Glossary
British housing terms and abbreviations
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
Also in this section
- The rental market: Is it hard to find accommodation?
- Getting started: How to prepare your housing search
- Classifieds: Big choice - big competition
- Appointments: Visiting an apartment
- Estate agents: How to deal with paid search services
- Alternative options: Shared flats
- Contracts: All you need to know before signing a rental agreement
- Glossary: British housing terms and abbreviations