbl ˈaʊəz/ n	a system that lets employees choose when they start and finish work The role offers flexible hours, which suits parents of young children.
pro rata /ˌprəʊ ˈrɑːtə/ adv	calculated according to how much of something someone works or uses The salary is £24,000 a year, pro rata for part-time staff.
per annum /pər ˈænəm/ adv	for each year (used especially for salaries and interest) The starting salary is £21,500 per annum.
starting salary /ˌstɑːtɪŋ ˈsæləri/ n	the amount of money you are paid when you first begin a job Graduates can expect a starting salary of around £25,000.
relevant experience /ˌreləvənt ɪkˈspɪəriəns/ n	experience that is directly connected with the job you are applying for Applicants should have at least two years' relevant experience.
essential /ɪˈsenʃl/ adj	completely necessary; in job adverts, a requirement every applicant must have A full driving licence is essential for this position.
desirable /dɪˈzaɪərəbl/ adj	useful but not necessary; in job adverts, an advantage rather than a requirement Knowledge of a second language is desirable but not essential.
closing date /ˈkləʊzɪŋ deɪt/ n	the last date on which applications for something will be accepted The closing date for applications is 30 June.
referee /ˌrefəˈriː/ n	a person who gives information about your character and ability when you apply for a job Please give the names of two referees, one of whom should be your current employer.
contract of employment /ˌkɒntrækt əv ɪmˈplɔɪmənt/ n	a legal agreement that sets out an employee's duties, pay and conditions You will receive a contract of employment within two weeks of starting.
apprenticeship /əˈprentɪʃɪp/ n	a period of training in which a young person learns a skilled job while working He started a four-year apprenticeship as an electrician.
trainee /ˌtreɪˈniː/ n	a person who is being taught how to do a job Trainees will be paid while they complete their qualifications.
self-employed /ˌself ɪmˈplɔɪd/ adj	working for yourself rather than for an employer Self-employed workers must keep records of all their income.
annual leave /ˌænjuəl ˈliːv/ n	the paid holiday that an employee is allowed to take each year Full-time staff are entitled to 28 days' annual leave.
entitlement /ɪnˈtaɪtlmənt/ n	the official right to have or receive something, or the amount you can receive Your holiday entitlement increases after five years' service.
line manager /ˈlaɪn ˌmænɪdʒə/ n	the person directly responsible for your work and who you report to Requests for time off should be sent to your line manager.
payslip /ˈpeɪslɪp/ n	a piece of paper showing how much you have been paid and how much tax has been taken Check your payslip each month to make sure the hours are correct.
clock in /ˌklɒk ˈɪn/ phr v	to record the time you arrive at work, usually on a machine All staff must clock in and clock out using their ID card.
call in sick /ˌkɔːl ɪn ˈsɪk/ phrase	to phone your workplace to say you are too ill to come to work If you need to call in sick, phone your manager before 8 a.m.
sick note /ˈsɪk nəʊt/ n	a note from a doctor saying that you are too ill to work You will need a sick note if you are off for more than seven days.
absence /ˈæbsəns/ n	a time when someone is not at work or school when they should be Any absence must be reported to your supervisor on the first day.
rest break /ˈrest breɪk/ n	a short period during the working day when an employee may stop work Workers are entitled to a 20-minute rest break if they work more than six hours.
staff room /ˈstɑːf ruːm/ n	a room in a school or workplace where employees can rest and eat Please do not leave food in the staff room fridge over the weekend.
uniform /ˈjuːnɪfɔːm/ n	the special clothes worn by all members of a group or organisation A uniform will be provided, but you must supply your own black shoes.
confidentiality /ˌkɒnfɪˌdenʃiˈæləti/ n	the duty to keep information secret and not share it with others Staff must respect the confidentiality of customer records.
grievance /ˈɡriːvns/ n	a formal complaint by an employee about the way they have been treated at work Employees who feel unfairly treated can raise a grievance with HR.
disciplinary /ˌdɪsəˈplɪnəri/ adj	connected with punishing people who break rules at work or school Repeated lateness may lead to disciplinary action.
redundancy /rɪˈdʌndənsi/ n	the situation when an employee loses their job because they are no longer needed Over two hundred workers face redundancy after the factory closes.
health and safety /ˌhelθ ən ˈseɪfti/ n	the rules and practices that protect people from injury or illness at work All new employees must complete health and safety training.
risk assessment /ˈrɪsk əˌsesmənt/ n	a careful check of what could cause harm in an activity or place and how to prevent it A risk assessment must be carried out before any school trip.
hazard /ˈhæzəd/ n	something that could be dangerous or cause damage Trailing cables are a trip hazard and should be taped down.
first aider /ˌfɜːst ˈeɪdə/ n	a person trained to give basic medical help before a doctor arrives The names of trained first aiders are displayed by the main entrance.
accident book /ˈæksɪdənt bʊk/ n	a book in which all injuries and accidents at work must be recorded Even minor injuries should be recorded in the accident book.
fire drill /ˈfaɪə drɪl/ n	a practice of what people must do to leave a building safely if there is a fire There will be an unannounced fire drill some time this month.
assembly point /əˈsembli pɔɪnt/ n	a place outside a building where people must gather after leaving it in an emergency In the event of a fire, go directly to the assembly point in the car park.
evacuate /ɪˈvækjueɪt/ v	to move people out of a dangerous place to somewhere safe When the alarm sounds, evacuate the building by the nearest exit.
manual handling /ˌmænjuəl ˈhændlɪŋ/ n	lifting, carrying, pushing or pulling loads with your hands or body Staff who lift heavy boxes must attend manual handling training.
slippery /ˈslɪpəri/ adj	difficult to stand or walk on because it is wet, smooth or icy Caution: the floor may be slippery when wet.
hard hat /ˌhɑːd ˈhæt/ n	a hat made of hard material, worn to protect the head on building sites Visitors must wear a hard hat at all times on site.