A comprehensive reference guide to rental housing, leases, tenant rights, rent, security deposits, repairs, eviction, housing assistance, fair housing, roommates, moving, and common legal terms.
Important: Rental laws vary by state and locality. The definitions below provide general information and are not a substitute for legal advice or the laws that apply to a particular rental property.
A
Abandonment
When a tenant leaves a rental property before the tenancy has legally ended and without properly terminating the rental agreement.
Abatement
A reduction or suspension of an amount owed. In rental housing, rent abatement may refer to a reduction in rent because of qualifying conditions affecting a rental property.
Accessibility
Features or changes that allow people with disabilities to access and use housing.
Accrued Rent
Rent that has become due but has not yet been paid.
Actual Damages
The measurable financial loss suffered because of another party’s conduct.
Additional Rent
A lease term sometimes used to describe charges a tenant must pay in addition to base rent.
Administrative Fee
A fee charged for an administrative service associated with renting, such as processing an application or preparing documents.
Adverse Action
A negative decision made against a rental applicant based partly or entirely on information in a consumer report.
Adverse Action Notice
A notice informing an applicant that an adverse action was taken based on information obtained from a consumer report.
Affordable Housing
Alternative Housing
Temporary or substitute housing used when a tenant cannot reasonably remain in the original rental unit.
Amortization
The process of spreading a cost over a period of time through scheduled payments.
Annual Lease
A lease generally lasting one year.
Housing considered affordable relative to household income or housing specifically designated for households meeting certain income requirements.
Applicant
A person who applies to rent a property.
Application Fee
A fee charged in connection with processing a rental application. State and local laws may limit or prohibit certain application fees.
Application Screening
The process of evaluating a prospective tenant before approving a rental application.
Appraisal
An estimate of the value of real property.
Arrears
Money that is past due. Rent arrears are unpaid rent that should already have been paid.
As-Is
A phrase indicating that property is being rented or transferred in its existing condition, subject to applicable legal requirements. An “as-is” provision generally does not automatically eliminate legally required housing standards.
Assistance Animal
An animal that provides disability-related assistance or support and may receive housing protections that ordinary pets do not.
Assignment
The transfer of a tenant’s rights or interest under a lease to another person.
Attorney’s Fees
Fees charged by an attorney for legal services. Whether a tenant or landlord can recover attorney’s fees from another party depends on the law, lease, or court rules.
Attorney General
A state or federal official whose office may enforce certain laws, including some consumer-protection or housing-related laws.
Authorized Occupant
A person who is permitted to live in a rental property but may not be a named tenant on the lease.
B
Background Check
A screening process that may examine information about a rental applicant’s identity, credit, criminal history, rental history, or other legally permissible information.
Base Rent
The primary amount charged for occupying a rental property before additional permitted charges.
Bedbug Infestation
The presence of bedbugs in a rental property.
Beneficial Occupancy
A situation in which a person is allowed to occupy a property even though certain final construction or administrative steps remain outstanding.
Breach
A failure to fulfill an obligation under a contract, lease, law, or other legal requirement.
Breach of Lease
A violation of a term or requirement contained in a rental agreement.
Breach of Warranty of Habitability
A failure to maintain conditions required for a rental dwelling to remain habitable where an implied warranty of habitability applies.
Building Code
Government requirements governing construction, safety, plumbing, electrical systems, fire protection, occupancy, and other building conditions.
Building Inspector
A government official or authorized professional who examines buildings for compliance with applicable codes and regulations.
Building Permit
Government authorization required for certain construction, renovation, repair, or alteration work.
Burden of Proof
The responsibility to provide sufficient evidence to establish a claim or defense.
C
Capital Improvement
A significant improvement to a property intended to increase its value, useful life, or functionality.
Certificate of Occupancy
An official document indicating that a building or unit meets applicable requirements for occupancy.
Certificate of Habitability
A document used in some jurisdictions to confirm that a rental property meets specified housing standards.
Certified Mail
A mailing service that provides evidence that a document was mailed and, depending on the service selected, evidence of delivery.
Civil Claim
A legal claim asserting that another party violated a legal right or caused a legally recognized harm.
Civil Court
A court that handles disputes involving matters such as contracts, property, money damages, and landlord-tenant issues.
