Property Glossary

All the landlord and property terminology you need

For both new and experienced landlords, there are a world of legal terms, names and other terminology which can become complicated to understand. Changing definitions and evolved legislation over time often mean that the exact definitions can become confusing when you want to ensure you are being accurate with all your paperwork.

At PIMS we have collected and defined hundreds of terms to help landlords, letting agents and tenants alike. Just select the first letter of the term you’re looking for on the left hand side and get the information you need.

Top looked up words

Freehold
The land on which the property is built on is part of the sale and no ground rent or service charge is payable.

Mitigation
Reasons submitted on behalf of a guilty party in order to excuse or partly excuse the offence committed in an attempt to minimise the sentence.

Common Law
The law established, by precedent, from judicial decisions and established within a community.

DSL
The Department for Communities and Local Government.

HMO
House in Multiple Occupation refers to certain types of accommodation shared by several people. See HMOs under letting.

Vacant Possession
The previous occupants must vacate the property before you move in. This includes any tenants.

Exchange of Contracts
The point at which the buyer and seller become legally bound by the terms of the contract.



PIMS
PIMS stands for Property Information Made Simple.

Our mission is to provide landlords and letting agent with the most up-to-date, clear and accurate information. If there is anything you would like to see added to our glossary of terms, please get in touch.