Decode rental adverts and tenancy terms — PCM, deposits, guarantors, council tax and more. 看懂租房广告和租约条款——PCM、押金、担保人、市政税等。

A stone's throw from Informal Neutral

An idiom meaning "very close to" — you could throw a stone and hit it. Adverts love it: "a stone's throw from the station". In practice it can mean anything up…

习语，意为"非常近"——近到扔块石头就能砸到。广告很爱用："a stone's throw from the station"（离车站一步之遥）。实际可能远…

All mod cons Informal Neutral

Short for "all modern conveniences" — the property has up-to-date equipment like a dishwasher, washing machine and good heating. A slightly old-fashioned but c…

"all modern conveniences"（所有现代化设施）的缩略语——房子配有洗碗机、洗衣机、良好供暖等现代设备。这是个略显老派但常见的…

All-inclusive Neutral Neutral

A rent that includes everything: all bills, and usually internet too. Common for student houses and house shares. It costs more per month but there are no surp…

"全包"租金：包含所有账单，通常也包括网络。学生房和合租房常见。每月贵一些，但不会有额外的账单。

AST (assured shorthold tenancy) Formal Neutral

The most common type of tenancy contract in England, usually for 6 or 12 months. It gives you the legal right to live there and protects your deposit. Most pri…

英格兰最常见的租约类型，通常为6或12个月。它赋予你居住权并要求保护押金。大多数私人出租和学生房都用 AST。详情见 GOV.UK。

Available from Neutral Neutral

The earliest date you can move in, shown on adverts. "Available now" means immediately. Popular student properties are advertised many months before they becom…

广告上标注的最早可入住日期。"Available now"表示立即可住。热门学生房源往往提前好几个月放出广告。

Bedsit Informal Neutral

A single rented room that is both bedroom and living room, usually with a shared bathroom and sometimes a shared kitchen. Cheaper and more basic than a studio.…

兼作卧室和起居室的单间出租房，通常共用卫生间，有时共用厨房。比 studio 便宜也更简陋。这个词往往暗示较旧、条件一般的住房。

Bills included Neutral Neutral

The rent already covers costs like gas, electricity, water and often internet. Always ask exactly which bills are included, because council tax and internet ar…

房租已包含煤气、电、水等费用，通常也包括网络。一定要问清具体包含哪些账单，因为市政税（council tax）和网络有时不包括在内…

Bin day Informal Neutral

The weekly or fortnightly day when the council collects your rubbish and recycling. Each colour bin (general waste, recycling, food, garden) may go out on diff…

地方政府每周或每两周收垃圾和可回收物的日子。不同颜色的垃圾桶（普通垃圾、可回收、厨余、园艺）收取日可能不同。前一晚把桶…

Boiler Neutral Neutral

The machine (usually gas) that heats your water and radiators — the heart of a UK home in winter. If it breaks, report it to the landlord straight away; heatin…

加热热水和暖气片的设备（通常烧燃气）——英国住宅冬天的"心脏"。锅炉坏了要立即报告房东；供暖和热水的维修是房东的责任。

Box room Informal Neutral

The smallest bedroom in a house — sometimes barely big enough for a single bed and a desk. In a house share it is usually the cheapest room. Measure or view it…

房子里最小的卧室——有时勉强放下一张单人床和书桌。在合租房中通常是最便宜的房间。同意入住前最好实地看看或量一下尺寸。

Break clause Formal Neutral

A clause in the contract that lets you (or the landlord) end the tenancy early, often at the six-month point, by giving notice. Always check if your contract h…

合同中允许你（或房东）提前终止租约的条款，常设在第六个月，需提前通知。签约前务必确认合同是否有此条款以及具体如何执行。

Broadband Neutral Neutral

Home internet, usually on a 12–24 month contract with providers like BT, Virgin or Sky. In UK adverts "Wi-Fi included" means broadband is set up already. If yo…

家庭宽带，通常与 BT、Virgin、Sky 等运营商签12–24个月合约。广告中"Wi-Fi included"表示宽带已装好。若自己办理，注意合约期…

Central heating Neutral Neutral

A system where one boiler heats radiators in every room — standard in UK homes. Adverts say "GCH" (gas central heating). Many households set the heating on a t…

由一台锅炉为各房间暖气片供热的系统——英国住宅的标配。广告常写"GCH"（燃气集中供暖）。因燃气贵，很多家庭把暖气设成早晚定时…

Check-in Neutral Neutral

The start-of-tenancy process: collecting keys, going through the inventory and noting meter readings. Take your own dated photos of everything on day one, espe…

入住流程：领钥匙、核对物品清单、记录水电表读数。第一天要自己拍带日期的照片，尤其是已有的损坏。

Check-out Neutral Neutral

The end-of-tenancy inspection where the property is compared with the check-in inventory. Clean thoroughly, take photos, return all keys and record final meter…

退租检查：将房屋现状与入住清单对比。要彻底打扫、拍照留证、交还所有钥匙并记录最终表读数——这份报告决定押金扣多少。

Communal areas Neutral Neutral

The shared parts of a building or house share: hallways, stairs, kitchen, living room or laundry. In student halls and HMOs, cleaning of communal areas may be …

楼栋或合租房中的公共区域：走廊、楼梯、厨房、客厅或洗衣房。学生公寓和 HMO 中公共区域可能有保洁——要问清由谁负责打扫。

Compact Neutral Depends on context

Another advert word for small — slightly more honest than "cosy". "Compact kitchen" means there is little worktop space. Ask for room sizes in metres, or bette…

广告里"小"的另一种说法——比"cosy"稍诚实一点。"Compact kitchen"意味着操作台面很少。可以要求提供以米为单位的房间尺寸，最好…

Condensation Neutral Neutral

Water droplets that form on cold windows and walls, especially in winter when drying clothes or cooking indoors. It is the most common cause of mould. Landlord…

