Jargon Buster

Ever been confused by what certain terms mean? Here's a list of what we think are some of the most common 'jargon' you might come across, we hope this help clears up some confusion!

Assured Shorthold Tenancy Agreement: This is for a fixed term of 12 months, that is, it has a starting date and an end date. If you sign a fixed term contract you are liable to pay rent for the full period, unless there is a specific clause allowing you to give notice to quit (this is very rare). This type of agreement means that you are a tenant and have exclusive possession of the property. The landlord/agent can have access to the property (e.g. for repairs/inspections), but you should be given notice and they should only call during reasonable working hours.

Exclusive Possession: a type of tenancy where a landlord is required to have a valid permission before entering the house you have rented

Fixed Term Contract: A contract which you are locked into renting for a specific period (often 6 months or more) unless there is a specific break clause written into the contract

Joint and Severally Liable: a housing agreement (an Assured Shorthold Tenancy) signed by all housemates 

Guarantor: a person agreeing to pay you rent in your absence – and possibly that of your housemates if your contract is Joint and Severally Liable 

Holding Deposit: different to Security Deposit as it is sometimes charged by landlords prior to you signing an agreement as a guarantee you will take the house. Here at SUSU Lettings the holding deposit will become part of your first month’s rent. 

Security Deposit: your payment (held in a recognised scheme) to protect your landlord from potential costs or unpaid bills when you move out 

Hidden Costs: money you may find yourself having to pay if you don’t read the small print

SASSH: the Southampton Accreditation Scheme for Student Housing

Letting Agents: an estates Agents or other commercial enterprise who earn a profit from helping you find a house or flat and 

Environmental Health Service: the local authority department responsible for ensuring your landlord complies with legislation which is adequate and healthy

Statute 21 Notice of Eviction: a court notice which needs be served if the landlord wishes to evict you from an Assured Shorthold Tenancy before the end of the fixed term

Gas Safety Certificate: all gas appliances your landlord provides must be correctly maintained and a gas safety check carried out every 12 months by a GAS Safe registered engineer. By law your landlord must give you a copy of the Landlord’s Gas Safety Record (also referred to as the Landlords’ gas Safety Certificate)

Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMO): is a house, or a flat that is occupied by more than one household. If the property is on at least 3 stories, and contains 5 or more people, it will need to be licensed by your local council

Unfair Terms: a clause in your rental agreement not written in clear plain English or that is unreasonable such as:
• the landlord has the power to change the agreement when s/he likes
• you have to pay costs for which the landlord should be responsible
• that the landlord can come round when they wish without a valid reason 

Rent arrears: overdue money for your property that has not been paid on time. 

Inventory: a detailed document stating the condition of the fixtures and furnishings before moving in to your house.

Check out report: a document detailing the condition of the property once you have moved out. This will be compared to the inventory to decide if any deductions will be made from your deposit. 

Fair wear and tear: The deterioration of items attributed to normal usage.

Standing order: an agreement set up with you and your bank for monthly rent payments. A standing order is not the same as a direct debit. 

Fully Managed: the agency looks after everything to do with the property, including maintenance and rent.

Let Only: typically the landlord deals with all maintenance and rent once you have moved in to the property.

DPS, TDS, Mydeposits: Deposit Protection Service, The Tenancy Deposit Scheme and Mydeposits are the three schemes that your deposit must be registered with. This must be done within 30 day of you paying.