Rental Lingo for Beginners

This article, "Rental Lingo for Beginners," was originally published on the Apartments.com Renterverse in 2018 and was updated in 2024.

Starting out as a new renter can be an intimidating feat. While you’re first starting you apartment search, you'll most likely stumble over some confusing rental terms commonly used in listings. This guide can help you understand what some of these terms mean and ease the challenge of finding an apartment.

Decoding an Apartment Listing

Rent: This is the monthly cost of renting the apartment. It's important to note whether utilities are included in the rent or if they're separate.
Bedrooms/Bathrooms: The number of bedrooms indicates how many separate sleeping spaces there are in the apartment, while bathrooms refer to the number of bathrooms. For example, a listing might say "2BR/1BA," which means it has two bedrooms and one bathroom.
Square Footage: This tells you the size of the apartment in terms of square feet. It gives you an idea of how spacious the unit is.
Utilities: Some listings may specify whether certain utilities, such as water, electricity, or gas, are included in the rent or if they're the tenant's responsibility.
Pets: If you have pets or are considering getting one, it's crucial to check whether pets are allowed in the apartment and if there are any restrictions or additional fees associated with having a pet.
Amenities: These are desirable features of an apartment or apartment community, including everything from the swimming pool attached to the leasing office to the granite countertops in the kitchen and bathroom.
Cable Ready: When an apartment is cable ready, it is already prewired for cable, making it easier to receive cable access when you move in.
Washer/Dryer Connections. An apartment with washer/dryer connections has the appropriate electrical outlets for connecting a washer and a dryer but does NOT include the washer and dryer. However, you can bring your own and easily set them up in this scenario. Side note: washer and dryer is often abbreviated as w/d in many apartment listings.
Utilities Included: This means that utilities like electricity, water, heating, and waste removal are included in your rent. Make sure you know which utilities are included and which, if any, are not.
Application Process: Some listings may provide information on the application process, including any required documentation, application fees, and the timeline for approval.
Contact Information: Finally, the listing will typically include contact information for the landlord, property manager, or leasing agent, allowing you to reach out for more information or to schedule a viewing.

After you’ve decoded your listings and found a few great apartments, schedule a few tours to narrow down your options. After you find the perfect place and all goes well with your rental application, you’ll be signing a lease. Leases are notoriously confusing documents, so make sure you know the basics before you sign your lease.

Terms to Know When Signing a Lease Agreement

Signing a lease agreement is a significant milestone in the rental process, as it establishes the legal framework governing your tenancy. Here are some essential terms you should be familiar with before signing a lease.

Lease: Your lease is the contract you sign, enabling you to live in an apartment for a fixed period of time – usually 12 months. This is where you and your landlord agree to things like the price of rent, regulations regarding pets, and various community rules. Neither you nor your landlord can change the terms of the lease without consent from the other.
Security Deposit: The security deposit is a refundable amount paid upfront to the landlord to cover any damages beyond normal wear and tear or unpaid rent. Familiarize yourself with the amount of the security deposit and the conditions under which it will be returned to you at the end of the lease term.
Renters Insurance: Renters Insurance isn't always required, but it's a good idea. It covers your personal belongings in case of theft, fire, or other disasters. Your landlord's insurance won't cover your stuff, so it's worth considering.
Late Fees: Many lease agreements include provisions for late fees if rent payments are not made on time. Make sure you understand the amount of the late fee and the grace period, if there is one, before late fees are imposed.
Landlord: This is the person who owns the property you’re looking to rent. You may deal with your landlord directly when you’re renting, or you may deal with a property manager, the person your landlord has hired to run their rental property for them. You pay your monthly rent to your landlord or property manager.
Tenant: This is (presumably) you! The person who occupies the property rented from a landlord.
Lessor vs. Lessee: When it comes to renting an apartment, the lessor is the landlord (the person who collects the rent) and the lessee is the tenant (the person who pays the rent).
Lease Term: This specifies the duration of your tenancy, whether it's a fixed term (e.g., one year) or a month-to-month agreement. Understanding the lease term is crucial, as it determines how long you'll be responsible for paying rent and abiding by the terms of the lease.
Guarantor: This is the person (usually a close friend or family member) who co-signs a lease, agreeing to pay the tenant’s rent if the tenant cannot or does not pay their own rent. Co-signing with a guarantor is a popular solution for many renters with no credit.
Breaking the Lease: This is typically when you want to move out of your apartment before your lease term is over. How to break your lease without penalty is usually outlined in the terms of your lease.
Sublease: When you sublease your apartment, you are transferring a portion of your existing lease to another tenant. Make sure your landlord agrees to this before you begin looking for someone to sublease your apartment.
Short-term Lease: A short-term lease is considered anything less than the standard 12-month lease.
Tenant Rights and Responsibilities: The lease will detail your rights as a tenant, such as the right to quiet enjoyment of the premises, as well as your responsibilities, such as maintaining the property in good condition and adhering to the rules outlined in the lease.
Termination and Renewal: The lease agreement will outline the process for terminating the lease early, including any penalties or notice requirements. It may also include provisions for renewing the lease at the end of the term, such as giving advance notice to the landlord.
Intent to Vacate: This is the notice you give to your landlord or property manager when you plan to move out of your apartment. The typical notice is usually 30 or 60 days before your move-out date. Check your lease for more specifics.
Landlord Access: This section specifies when and under what circumstances the landlord or property manager may enter the rental unit, such as for repairs or inspections. Understanding your rights to privacy and the landlord's right of access is important for maintaining a respectful landlord-tenant relationship.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Hello, I'm Shannon Jones. I write about renter issues and various cities for Apartments.com. I am almost always reading. Send me your renter problems and triumphs (and book recommendations) on Twitter @ShanJonesin