Rental Glossary

This a list of common terms you will see when looking for housing off-campus.

  • “Br, Bed, Bedrm”: Bedroom.
    • Example: “2 br house” means a two-bedroom house.
  • “Bath”: Bathroom
  • “Co-signer”: Someone who will be responsible for your rent and other payments if you are unable or unwilling to make payments yourself.
    • The co-signer must be a citizen of the United States.
  • “Deposit”: - Also called a Security Deposit.
    • A deposit is money you pay at the beginning of your contract. Always check if it is a refundable or non-refundable deposit.
    • This money is held as insurance to help pay for any damages or cleaning needed after you move out. If it is a refundable deposit, the balance will be returned to you.
  • “DW”: Dishwasher.
    • Example: “DW not included” means the apartment does not have a dishwasher.
  • “Furnished”: - The apartment comes with furniture.
    • Usually just means a bed, desk, & dresser.
  • “Landlord”: - Also known as a manager
    • The landlord is the main person in charge of the house or apartment. They will usually be the person you sign the contract with.
  • “Lease”: - This is also means a contract.
    • A lease / contract is the official legal document to sign to stay in an apartment / house for certain amount of time.
    • Leases are usually for 10 or 12 months, but can also be month-to-month.
  • “On-site”: On-site means within the property space.
    • Example: “Laundry on-site” means there are laundry machines somewhere in the property space for you to use.
  •  “Sq Ft”: Square feet
    • A unit of area. Also can be written as “ft2”
    • Example: “900 sq ft” means the apartment’s total size is 900 square feet.
  • “Studio”: - A small apartment with a combined living room/ bedroom.
    • Studios do not have separate bedrooms and are best for one person.
  •  “Tenant”: Also called a resident.
    • A tenant means the person living in the apartment, which means you!
  • “Utilities”: These are services such as electricity, water and garbage disposal.
  • “Unit”: Another word for apartment.
  • “w / d”: Clothes washer and dryer.
    • Example: “w / d included” means that the apartment has a washer and dryer inside the apartment.

 

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