Code Enforcement
Government enforcement of building, housing, health, safety, or property-maintenance requirements.
Code Violation
A condition or action that violates an applicable building, housing, fire, health, or municipal code.
Co-Applicant
A person who applies for rental housing together with another applicant.
Co-Signer
A person who agrees to take financial or contractual responsibility for a tenant’s obligations if specified conditions occur.
Co-Tenant
One of multiple tenants who share legal rights and responsibilities under a rental agreement.
Common Area
An area shared or accessible by multiple residents, such as hallways, laundry rooms, parking areas, or recreational spaces.
Common-Law Rights
Rights developed through judicial decisions rather than created solely by legislation.
Complaint
A formal statement alleging that another person or organization violated a legal right, agreement, rule, or requirement.
Complaint to Housing Authority
A formal complaint submitted to a housing authority concerning qualifying housing conditions, program issues, or other matters within its jurisdiction.
Compliance
Following the requirements of a law, regulation, lease, order, or agreement.
Consumer Report
A report containing information used for purposes such as evaluating creditworthiness, rental applications, or other qualifying decisions.
Constructive Eviction
A situation in which conditions caused or allowed by a landlord become so serious that a tenant is effectively forced to leave.
Cure
To correct or remedy a lease violation or other legal default.
Cure-or-Quit Notice
A notice giving a tenant an opportunity to correct a specified violation before further eviction proceedings may occur.
D
Damage
Physical harm to rental property beyond ordinary wear and tear.
Damage Deposit
Another term sometimes used for a security deposit or money held to cover qualifying tenant obligations.
Damages
Money awarded or sought to compensate for a legally recognized loss or harm.
Default
Failure to fulfill an obligation required by a lease or other agreement.
Defendant
The person or entity responding to a lawsuit or legal proceeding.
Demand Letter
A written request asking another party to make a payment, perform an obligation, make repairs, or take another specified action.
Deposit
Money paid by a tenant to a landlord for a particular purpose.
Deposition
A formal process in which a person provides sworn testimony outside the courtroom as part of a legal proceeding.
Deterioration
The gradual decline of a property’s condition through ordinary use, age, exposure, or other causes.
Discrimination
Unlawful unequal treatment based on a protected characteristic.
Discriminatory Advertising
Advertising rental housing in a manner that unlawfully expresses a preference, limitation, or exclusion based on a protected characteristic.
Disability
A physical or mental impairment that qualifies for protection under applicable disability laws.
Disability Accommodation
A change or exception to a housing rule, policy, practice, or service that may be necessary because of a disability.
Disability Modification
A physical change to a rental property that may be necessary because of a disability.
Disbursement
The payment or distribution of money.
Dispossess
To remove someone from possession of property through legal or, in some circumstances, unlawful means.
Docket
The official record or schedule of cases maintained by a court.
Domestic Violence Housing Protections
Legal protections that may be available to qualifying tenants experiencing domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking.
Due Date
The date by which rent, a fee, notice, or other obligation must be paid or completed.
Due Process
Legal procedures and protections that must be followed before certain government or legal actions affecting a person’s rights can occur.
Dwelling
A building, structure, room, or other space used or intended to be used as a residence.
E
Early Lease Termination
Ending a lease before its scheduled expiration date.
Emergency Housing
Short-term housing provided to people experiencing an immediate housing crisis.
Emergency Repair
A repair involving a condition that presents a serious threat to health, safety, or property.
Emergency Shelter
Temporary housing intended to provide immediate shelter.
Emotional Support Animal
An animal that provides disability-related emotional support and may qualify for housing protections under applicable law.
Entry
A landlord’s access to a rental unit.
Entry Notice
Notice provided to a tenant before a landlord or authorized person enters the rental property when notice is legally required.
Eviction
A legal process used by a landlord to recover possession of rental property from a tenant.
Eviction Case
A court proceeding involving a landlord’s attempt to regain possession of a rental property.
Eviction Complaint
A legal document used to initiate an eviction lawsuit in jurisdictions using this terminology.
Eviction Defense
Legal arguments, evidence, or procedural steps a tenant may use when responding to an eviction case.
Eviction Filing
The filing of an eviction-related court case. A filing does not necessarily mean the tenant was ultimately evicted.
