Glossary

This list of terms is also available in our 'Real Estate Speak' brochure. Please see our Publications page to download a copy.

A : B : C : D : E : F : G : H : I : J : K : L : M : N : O : P : Q : R : S : T : U : V : W : X : Y : Z

A

adj - adjacent

B

bedsitter - small flat, usually one room (bedroom & lounge combined)

BIR - built in robes (wardrobes)

bond - a security deposit that you pay at the start of your tenancy. The landlord must lodge bond with the Bond Authority. Bond is usually equal to one month's rent. It's returned at the end of your tenancy provided the property is left in good condition.

BV - brick veneer

C

cl - close

comp - comprises

condition report - a document stating the condition of the property (inside & out) at the time you move in. The report helps determine if you are responsible for repairs/cleaning costs when you move out. The report should be filled in by your landlord & given to you when you move in. You then have three working days to add your comments & return the Report to your landlord.

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D

DF - double fronted

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E

ent - entrance

exc - excellent

exp Expenses

ext - external

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F

F/F - fully furnished

flat - an apartment in an apartment building. Usually older style apartments.

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H

hse - house

htg - heating

htr - heater

HWS - hot water service (sometimes HWU - hot water unit)

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I

insp - inspect

int - internal

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K

key deposit - a real estate agent usually asks for a $50 key deposit & a copy of identification before giving you the key to view a property. The $50 is returned to you when you return the key.

KIO - keys in office. You can collect keys from the real estate office to view the property.

kit - kitchen

kitty - money that the household members contribute toward shopping & household expenses.

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L

landlord / landlady - owner of the property

lease - a written or verbal tenancy agreement made between tenant & landlord (or landlord's agent). A lease is a legally binding contract.

lrg - large

lnge- lounge

LU Garage - lock up garage

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M

month in advance - rental payments are usually made one month in advance.

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N

neg - negotiable

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O

OFP - open fireplace

ONO - or nearest offer (wiling to negotiate)

OSP - off street parking (car space available) somewhere on the property rather than on the street.

OYO - own your own (each flat has a separate owner)

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R

real estate agent - agent who acts on behalf of the owner of the property.

ref's req - references required

rent pcm - rent per calendar month (weekly rent x 4.3)

rent pw - rent per week

res - residence

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S

separate meters - meters measure the usage of utilities like gas, electricity and water. You are responsible for the cost of utilities if a separate meters are available in your rental property. If separate meters are not available, the cost of utilities is your landlord's responsibility.

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W

wwc - wall to wall carpet

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