A New Residents Guide To Apartment Terminology In Westfield
If you are searching for or have just relocated to your first apartment in Westfield, you may soon encounter a word or expression you aren’t familiar with. You can always get in touch with the community’s leasing agents to get clarification, but many words are easily understandable with a brief scan of an apartment glossary.
Have you run into a term you were unfamiliar with? Want to be more informed while you apartment hunt? Review our list of apartment terminology in Westfield to discover more about apartment life.
Apartment Terminology You Need To Know When Looking For Westfield Communities
Accessible apartment
An apartment that is wheelchair accessible.
Addendum
An addition made to the primary lease document, such as a pet policy detailing rules around pets living on property.
Amenity
Extra features in a unit or in the community, such as in-unit laundry or a community gym or pool.
Applicant
Anyone who submits an application for an apartment lease.
BR/BA
Bedrooms/Bathrooms. 2BR/1BA refers to two bedrooms and one bathroom within the apartment.
Breed restrictions
Policies about what animal breeds are restricted from living 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 because of overpayment or a special discount.
E-payments
Rent payments made online versus in paper form.
Elevator building
An apartment building featuring elevators for Residents. These are typically four stories or taller.
Eviction
The legal process of property management terminating your lease agreement and forcing you to vacate in response to your violating lease terms or community rules.
Fair housing laws
Legal guidelines that shield certain groups 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 up to three stories that are set amid grassy or wooded areas.
Grace period
A short period of time after your rent due date during which you may still pay without incurring late fees or other penalties.
Guarantor
A lease co-signer who is held financially responsible if you fail to pay your rent.
Income requirement
A minimum income level you must satisfy to be approved for renting an apartment.
Lease
A tenancy agreement that states the terms and guidelines of renting an apartment.
Lockout policy
A property's procedure for providing access into your unit if you accidentally lock yourself out.
Long-term
A lease contract of at least 12 months.
Luxury apartments
Apartments with upscale finishes, appliances, and community amenities that exceed standard offerings.
Maintenance
The staff responsible for maintenance and repairs of apartments. You should call them if there is something in need of repair in your apartment.
Market rate
The current cost of rent, 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
Guidelines regarding the number of people who may live in an apartment.
Online portal
A convenient internet platform for Residents to make a payment, ask a question, submit a maintenance request, and more.
Pet policy
A community's guidelines for which animals are allowed or restricted and the costs associated with keeping a pet in your unit.
Prorate
A day-by-day calculation of rent if you begin or end your tenancy halfway through a month, instead of requiring you to pay the entire month's rent.
Prospect
A potential apartment Resident who is trying to find an apartment but hasn't committed to a lease yet.
Renewal
Extending your lease once the original agreement is up.
Renters insurance
An insurance plan that provides coverage for personal property damage and loss in the event your apartment is impacted by a covered event.
Rent
The amount you pay each month to live in your apartment.
Screen
Conducting a background check and evaluating your past rental record during the application process.
Security deposit
Money you pay before moving into your apartment. It is meant to cover outstanding rent or damages once your lease is up. If you vacate with no rent due or damage, you get your deposit back.
Short-term
A lease for fewer than 12 months.
Term
The length of your apartment lease.
Term fee
A charge you pay for terminating 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 as opposed to an elevator.
Union Street Flats Is Happy To Answer Questions About Apartment Terminology In Westfield
Bring all your questions about apartment terms to the staff at Union Street Flats! We’ll take you through the leasing process and introduce you to our stunning apartments and community. Give us a call at (317) 942-3629 or schedule a tour to discover the incredible apartment living experience we provide.