Eviction Hearing
A court proceeding in which the parties present arguments and evidence concerning an eviction case.
Eviction Judgment
A court’s decision in an eviction proceeding.
Eviction Notice
A notice informing a tenant that the tenancy may be terminated or that the tenant must take a specified action.
Eviction Order
A court order requiring a tenant to leave under specified circumstances.
Eviction Record
A court or screening record associated with an eviction case.
Eviction Sealing
A legal process that can restrict public access to qualifying eviction records where permitted.
Eviction Stay
A temporary delay or suspension of an eviction.
Evidence
Information or documents used to establish or support a claim, defense, or allegation.
F
Fair Housing
The principle that people should have equal access to housing without unlawful discrimination.
Fair Housing Act
A federal law prohibiting certain forms of discrimination in housing.
Fair Housing Complaint
A complaint alleging housing discrimination or another violation of applicable fair-housing protections.
Fair Housing Tester
A person who participates in a lawful testing program designed to identify potential housing discrimination.
Fair Market Rent
A rental amount used by housing programs and government agencies to estimate typical rents for particular areas and unit types.
Familial Status
A protected characteristic under federal fair-housing law involving certain households with children and pregnant persons.
Fixed Income
Income that generally remains relatively consistent, such as certain pensions or benefits.
Fixed-Term Lease
A lease lasting for a specified period, such as six months or one year.
Forcible Entry
Unlawfully entering or taking possession of property without the required legal authority or process.
Foreclosure
A legal process through which a lender may enforce rights against property following a mortgage default.
Foreclosure Eviction
An eviction or termination of occupancy associated with a foreclosure.
Foreclosure Notice
A notice concerning foreclosure proceedings.
Foreclosure Sale
The sale of property following a foreclosure process.
Formal Notice
A written communication intended to provide legally significant information about an action, violation, demand, or deadline.
Forwarding Address
An address provided by a tenant for future correspondence or return of a security deposit.
G
Good Cause
A legally sufficient reason for taking a particular action.
Grace Period
A period following a due date during which a payment may be made without a particular penalty.
Grantee
A person or entity receiving an interest in property through a deed or other legal instrument.
Grantor
A person or entity transferring an interest in property through a deed or other legal instrument.
Gross Income
Income before taxes and other deductions.
Gross Rent
The total rent charged before subtracting applicable rental assistance or subsidies.
Guest
A person temporarily visiting a tenant. A guest is not necessarily a tenant or authorized occupant.
H
Habitability
The condition of a rental property being suitable for human habitation under applicable law.
Habitability Complaint
A complaint concerning conditions that may make a rental property unsafe or unsuitable for habitation.
Housing Authority
A governmental or public organization that administers certain housing programs.
Housing Choice Voucher
A federal rental assistance program commonly known as Section 8.
Housing Code
Rules establishing minimum standards for residential properties.
Housing Counselor
A person or organization providing education or assistance concerning housing matters.
Housing Discrimination
Unlawful discrimination involving the sale, rental, financing, advertising, or availability of housing.
Housing Inspector
A government employee or authorized professional who examines housing conditions.
Housing Provider
A landlord, property owner, management company, or other party involved in providing housing.
Housing Voucher
A subsidy or rental assistance benefit that helps an eligible household pay housing costs.
HUD
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the federal agency responsible for numerous housing programs and fair-housing responsibilities.
I
Illegal Eviction
An eviction or removal carried out without following legally required procedures.
Illegal Lockout
An attempt to prevent a tenant from accessing a rental unit without lawful authority.
Implied Warranty of Habitability
A legal requirement recognized in many jurisdictions that rental housing meet basic health and safety standards even if the lease does not expressly state them.
Income Certification
The process of verifying household income for a housing program.
Income Limit
A maximum income level used to determine eligibility for certain housing programs.
Income Verification
The process of confirming an applicant’s income.
Income-Based Rent
Rent calculated partly according to household income under a qualifying housing program.
Inspection
An examination of a rental property to identify damage, safety problems, code violations, or needed repairs.
Inspection Report
A written record documenting the condition of a rental property.
Insurance
Coverage designed to protect against specified risks.
Inspection Report
A written record documenting the condition of a rental property.
