Welcome to our Glossary of housing terms:
We’ve created this Glossary to help guide you through some of the terms commonly used in housing. You can view the full list below, or tap on a letter to see all the words beginning with that letter.
You can also tap on or hover over some of the words on our website to view their definitions from our Glossary.
As always, if there’s anything you’re unsure about, please feel free to get in touch. You can tap here to see our contact details.
Browse our Glossary (update exclude code when we move to final URL)
Explore the full list of definitions below, or choose a letter to view words that start with it.
adaptations
Works carried out to make an existing home more suitable for people with disabilities or mobility problems.
Tap here to read more definitions in our Glossary
antisocial behaviour
Behaviour that causes serious nuisance to a person or household in and around their home. You can tap here to learn more on our dedicated antisocial behaviour page.
Tap here to read more definitions in our Glossary
choice-based lettings
A system that allows social landlords to advertise properties online so that those who have registered and fit the criteria can 'bid' for available properties.
Tap here to read more definitions in our Glossary
Direct Debit
With a Direct Debit, you give a business permission to automatically collect bill payments - such as your rent - at set times. They’re then taken from your account on specific dates.
Tap here to read more definitions in our Glossary
emergency repair
These are repairs that could result in an immediate risk to the property or people. For example, an uncontrollable leak or exposed wiring. Tap here for more details in our Repairs Policy.
Tap here to read more definitions in our Glossary
Home Contents Insurance
Insurance that covers damage to, or loss of, a person’s possessions in their home. This insurance is purchased by the resident, not the landlord.
Tap here to read more definitions in our Glossary
service charge
A service charge is a cost for a service provided to your home that is shared with other properties in your block or on your estate. In some cases, service charges can be personal to you. Service charges and their costs are unique to your block or estate. Each block or estate will have services that are necessary to maintain your property and/or any communal areas. Tap here to learn more about service charges.
Tap here to read more definitions in our Glossary
