Welcome to our comprehensive glossary of UK housing rental terms. Whether you’re a first-time renter or a seasoned tenant, understanding these terms can help you navigate your tenancy with confidence.
Assured Shorthold Tenancy (AST) Definition: The most common type of tenancy in the UK, usually lasting 6-12 months.
Arrears Definition: Rent that is overdue and unpaid by the tenant.
Assured Tenancy Definition: A tenancy with long-term security of tenure, rare for new tenancies.
Break Clause Definition: A clause allowing the tenant or landlord to end the tenancy early.
Buy-to-Let Definition: A property purchased specifically to be rented out to tenants.
Contractual Periodic Tenancy Definition: A periodic tenancy that arises from a contract between the landlord and tenant.
Council Tax Definition: A tax levied by local authorities for services, paid by tenants unless included in the rent.
Covenants Definition: Promises made by either the landlord or tenant in the tenancy agreement.
Credit Check Definition: A check on the tenant’s credit history and ability to pay rent.
Deposit Definition: An amount paid by the tenant at the start of the tenancy, usually 4-6 weeks’ rent.
Deposit Protection Scheme Definition: A government-backed scheme to protect tenants’ deposits.
Dilapidations Definition: Damage to the property beyond fair wear and tear, which the tenant may be liable for.
Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) Definition: A certificate rating the property’s energy efficiency.
Eviction Definition: The legal process of removing a tenant from a rental property.
Exclusive Possession Definition: The tenant’s right to exclude others, including the landlord, from the property.
Fixtures and Fittings Definition: Items provided by the landlord and included in the inventory, such as furniture and appliances.
Fixed Term Definition: The duration of the tenancy agreement, e.g., 6 or 12 months.
Forfeiture Definition: The landlord’s right to end the tenancy early if the tenant breaches the agreement.
Freehold Definition: Outright ownership of a property and the land it sits on.
Gas Safety Certificate Definition: A legal requirement for landlords to provide, showing that gas appliances have been checked by a registered engineer.
Ground Rent Definition: A fee paid by leaseholders to the freeholder for land use.
Guarantor Definition: Someone who agrees to pay the rent if the tenant cannot.
Holding Deposit Definition: A payment made by a prospective tenant to reserve a property before signing the tenancy agreement.
House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) Definition: A property rented by three or more unrelated people who share facilities.
Implied Terms Definition: Unwritten terms in the tenancy agreement implied by law.
Inventory Definition: A detailed list of the property’s contents and condition at the start of the tenancy.
Joint and Several Liability Definition: Where all tenants are responsible for rent and damages.
Landlord Definition: The owner of the property being rented.
Landlord Insurance Definition: Insurance that covers a landlord’s rental property, typically including buildings and contents cover.
Lease Definition: The contract between the landlord and tenant outlining the terms of the tenancy.
Leaseholder Definition: Someone who owns a property on a long lease from the freeholder.
Let Only Service Definition: A service provided by a letting agent where they find a tenant but do not manage the property.
Managed Let Definition: A service where the agent finds a tenant and manages the property.
Notice Period Definition: The amount of notice required to end the tenancy, usually 1-2 months.
Notice to Quit Definition: A formal notice given by either the landlord or tenant to end the tenancy.
Periodic Tenancy Definition: A tenancy that runs month-to-month or week-to-week.
Possession Order Definition: A court order that allows a landlord to evict a tenant and regain possession of the property.
Prescribed Information Definition: Information that landlords must provide to tenants regarding their deposit protection.
Property Inventory Definition: A detailed record of the condition and contents of the property at the start of the tenancy.
Quiet Enjoyment Definition: The tenant’s right to live in the property without interference from the landlord.
Rent Definition: The amount paid by the tenant to the landlord for use of the property.
Rent Arrears Definition: Overdue rent payments.
Rent Guarantee Insurance Definition: Insurance that covers a landlord’s rental income if the tenant fails to pay rent.
Rent in Advance Definition: Rent paid at the start of the tenancy period, usually monthly or quarterly.
Rent Review Definition: A periodic assessment of the rent amount, usually annually.
Right to Rent Definition: A legal requirement for landlords to check tenants’ immigration status.
Section 8 Notice Definition: A notice served by the landlord to evict the tenant for breaching the tenancy agreement.
Section 21 Notice Definition: A notice served by the landlord to evict the tenant without giving a reason.
Service Charge Definition: A fee for maintenance of communal areas in flats or apartments.
Sitting Tenant Definition: A tenant already living in the property when it is sold.
Statutory Periodic Tenancy Definition: A periodic tenancy that arises automatically when a fixed term ends and the tenant remains in the property.
Subletting Definition: When a tenant rents out part or all of the property to another person.
Tenancy Agreement Definition: The contract between the landlord and tenant outlining the terms of the tenancy.
Tenancy Deposit Scheme Definition: A government-backed scheme that protects tenants’ deposits and helps to resolve disputes.
Tenant Definition: The person renting the property from the landlord.
Tenant Fee Ban Definition: A law prohibiting landlords and agents from charging certain fees to tenants.
Tenant Referencing Definition: Checks on the tenant’s credit, employment, and rental history.
Term Definition: The length of the tenancy agreement.
Unfurnished Definition: A property rented without furniture.
Utilities Definition: Services like electricity, gas, water, and broadband, usually paid by the tenant.
Void Period Definition: The time between tenancies when the property is unoccupied and not generating rental income.
Wear and Tear Definition: Expected deterioration of the property from normal use.
Yield Definition: The annual rental income as a percentage of the property value.
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