Interest on Security Deposit
Interest earned on money held as a security deposit. Some jurisdictions require landlords to pay or credit interest to tenants.
J
Joint and Several Liability
A legal arrangement in which each tenant may be responsible for the full amount of certain shared obligations.
Joint Lease
A lease signed by multiple tenants covering the same rental property.
Joint Tenant
One of multiple tenants sharing rights and responsibilities under a rental agreement.
Judgment
A court’s formal decision resolving a legal issue or dispute.
Judgment Creditor
A person or entity entitled to collect money awarded by a court.
Judgment Debtor
A person or entity ordered by a court to pay money.
K
Key Deposit
Money charged in connection with keys, access cards, remotes, or similar devices.
Keyless Entry
An electronic or digital system used to access a rental property without a traditional key.
L
Landlord
A person or entity that owns, manages, or legally controls rental property and rents it to another person.
Landlord Retaliation
Adverse treatment allegedly taken against a tenant because the tenant exercised a legally protected right.
Landlord-Tenant Law
The body of federal, state, and local laws governing rental housing relationships.
Late Fee
A charge assessed when rent or another payment is not made by the applicable deadline.
Late Rent
Rent that was not paid by the required due date.
Lead-Based Paint
Paint containing lead. Federal law imposes specific disclosure requirements for many residential properties built before 1978.
Lease
A legally binding agreement establishing the terms under which a tenant occupies rental property.
Lease Addendum
A document that adds, changes, or clarifies terms of an existing lease.
Lease Assignment
The transfer of a tenant’s lease interest to another person.
Lease Breaking
Ending a lease before its scheduled expiration date.
Lease Enforcement
Efforts to require compliance with lease terms.
Lease Extension
An agreement continuing a lease beyond its original expiration date.
Lease Holder
A person who holds rights to use property under a lease.
Lease Renewal
The continuation of a rental arrangement after the original lease term ends.
Lease Term
The period during which a lease is effective.
Lease Termination
The ending of a lease or tenancy.
Lease Violation
Failure to comply with a requirement contained in a lease.
Legal Aid
Free or low-cost legal assistance available to qualifying individuals.
Legal Deadline
A date by which a required legal action must be completed.
Legal Notice
A formal communication providing information required by law or asserting a legal right or demand.
Legal Possession
The lawful right to possess and occupy property.
Legal Remedy
A method provided by law for addressing a violation or resolving a dispute.
Lien
A legal claim against property to secure payment of a debt or obligation.
Livability
The general suitability of a property for safe residential use.
Lodger
A person who rents a room in a property where the owner may also live.
Local Ordinance
A law adopted by a city, county, township, borough, or other local government.
M
Maintenance
Work performed to preserve a rental property in safe and functional condition.
Maintenance Emergency
A maintenance problem requiring immediate attention because of a serious threat to health, safety, or property.
Maintenance Request
A tenant’s request that a landlord or property manager address a maintenance problem.
Manufactured Home
A factory-built home designed for residential use.
Mediation
A dispute-resolution process in which a neutral third party helps people attempt to reach an agreement.
Mold
Fungal growth that can occur when moisture is present.
Mold Remediation
The process of addressing mold contamination and correcting moisture conditions contributing to it.
Month-to-Month Tenancy
A rental arrangement that automatically renews for successive monthly periods until properly terminated.
Move-In Checklist
A document used to record the condition of a rental unit when the tenant moves in.
Move-In Costs
The total amount a tenant must pay to begin a tenancy.
Move-In Date
The date on which a tenant begins or is scheduled to begin occupying a rental property.
Move-In Inspection
An inspection performed when a tenant begins renting a property.
Move-Out Charges
Amounts a landlord claims a tenant owes after moving out.
Move-Out Date
The date on which a tenant is expected or required to vacate.
Move-Out Inspection
An inspection performed near or after the end of a tenancy.
Municipal Code
Local laws and regulations adopted by a city, township, borough, county, or other local government.
N
Negligence
Failure to exercise the level of care required under the circumstances.
Notice
A formal communication informing a tenant or landlord about an action, demand, violation, deadline, or change.
Notice of Breach
A notice informing a party that another party believes a lease or legal obligation has been violated.
Notice of Default
A formal notice stating that a party has failed to fulfill an obligation.
