Mari Looks for a Flat (22)

Mari: Hi, I was here yesterday inquiring about the one bedroom apartments you have available.

Shirley: Yes, that right, I remember, how are you?

Mari: Good, how are you? I just have some questions, the primary one being transportation. Can you tell me about if there is a bus station nearby or a subway station nearby and how far it is from the city center.

Shirley: Okay, no problem. I take it you are new to the area?

Mari: I am.

Shirley: Okay. Well, there is a bus stop just 5 minute’s walk from here so that is really accessible and the subway is only 15 minute’s walk. I don’t think I mentioned yesterday but only one of the flats has a car park assigned to it so do you have a vehicle or are you looking for public transport?

Mari: I think I’m just looking for public transport right now.

Shirley: Well, also if you are new to the area you may not know that we also have ferry services as well. Being this close to the bay, it’s about 20 minutes down to where the ferry leaves from but if you are going to the other side of the bay that is probably the fastest and easiest way to get there so lots of public transport that is accessible to you.

Mari: Okay, that sounds good. I also have a pet, I have a small dog. What is your policy on pets?

Shirley: Well, actually a number of people that live in the flats are owners so usually even though there is a policy that renters can’t have an animal it depends pretty much on the owner residents. So usually if the pet is small and well-trained and well-behaved they’re fairly accommodating. So is your pet used to living inside?

Mari: Yes, my dog is used to living inside. It’s very quiet.

Shirley: Okay then, that probably won’t be a problem. I’ll just need to talk to the cooperative about it. So are you thinking that you would like to take one of the flats?

Mari: Yes, I’m thinking about taking one of the flats.

Shirley: And which one would you be interested in?

Mari: I would like the one with a very nice view.

Shirley: Okay, overlooking the bay, so that would be $900 a month.

Mari: Right.

Shirley: Okay then, well, perhaps we can talk about what our policies are for payment and some other financial matters.

Mari: Sure.

Shirley: Okay great. Let me just go inside and I’ll get a pen and some papers for you.

Mari: Thanks.