An Ultraguide: Our Rental Jargon Buster

If you're a tenant in the UK, you'll no doubt have come across a whole load of jargon that you don't understand. From ASTs to EPCs, there's a lot of information out there that can be confusing.

That's where we come in. We've created this blog to help you understand all the jargon that you need to know about renting in the UK. We'll explain everything in simple terms, so you can make informed decisions about your tenancy.

Whether you're a first-time renter or you've been renting for years, we hope you find this blog helpful. So sit back, relax, and let us explain the jargon so you can focus on enjoying your new home.

Letting agent is a company that helps landlords find tenants and manage their properties. This is us!
AST stands for assured shorthold tenancy, this is a type of tenancy agreement that is used for properties that are rented out for a short period of time, usually up to 12 months. ASTs are the most common type of tenancy agreement in the UK.
Rent arrears are unpaid rent. If a tenant fails to pay their rent, the landlord may be able to take action to evict them.
Block management company is a company that is responsible for managing a block of flats or apartments. The company will typically be responsible for things like collecting rent, and dealing with the maintenance of the communal areas.
Break clause is a clause in a commercial lease that allows the tenant to end the tenancy early. The break clause will usually specify a period of time during which the tenant can exercise the break clause, as well as any fees that may be payable.
Deposit is a sum of money that is paid by the tenant to the letting agent when they move into a property. The deposit is held by the agent within a government-backed, deposit protection scheme as security against any damage to the property or unpaid rent.
References are letters from previous landlords or employers that show that you're a good tenant.
Freehold means that the owner of the property owns the land that it is built on.
Leasehold means that the owner of the property only owns the right to live in the property for a certain period of time. The land that the property is built on is owned by someone else.
Homeowner guarantor is a person who agrees to be responsible for the rent if the tenant fails to pay it. The homeowner guarantor will usually be a close friend or family member of the tenant.
HMO stands for house in multiple occupation, this is a property that is rented out to three or more people who are not all related to each other. HMO properties are subject to different regulations than other types of properties.
Inventory is a document that lists all of the items that are in a property when the tenant moves in. The inventory is used to help to resolve any disputes about damage to the property when the tenant moves out.
Notice period is the amount of time that a tenant has to give the landlord before they move out of the property. The notice period is usually specified in the tenancy agreement.
Rent: This is the amount of money you pay each month (or given schedule) to live in the property.
Per calendar month (PCM): This means that the rent is due on the agreed day of each month.
Statutory declaration is a document that is signed by a person who is swearing that the information in the document is true. Statutory declarations are often used in legal proceedings.
Sublet is when a tenant rents out their property to someone else. Subletting is usually not allowed under a tenancy agreement.
DPS stands for deposit protection scheme, this is a government-backed scheme that protects tenants' deposits. If a landlord fails to return a tenant's deposit, the tenant can apply to the DPS for compensation.
TDS stands for tenant deposit scheme, this is a private scheme that protects tenants' deposits. TDSs are not government-backed, but they offer similar protection to DPSs.
Due diligence is the process of gathering information about a property before you buy or rent it. Due diligence can help you to identify any potential problems with the property.
Council tax: This is a local tax that you'll need to pay if you're renting a property. The amount you pay will depend on where you live and the size of your property.
EICR stands for electrical installation condition report. An EICR is a report that assesses the condition of an electrical installation. EICRs are required for all rented properties in England and Wales.
GSC stands for gas safety certificate. A GSC is a certificate that shows that a gas installation has been checked and is safe to use. GSCs are required for all rented properties in England and Wales.
EPC stands for energy performance certificate. An EPC is a document that shows how energy efficient a property is. EPCs are required for all rented properties in England and Wales.
Holding deposit is a small amount of money that is paid by a tenant to the letting agent when they submit an application. The holding deposit is held by the agent as security against the tenant withdrawing their offer. This is refunded in the event of the application being rejected.
Mid-term inspection is an inspection of a rented property that is carried out halfway through the tenancy. Mid-term inspections can help to identify any problems with the property and to resolve any disputes between the landlord and the tenant.
Section 21 is a section of the Housing Act 1988 that allows landlords to evict tenants without a reason. Section 21 evictions are subject to certain restrictions, such as the tenant having to be given at least two months' notice.
Section 13 is a section of the Housing Act 1988 that allows landlords to evict tenants if they have broken the terms of their tenancy agreement. Section 13 evictions are subject to certain restrictions
Section 3 is a notice that is served to the tenant of a property that has been purchased by a landlord client of ours. This instructs the tenant of the property to make payment to us moving forward, and any other details that are relevant to their tenancy.
Section 48 is a notice that is served to the tenant of a property that has been involved in a change of management to us. This notice will include all relevant information for the tenant to continue their tenancy with us as their managing agent.

We hope this blog has helped you to understand some of the jargon that you may come across when renting in the UK. If you have any further questions, please don't hesitate to contact us. You can speak to our expert team on 01482 562 562 📞

We would also like to take this opportunity to remind you that it is important to do your research before signing a tenancy agreement. Make sure that you understand all of the terms and conditions, and that you are happy with the rent and the deposit amount. You should also ask the landlord or letting agent any questions that you have about the property.

We wish you all the best in your search for a new home.

Posted By

Ollie Potten