[originaltext]M: Hello.W: Hello, John. This is Florence Richardson. I’m sorry

M: Hello.
W: Hello, John. This is Florence Richardson. I’m sorry to phone you at this hour, but I’m experiencing a sticky issue and I can’t think of anyone to get advice from besides you.
M: What’s up?
W: Well, I moved to my present apartment a couple of months ago and now I’m thinking to defer my studies and planning to return to my parent’s place next month. Today, I gave notice to my landlord but he said he’s unable to give my deposit back since I have to stay a minimum of six months.
M: Are you giving him a month in advance notice to move?
W: Yes, that’s exactly what I did today. In the tenancy agreement that’s the timeframe requested to notify the landlord.
M: Yes, that’s the usual practice. Well, in the tenancy agreement, did it state that there’s a minimum of six months stay or the deposit would be forfeited?
W: Not that I could remember. Besides, I have never heard of such a clause in the contract.
M: Well, I have never heard of it either. It could be the landlord is trying to intimidate you. Perhaps you should pull your contract out and have a word with him.
W: Yes, that’s exactly what I’m thinking of. But he said he spent time and money on advertisement to get a tenant and it wouldn’t be fair on him if I stayed just for two months.
M: Well, that’s not the point, Florence. It doesn’t matter how much he spent on advertisement, but the fact is he shouldn’t force a tenant to stay if he or she doesn’t want to. Besides, if the contract does not state the timeframe, then he shouldn’t impose it himself.
W: You are right, John. You just confirmed my reasoning.
M: Look, Florence, I’ll go with you to see the landlord tomorrow and if he still insists on not giving your deposit back, we’ll go to the small claims court to get your money back.
W: Thanks, John. I really appreciate that.
Questions 23 to 25 are based on the conversation you have just heard.
23. Why is Florence worried?
24. How long should the notice be given to the landlord ahead of time in regular practice?
25. What are Florence and John planning to do as a last resort?