Glossary

British housing terms and abbreviations

Glossary

The following glossary gives an overview of the most important housing terms, and the short-hand for interpreting classified ads.

Inventory: a record of what is in the accommodation.

Landlord (or landlady): the owner of your accommodation.

HMO license: (lit. = license for a house in multiple occupation) a legal requirement for a property (responsibility of the landlord). Indicates how many people the property’s space and facilities are adequate for.

Classifieds

avail: available

BR: train station (British Rail)

ch: central heating

d/g: double glazed

dep: deposit required

excl: excluding heating/hot water bills

F: female

f/f: fully furnished

M: male

n/s: non-smoker

o/l: overlooks

osp: off street parking

pw: per week

pcm: per calendar month

pkg: parking

pp: per person

shw: shower

tube: underground train (London)

vgc: very good condition

WC: toilet (Water Closet)

w/d: washer-dryer

wm: washing machine

Further reading

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