House share Lexical
As a house share site, it is easy for us and our users to use our jargon, abbreviations, and shortened words. Hopefully, this guide can help all users become aware of what we are talking about when using our platform or while going through the rental process.
ERM terms
PCM
PCM is ‘Per Calendar Month’.
PCW
PCW is 'Per Calendar Week'.
Interest
An interest is a notification that's delivered to the advertiser in a form that you are interest in their offer
Ad
A housemate wanted advertisement will be referred to as “Ad” on Roomgo. Once the Ad is posted, we will make it available for the room seekers, so having a detailed and complete Ad will help attract a suitable housemate.
Profile
A person looking for rooms should post an Ad as well to be able to see the rooms available, and the room wanted ad is referred to as “Profile”. Writing a detailed profile is an effective way to find a room that matches your needs.
Inbox
All incoming interest messages and direct messages will be found on built in messaging system inbox.
Boost
A payable feature that helps you repost your ad to the top of the list.
Premium
A payable feature that gives you direct access to contact and be contacted by all members on the site.
Different room options
Single room
A single room is a room with enough space for a single bed.
Double room
There is some uncertainty with this term because for some, double room implies you need to share with someone. That’s not the case: While a double room may not come kitted out with a double bed, it means that there is enough space for one.
Shared room
You’ll be sharing your bedroom and communal space with another person. This is reportedly on the rise due to London’s rental price escalations, making up over 10 per cent of the market.
Ensuite
An ensuite room refers to a room with bathroom and toilet facilities inside it.
Different living arrangements
Flat/Room/House share
A house or house share refers to a space where people reside in the same private residence and share facilities like the bathroom, kitchen and living room (as well as appliances like the washing machine and TV), but typically have their own bedrooms. This type of arrangement usually involves a shared responsibility for bills and council tax for the property.
Flatmate/Roommate/Housemate
Terms used to describe the person who shares your apartment or house with you; roommate is the American lingo, which can also be used to describe someone sharing your room.
Sharers
Sharer is another term which refers to those who share accommodation together.
Other important terms
Short term
A short-term stay is a flexible period lasting longer than one week. These agreements tend to be more expensive and less flexible than longer-term stays.
Monday-Friday/Fractional lets
The lodger occupies the room during the week and lives elsewhere at the weekends – a convenient choice for those with a short-term work contract that bases them somewhere other than where they live.
Long term
Tenancies between six months and a year are referred to as long term.
Assured fixed-term tenancy
Refers to a tenancy lasting for a fixed period of at least six months. It explains the rights and responsibilities of tenants and landlords and gives you the right to remain in a property unless the landlord can convince a court there is good reason to evict you.
Deposit
A deposit is a fixed sum taken at the start of your tenancy by landlords or letting agents to cover damage, rent arrears, etc. A deposit is typically equal to six weeks’ rent.
Contents insurance
This is a policy to cover belongings like furniture, jewelry, etc from damage or theft. Room contents insurance also exists for those renting a room.
Tenancy deposit scheme
The TDS is a government scheme which safeguards deposits taken by landlords and protects your deposit in case of a dispute.
Tenant break clause
This clause sets the circumstances in which a tenant can break their contract. A landlord break clause is also in place.
Administration fee
Tenants pay this charge to letting agents to cover the cost of the preparation of paperwork to let a property.