Notice of Entry
Notice informing a tenant that a landlord intends to enter the rental property.
Notice of Nonpayment
A notice concerning unpaid rent or another unpaid obligation.
Notice of Nonrenewal
Notice informing a tenant that a lease will not be renewed at the end of its term.
Notice of Rent Increase
Notice informing a tenant that rent will increase.
Notice of Termination
A notice informing a party that a tenancy or agreement will end.
Notice Period
The amount of advance notice required before a tenancy or other rental arrangement ends.
Notice to Comply
A notice telling a tenant that a specified lease violation must be corrected.
Notice to Pay Rent or Quit
A notice giving a tenant an opportunity to pay qualifying overdue rent or leave before further eviction proceedings.
Notice to Repair
Written communication informing a landlord about needed repairs or unsafe conditions.
Notice to Quit
A notice requiring a tenant to leave the property, often after a specified event or violation.
Notice to Vacate
A notice informing the other party that a tenancy will end and the tenant will vacate.
Nuisance
Conduct or a condition that substantially interferes with another person’s use or enjoyment of property.
O
Occupancy
The use of a property as a residence by one or more people.
Occupancy Limit
A restriction on the number of people who may legally occupy a rental unit.
Occupant
A person living in a rental property.
Oral Lease
A rental agreement made verbally rather than in writing.
Owner
The person or entity legally owning the rental property.
Owner-Occupied Property
A property in which the owner also lives.
P
Partial Payment
A payment that covers only part of an amount owed.
Pay-or-Quit Notice
A notice giving a tenant a specified period to pay overdue rent or potentially face further eviction proceedings.
Periodic Tenancy
A tenancy that continues from one rental period to another until properly terminated.
Personal Property
Items belonging to a person rather than real estate itself.
Pet Deposit
Money collected in connection with a tenant having a pet.
Pet Fee
A charge associated with keeping a pet in a rental property.
Pet Rent
An additional recurring amount charged because a tenant has a pet.
Plaintiff
The person or entity that initiates a civil lawsuit.
Possession
The legal right to occupy or control property.
Premises
The rental property or area covered by a lease.
Prorated Rent
A partial rent amount calculated for a fraction of a normal rental period.
Proof of Delivery
Evidence that a notice or document was delivered or received.
Proof of Income
Documents used to demonstrate a person’s earnings or financial resources.
Property Damage
Physical damage to a rental property.
Property Manager
A person or company hired to manage rental property on behalf of an owner.
Premises Liability
Legal principles concerning responsibility for injuries or dangerous conditions occurring on property.
Pro Se
Representing yourself in a legal matter without an attorney.
Protective Order
A court order intended to protect a person from specified conduct.
Public Housing
Government-supported housing generally administered by public housing authorities for eligible households.
Public Housing Authority
A governmental entity responsible for administering certain public or federally assisted housing programs.
Q
Qualified Applicant
An applicant who meets the stated and legally permissible rental criteria established for a property.
Qualified Lease
A lease that meets specified legal, program, or contractual requirements.
Quiet Enjoyment
A tenant’s right, recognized in many jurisdictions, to use and enjoy rented property without unreasonable interference.
R
Reasonable Accommodation
A change or exception to a housing rule, policy, practice, or service that may be necessary because of a disability.
Reasonable Modification
A physical change to a property that may be necessary because of a disability.
Reasonable Wear and Tear
Ordinary deterioration resulting from normal use of a rental property rather than damage caused by abuse, negligence, or misuse.
Rent
Money paid by a tenant in exchange for the right to occupy and use rental property.
Rent Abatement
A reduction in rent that may be available under certain circumstances involving qualifying rental-property conditions.
Rent Burden
The portion of household income spent on housing costs.
Rent Control
Government regulation limiting how much rent can be charged or increased for certain rental properties.
Rent Increase
An increase in the amount a tenant must pay to continue renting a property.
Rent Receipt
A written or electronic record showing that rent was paid.
Rent Stabilization
A system regulating rent increases and sometimes other aspects of tenancy.
Rent Withholding
The withholding of some or all rent as a potential legal remedy in certain circumstances. Strict requirements may apply.
Rent-to-Income Ratio
A comparison between rent and a tenant’s income.
