Lesson 27 – Communicating with a Host About House Rules
🎯 Lesson goal
Practice discussing house rules clearly and politely with a host. Build confidence in managing expectations and negotiating solutions during a stay.
💬 Travel dialogue
🧳 Hello, I wanted to ask about the house rules before I settle in.
🏨 Of course. You can ask me anything about the rules.
🧳 Is there a quiet hours policy I should be aware of?
🏨 Yes, quiet hours are from 10 PM to 7 AM to respect other guests.
🧳 That makes sense. Is smoking allowed anywhere on the property?
🏨 Smoking is only allowed outside in the designated area near the garden.
🧳 I noticed the listing didn’t mention pets. Are they allowed here?
🏨 Pets are unfortunately not allowed due to allergies of other guests.
🧳 Thanks for clarifying. One more thing, can I have friends visit in the evening?
🏨 Visitors are allowed until 9 PM but must sign in at the front desk.
🧳 Okay, I understand that. If my plans change and I need to stay later, could I ask for an exception?
🏨 You can request it, but approval depends on other guests’ comfort. We try to be flexible when possible.
🧳 I appreciate that approach. Also, I would prefer not to have early morning cleaning during my stay. Is that possible?
🏨 We can arrange cleaning for afternoons instead if you notify us a day before.
🧳 Great, that works for me. To confirm, quiet hours are 10 PM to 7 AM, no pets allowed, and visitors until 9 PM with sign-in. Is that correct?
🏨 Yes, exactly. If you have any further questions, just let us know anytime.
🧳 Thank you for explaining everything clearly. It helps me feel comfortable about my stay.
🏨 You’re welcome! Enjoy your visit and don’t hesitate to ask if anything comes up.
🧠 Explanation
In this lesson, the traveler discusses house rules with the host’s receptionist. They clarify policies on quiet hours, smoking, visitors, and cleaning schedules. The learner practises polite, clear communication, asking precise questions, and summarising agreements. These skills help the learner confidently handle details and negotiate minor requests during real stays.
🧳 Survival English
🧳 Could you clarify the rules about visitors? (Ask for specific visitor policies.)
🧳 Is it possible to arrange cleaning for a different time? (Request a change politely.)
🧳 Can I have a copy of the house rules in writing? (Ask for confirmation to avoid misunderstandings.)
💡 Common English mistake
❌ Can I to have visitors after 9 PM?
✅ Can I have visitors after 9 PM?
🔊 Pronunciation
Pronounce ‘quiet’ carefully: the ‘qu’ sounds like ‘kw’, and stress the first syllable: QUI-et.
🌍 Travel tip
Always confirm house rules and any exceptions in writing or email before your stay to avoid misunderstandings.
🎧 Listen and repeat
🎧 Hello, I wanted to ask about the house rules before I settle in.
🎧 Is there a quiet hours policy I should be aware of?
🎧 That makes sense. Is smoking allowed anywhere on the property?
🎧 I noticed the listing didn’t mention pets. Are they allowed here?
🎧 Thanks for clarifying. One more thing, can I have friends visit in the evening?
🎧 Okay, I understand that. If my plans change and I need to stay later, could I ask for an exception?
🎧 I appreciate that approach. Also, I would prefer not to have early morning cleaning during my stay. Is that possible?
🎧 Great, that works for me. To confirm, quiet hours are 10 PM to 7 AM, no pets allowed, and visitors until 9 PM with sign-in. Is that correct?
🎧 Thank you for explaining everything clearly. It helps me feel comfortable about my stay.
🧩 Mini Practice
Repeat these sentences aloud.
Ask: Can you explain the quiet hours in detail?
Ask: Am I allowed to smoke anywhere outside the house?
Ask: Could you tell me if visitors need to sign in?
Ask: Is it possible to have visitors after 9 PM if I ask in advance?
Ask: Can the cleaning be scheduled for the afternoon instead of the morning?
Say: I understand that pets are not allowed due to allergies.
Say: I would like to confirm all the house rules before my stay.
Say: I need to know the consequences if I break any house rules.
Say: Thank you for clarifying the visitors’ policy and quiet hours.
Say: Please let me know if exceptions can be made for special cases.
🧳 Glossary
| English | Meaning |
|---|---|
| house rules | The set of guidelines guests must follow during their stay. |
| quiet hours | The time period when noise must be kept to a minimum. |
| designated area | A specific space reserved for a particular activity, like smoking. |
| sign in | To officially register visitors when they arrive. |
| exception | A special allowance where normal rules do not apply. |
| negotiate | To discuss and reach an agreement about terms or rules. |
| clarify | To make something clear or easier to understand. |
| confirm | To officially agree on or verify details. |
| allergies | Health reactions that can restrict things like pets in a building. |
| cleaning schedule | The planned time when rooms are cleaned during a guest’s stay. |
✅ Quick check
Can you understand the dialogue and repeat the important sentences?