Từ điển thuê nhà

Words you'll meet when renting a flat, in plain language. Rules differ by country, so always check the specific lease or listing.

Aparthotel

A building of self-contained apartments run like a hotel, with a reception and cleaning, usually booked by the night.

Serviced apartment

A furnished apartment with hotel-style services such as cleaning and fresh linen, often rented for weeks or months.

Furnished / unfurnished

Furnished lets come with furniture and usually kitchen equipment. Unfurnished lets may have no furniture at all, and in some countries no kitchen appliances or light fittings.

Deposit (security deposit)

Money held against damage or unpaid rent and returned at the end of the tenancy, minus any agreed deductions. Many countries cap the amount or require it to be held in a protected scheme.

Holding fee

A payment to reserve a property while checks are done. Some countries cap or ban it. Pay one only through a platform or a documented agent, never by untraceable transfer.

Guarantor

A person or company that agrees to pay if the tenant doesn't. Landlords often ask newcomers, students and foreigners for one; guarantor companies offer this for a fee.

Key money

A non-refundable payment to the landlord when signing, common in Japan and a few other markets.

Agent or letting fee

A fee for the agent who arranged the rental. Some countries make the landlord pay it; others let agents charge tenants a capped amount.

Utilities included / excluded

Whether electricity, water, gas, heating, internet and building charges are in the rent. Ask for typical monthly costs when they're excluded.

Fixed-term vs periodic lease

A fixed-term lease runs for a set period (for example 12 months). A periodic or rolling lease continues month to month until someone gives notice.

Notice period

How far in advance the tenant or landlord must say they are ending the tenancy. It is usually set by law or the lease.

Sublet

Renting from a tenant rather than the owner. It needs the landlord's permission in most places; without it you may have no right to stay.

Mid-term rental

A stay of roughly one to six months, typically furnished, used by students, interns and people relocating.

Short let / short-term rental

A rental by the night or week. Many cities require hosts to register, cap the nights a home can be let, or restrict it to the host's own home.

Registration or licence number

An official number some cities require on short-let listings (for example a tourist licence or national rental code). Its absence can be a warning sign.

Inventory / check-in report

A dated list, ideally with photos, of the property's condition and contents at move-in. It protects your deposit when you move out.

See also: how flatapartments.com works and our country rental guides for local rules, with sources.