Understanding Apartment Terminology In Westfield
If you are hunting for or have just moved into your first apartment in Westfield, you might come across a word or phrase you don’t recognize. You can always reach out to the community’s leasing office to clear things up, but many words are easily decipherable with a quick glance at an apartment glossary.
Have you run into a term you were unfamiliar with? Want to be more informed while you hunt for apartments? Check our list of apartment terminology in Westfield to discover more about apartment living.
Apartment Terminology To Know When Searching For Westfield Communities
Accessible apartment
An apartment unit that is ADA compliant.
Addendum
An addition made to the standard lease document, such as a pet agreement explaining guidelines for pets living on property.
Amenity
Extra features in a unit or within the apartment community, such as an in-unit washer and dryer or a community pool and gym.
Applicant
Any individual who submits an application for an apartment lease.
BR/BA
Bedrooms/Bathrooms. 2BR/1BA indicates two bedrooms and one bathroom in the unit.
Breed restrictions
Policies about what dog and animal breeds are not allowed to live in an apartment.
Common areas
Communal areas open to all Residents, such as the community amenities, walking areas, laundry facilities, and clubhouse.
Concession
Funds applied to your account due to overpayment or a special discount.
E-payments
Rent payments submitted digitally instead of by check.
Elevator building
A multi-level apartment featuring elevators for Residents. These are generally at least four floors.
Eviction
The legal process of property management terminating your lease and forcing you to vacate due to you failing to comply with lease terms or community guidelines.
Fair housing laws
Legal guidelines that shield specific classes of people from unfair treatment in housing.
Galley kitchen
A narrow kitchen with counters, cabinets, and appliances on each side that are frequently found in apartment floor plans.
Garden apartment
Apartment buildings as tall as three stories that are nestled among wooded or grassy areas.
Grace period
A brief window of time after your rent is due during which you can still make your payment without being charged with late fees or other consequences.
Guarantor
A co-signer who takes financial responsibility for your lease if you cannot or do not pay your rent.
Income requirement
An earnings threshold you must reach to qualify for renting an apartment.
Lease
A tenancy agreement that states the terms and conditions of renting an apartment.
Lockout policy
A property's rules for supplying access into your apartment if you get locked out.
Long-term
A lease of no fewer than 12 months.
Luxury apartments
Apartments with community amenities, appliances, and high-end finishes that go beyond standard offerings.
Maintenance
The crew in charge of apartment maintenance and repairs. You should contact them if you have a repair need in your apartment.
Market rate
The current rent cost, based on what comparable apartments are going for in the neighboring area.
Multi-family
A building with multiple apartment units built to serve many households.
Occupancy standards
Restrictions on the number of individuals who may live in an apartment.
Online portal
A convenient internet platform for Residents to request maintenance, make payments, communicate with staff, and more.
Pet policy
A community's rules for which animals are allowed or restricted and the fees owed for housing a pet in your apartment.
Prorate
A per day calculation of rent if you begin or end your tenancy in the middle of a billing cycle, instead of charging you an entire month's rent.
Prospect
A possible future Resident who is trying to find an apartment but has not agreed to a lease yet.
Renewal
The extension of your lease after its initial term ends.
Renters insurance
An insurance plan that provides coverage for personal property damage and loss in the event your apartment suffers a catastrophe.
Rent
The amount you pay each month to live in your apartment.
Screen
Conducting a background check and reviewing your past rental record during the application period.
Security deposit
Money you pay before starting your rental term. It is intended to cover unpaid rent or damages once your lease is up. If you vacate with no rent due or damage, you receive your deposit back.
Short-term
A lease for under 12 months.
Term
The length of your apartment lease.
Term fee
A penalty you pay for ending your lease early.
Utilities
Gas, water, electricity, and garbage removal. These may or may not be factored into your rent.
Walk-up apartment
An apartment you access by flights of stairs as opposed to an elevator.
Harmony Apartment Homes Is Ready To Answer Questions About Apartment Terminology In Westfield
Bring your questions about apartment vocabulary to the staff at Harmony! We’ll let you know how leasing works and show you around our stunning apartments and community. Contact us at (317) 795-0224 or schedule a tour to learn more about the outstanding apartment lifestyle we have waiting for you.