Rental Agreement
An agreement establishing the terms under which a tenant occupies rental property.
Rental Application
A form or process used to apply for a rental property.
Rental Assistance
Financial assistance intended to help eligible households pay rent or housing expenses.
Rental History
Information about a person’s previous rental experiences.
Rental Inspection
An examination of a rental property.
Rental Market
The local supply and demand for rental housing.
Rental Registry
A government-maintained record of rental properties or landlords where registration is required.
Rental Subsidy
Financial assistance that reduces housing costs for qualifying households.
Rental Unit
A dwelling or portion of a property rented to a tenant.
Repair-and-Deduct
A legal remedy available in some jurisdictions allowing a tenant, under specific conditions, to pay for qualifying repairs and deduct permitted costs from rent.
Repair Request
A request from a tenant asking a landlord or property manager to address a maintenance or habitability problem.
Retaliation
Punishment, harassment, or adverse treatment because a tenant exercised a legally protected right.
Right of Entry
The circumstances under which a landlord may lawfully enter a rental property.
Right to Counsel
A legal right to an attorney in certain proceedings. Whether tenants have a right to free legal representation in an eviction case depends on the jurisdiction.
Roommate
A person who shares a rental home with another resident.
Roommate Agreement
An agreement between roommates addressing rent, utilities, chores, guests, shared expenses, and household rules.
S
Security Deposit
Money paid by a tenant and held by a landlord to cover certain obligations, such as unpaid rent or qualifying property damage.
Security Deposit Accounting
An itemized explanation showing how a security deposit was applied after a tenancy ended.
Security Deposit Cap
A legal limit on the maximum amount a landlord may require as a security deposit.
Security Deposit Demand Letter
A written request from a former tenant seeking the return of a security deposit or an adequate accounting.
Security Deposit Deduction
An amount withheld from a security deposit for a legally permitted reason.
Security Deposit Dispute
A disagreement between a tenant and landlord concerning a security deposit, deductions, damages, or its return.
Security Deposit Ledger
A record showing money received, held, deducted, or returned in connection with a security deposit.
Security Deposit Return
The process of returning a tenant’s security deposit after the tenancy ends.
Self-Help Eviction
An attempt by a landlord to remove a tenant without following the legally required eviction process.
Service Animal
Under federal disability law, generally a dog individually trained to perform tasks for a person with a disability. Housing law may provide additional protections for qualifying assistance animals.
Service Request
A tenant’s request for maintenance, repair, or another property-related service.
Section 8
A common name for the federal Housing Choice Voucher program.
Settlement
An agreement resolving a legal dispute without requiring the case to proceed to a final judgment.
Small Claims Action
A civil case filed in a court that handles disputes within specified monetary limits.
Small Claims Court
A court designed to handle certain lower-dollar civil disputes through a simplified process.
Smoking Policy
A rental rule governing whether smoking is permitted in a unit or on the property.
Statute
A law enacted by a legislative body.
Statute of Limitations
A deadline for filing certain legal claims.
Statutory Rights
Rights created or protected by statutes.
Sublease
A rental arrangement in which a tenant rents all or part of a property to another person while remaining connected to the original lease.
Sublessor
The original tenant who rents all or part of the property to a subtenant.
Subtenant
A person who rents all or part of a property from the original tenant rather than directly from the landlord.
Subsidized Housing
Housing in which government assistance helps reduce housing costs for eligible residents.
Summons
A legal document informing a person that a court case has been filed and that a response or appearance may be required.
T
Tenant
A person who has the legal right to occupy rental property under a lease, rental agreement, or applicable law.
Tenant Advocate
A person or organization that helps renters understand or exercise their housing rights.
Tenant Advocacy
Efforts to educate, assist, or represent renters in protecting their housing rights.
Tenant Association
An organization or group formed by tenants to address common housing concerns.
Tenant Blacklist
An informal term sometimes used for tenant-screening databases or records containing information about rental applicants.
Tenant Evidence Packet
A collection of documents and evidence organized by a tenant for a housing dispute or legal proceeding.
Tenant File
Records maintained by a landlord or property manager concerning a tenant or tenancy.
Tenant Ledger
A record of rent, fees, charges, credits, and payments associated with a tenant’s account.
