A New Residents Guide To Apartment Terminology In Westfield
If you are hunting for or have recently settled into your first apartment in Westfield, you could run into a word or expression you don’t know. You can always get in touch with the community’s leasing office to get clarification, but some words are easily understandable with a quick glance at an apartment glossary.
Have you run into a phrase you didn’t know? Want to be more in the know while you hunt for apartments? Check our list of apartment terminology in Westfield to get more familiar with apartment living.
Apartment Terminology You Should Know When Searching For Westfield Communities
Accessible apartment
An apartment that is handicap accessible.
Addendum
An amendment to the standard lease document, such as a pet policy outlining policies on pets living on site.
Amenity
Additional features in an apartment or in the apartment community, such as in-unit washers and dryers or a community pool and gym.
Applicant
Anyone who applies for an apartment lease.
BR/BA
Bedrooms/Bathrooms. 3BR/2BA means three bedrooms and two bathrooms in the unit.
Breed restrictions
Policies about what animal breeds are prohibited from living in an apartment.
Common areas
Shared spaces accessible by all apartment Residents, such as the clubhouse, community amenities, laundry rooms, and property grounds.
Concession
Funds applied to your account as a result of overpayment or a special discount.
E-payments
Rent payments made online versus by paper.
Elevator building
A multi-level apartment equipped with elevators for Residents. These are usually at least four floors.
Eviction
The legal act of property owners terminating your lease and forcing you to vacate due to you breaching lease terms or community rules.
Fair housing laws
Laws that shield certain groups of people from housing discrimination.
Galley kitchen
A narrow kitchen with cabinets, counters, and appliances on both sides that are common in apartment floor plans.
Garden apartment
Apartment buildings of no more than three stories that are set amid wooded or grassy areas.
Grace period
A short period of time after your rent due date during which you may still pay without facing late fees or other consequences.
Guarantor
A lease co-signer who is held financially responsible if you cannot or do not pay your rent.
Income requirement
A minimum income level you must reach to be eligible to rent an apartment.
Lease
A tenancy agreement that outlines the guidelines and terms of renting an apartment.
Lockout policy
A property's process for supplying access into your unit if you accidentally lock yourself out.
Long-term
A lease contract of at least 12 months.
Luxury apartments
Apartments with high-end finishes, appliances, and community amenities that go beyond usual offerings.
Maintenance
The crew tasked with maintenance and repairs of apartments. You should call them if you need something fixed in your apartment.
Market rate
The current going rate for rent, according to what similar apartments are leasing for in the neighboring area.
Multi-family
An apartment building with multiple units meant to house numerous households.
Occupancy standards
Restrictions on the number of people who may inhabit an apartment.
Online portal
A convenient internet platform for apartment Residents to make online payments, post a message, request maintenance, and more.
Pet policy
A community's guidelines for which animals are allowed or restricted and the fees owed for keeping a pet in your unit.
Prorate
A per day calculation of rent if you move in or out partway through a month, instead of billing you the entire month's rent.
Prospect
A possible future Resident who is looking for an apartment but has not agreed to a lease yet.
Renewal
Extending your lease once the original agreement is up.
Renters insurance
An insurance policy that protects against personal property damage and loss in the event your apartment is affected by a disaster.
Rent
The money you pay each month to live in your apartment.
Screen
Running a background check and reviewing your past rental record during the application process.
Security deposit
Funds you submit before taking occupancy of your apartment. It is meant to cover unpaid rent or damages upon moving out. If you depart with no damage or rent owed, you get your deposit back.
Short-term
A lease for less than 12 months.
Term
The length of time of your rental agreement.
Term fee
A fee you pay for ending your lease early.
Utilities
Gas, water, electricity, and garbage removal. These may or may not be covered in your rent.
Walk-up apartment
An apartment you get to via stairs rather than an elevator.
Ashley Place Apartments Is Pleased To Answer Questions About Apartment Terminology In Westfield
Bring all your questions about apartment terms to the staff at Ashley Place! We’ll explain how leasing works and show you around our lovely apartments and community. Contact us at (317) 689-0173 or arrange a tour to discover the outstanding apartment living experience we offer.