Tenant Portal
An online system used by landlords or property managers for rent payments, maintenance requests, notices, and communication.
Tenant Screening
The process of evaluating a rental applicant.
Tenant Screening Report
A report used by a landlord to evaluate a prospective tenant.
Tenant Union
An organization through which renters collectively advocate for housing rights or address landlord-tenant issues.
Tenancy
The legal relationship between a tenant and landlord concerning occupancy of rental property.
Tenancy at Will
A rental arrangement that continues with the consent of the landlord and tenant but does not have a fixed term.
Tenancy for Years
A fixed-term tenancy lasting for a specified period.
Termination
Ending a lease or tenancy.
Termination Notice
A formal notice stating that a tenancy will end.
Termination Without Cause
Ending a tenancy without alleging that the tenant committed a lease violation, where such termination is legally permitted.
Third-Party Screening Company
A company hired to provide tenant screening, credit, background, rental-history, or related reports.
Towing Policy
Rules governing the towing of vehicles from a rental property or parking area.
Transfer of Tenancy
The process of transferring a tenant’s rental rights or obligations to another person or property.
Trespass
Unauthorized entry onto or remaining on property belonging to another person.
U
Unauthorized Occupant
A person living in a rental property without landlord authorization or without otherwise being permitted under the lease or law.
Uninhabitable
A condition in which a rental dwelling does not meet applicable minimum standards for safe or habitable residential use.
Unlawful Detainer
A legal action used in many jurisdictions to recover possession of property from someone who no longer has the legal right to remain there.
Utility Allowance
An amount used by certain housing programs to estimate utility costs.
Utility Assistance
Financial assistance intended to help eligible households pay utility bills.
Utility Billing
The process of calculating and charging tenants for utility services.
Utility Deposit
A deposit required by a utility provider before service is established in certain circumstances.
Utility Payment Log
A record of utility charges and payments.
Utility Responsibility
The allocation of responsibility between landlord and tenant for paying utility services.
Utility Shutoff
Disconnection of electricity, gas, water, or another utility service.
V
Vacate
To leave and surrender possession of a rental property.
Vacate Notice
A notice stating that a tenant must or intends to leave a rental property.
Vacancy
A rental unit that is not currently occupied by a tenant.
Verification of Employment
A process used to confirm an applicant’s employment status and income.
Verbal Lease
Another term for an oral rental agreement.
Violation
A failure to comply with a lease, law, housing rule, court order, or other applicable requirement.
Violence Against Women Act (VAWA)
A federal law containing certain housing protections for eligible survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking, particularly in covered federally assisted housing.
W
Waiver
The intentional relinquishment of a known right or requirement.
Waiver of Rights
An agreement or action purporting to give up a legal right. Whether a tenant can legally waive a particular protection varies by jurisdiction.
Warrant
A legal authorization issued by a court or other authorized official for a specified action.
Water Damage
Damage caused by water intrusion, leaks, flooding, plumbing failures, or other sources.
Weatherization
Improvements intended to make a building more energy efficient and reduce heating or cooling costs.
Wear and Tear
Normal deterioration resulting from ordinary use of a rental property.
Withholding Rent
The act of not paying rent as a potential legal remedy. Rent withholding is permitted only in certain circumstances and jurisdictions and may involve strict procedural requirements.
Written Agreement
A contract or other agreement documented in writing.
Written Demand
A formal written request asking another party to take a specified action.
Written Lease
A rental agreement documented in writing and accepted by the parties.
Written Notice
A notice delivered in written form, such as a letter, form, or qualifying electronic communication.
Writ
A formal written order issued by a court.
Writ of Possession
A court-authorized document directing the appropriate official to restore possession of property to the person legally entitled to it.
X
There are relatively few commonly used renter-specific legal terms beginning with X. The glossary can be expanded here as additional jurisdiction-specific housing terminology is added.
Y
Yard Maintenance
Responsibility for maintaining lawns, landscaping, trees, leaves, snow, or other exterior areas of a rental property.
Year-to-Year Tenancy
A periodic tenancy that renews annually unless properly terminated.
Z
Zoning
Local government rules governing how land and buildings may be used.
Zoning Code
The collection of local regulations controlling land use, property uses, building placement, density, occupancy, and related matters.