冷窗和冷墙上凝结的水珠，冬天在室内晾衣、做饭时尤其多，是霉斑最常见的成因。房东常归咎于租客"生活方式"——通风（开窗、用排…

Contents insurance Neutral Neutral

Insurance that covers YOUR belongings (laptop, phone, bike) against theft, fire or water damage. The landlord's insurance covers the building only, not your th…

保障你个人物品（电脑、手机、自行车）免受盗窃、火灾或水损的保险。房东的保险只保建筑本身，不保你的东西。此保险自愿购买、…

Conversion (converted flat) Neutral Neutral

A flat created by dividing a large old house into several flats. Often characterful with high ceilings, but soundproofing between flats can be poor and layouts…

由老式大宅分隔改建而成的公寓。通常有格调、天花板高，但户与户之间隔音可能差，格局也可能奇怪。

Cosy Informal Depends on context

In everyday English "cosy" means warm and comfortable. In property adverts it is famous code for SMALL. "Cosy one-bed flat" usually means a very small flat. Tr…

日常英语中"cosy"指温馨舒适。但在房产广告里，它是"小"的著名暗语。"Cosy one-bed flat"通常意味着非常小的一居室。把它当作面…

Council tax Neutral Neutral

A yearly tax paid to the local council for services like rubbish collection and street lighting, usually paid monthly. Tenants normally pay it on top of rent u…

交给地方政府的年度税，用于垃圾清运、路灯等公共服务，通常按月缴纳。除非广告注明包含，否则一般由租客在房租之外支付。全日…

Council tax band Neutral Neutral

Every home is placed in a band from A (cheapest) to H (most expensive) based on its value, which decides how much council tax is due. You can check any address…

每套住宅根据价值被划入 A（最便宜）到 H（最贵）的等级，决定应缴的市政税金额。租房前可在 GOV.UK 查询任何地址的等级。

Damp Neutral Neutral

Unwanted moisture in walls, ceilings or floors — a very common problem in older UK homes. Signs: dark patches, peeling paint, musty smell. Report damp to the l…

墙壁、天花板或地板中的潮气——英国老房子的常见问题。迹象：深色斑块、油漆剥落、霉味。发现潮湿要以书面形式（邮件）附照片报…

Deceptively spacious Neutral Neutral

Agent-speak meaning "bigger inside than it looks from outside". It sounds odd — "deceptively" means misleadingly — but agents use it as praise. Still worth vie…

中介用语，意为"内部比外观看起来宽敞"。这个说法有点怪——"deceptively"本意是"具有欺骗性地"——但中介把它当褒义用。还是要亲眼…

Deposit deductions Neutral Neutral

Money taken out of your deposit at the end of the tenancy, for example for damage, missing items or cleaning. The landlord must give reasons, and you can dispu…

退租时从押金中扣除的费用，例如损坏、物品缺失或清洁费。房东必须说明理由，若扣款不合理，可通过押金保护计划免费申诉。Shelt…

Deposit protection scheme Neutral Neutral

By law in England, your deposit must be placed in a government-approved scheme (DPS, TDS or mydeposits) within 30 days. The scheme keeps the money safe and set…

按英格兰法律，押金必须在30天内存入政府认可的保护计划（DPS、TDS 或 mydeposits）。该计划保管押金并在退租时处理争议。如发…

Detached house Neutral Neutral

A house that stands completely on its own, not joined to any neighbour. The most private and usually the most expensive house type in the UK.

完全独立、不与任何邻居相连的房子。是英国最私密、通常也最贵的住宅类型。

Double room Neutral Neutral

A bedroom with a double bed (or space for one). In UK adverts, room prices depend on size: double rooms cost more than singles. "Small double" means the bed fi…

放得下双人床的卧室。英国广告中房间按大小定价：双人间比单人间贵。"Small double"意为床放得下，但别的空间所剩无几。

En suite Neutral Neutral

A private bathroom attached to a bedroom, so you do not share with housemates. "En-suite room" is a big selling point in student housing and usually costs £15–…

与卧室相连的独立卫浴，无需与室友共用。"En-suite room"是学生住宿的一大卖点，通常比普通房间每周贵15–30英镑。

End-of-tenancy cleaning Neutral Neutral

A deep clean before you leave, so the property matches its condition at check-in. Cleaning is the most common reason for deposit deductions. You can do it your…

搬走前的深度清洁，让房屋恢复到入住时的状态。清洁问题是押金被扣的最常见原因。你可以自己打扫到位——房东不能强制你花钱请专…

EPC rating Neutral Neutral

The Energy Performance Certificate grades a property from A (very efficient) to G (very wasteful). Rented homes in England generally need at least an E. A low …

能源性能证书（EPC）将房屋能效从A（极高效）到G（极耗能）分级。英格兰出租房一般至少需达E级。等级低意味着取暖费高——租前先…

Estate agent Neutral Neutral

A company that mainly sells houses, though many also do lettings. In the UK you rarely say "realtor" — that is American. Estate agents are famous for very posi…

主要负责房屋买卖的中介，许多也做租赁。在英国很少说"realtor"（那是美式说法）。房产中介以广告用语过分美化著称，看描述时要…

Excellent transport links Neutral Neutral

Advert phrase meaning the property is near buses, trains or the Tube. Check what "near" really means — walk the route yourself and test the journey to your uni…

广告用语，表示房子靠近公交、火车或地铁。要核实"靠近"到底有多近——自己走一遍路线，并在高峰期试乘去学校或公司的通勤路程。

Fair wear and tear Neutral Neutral

The normal, gradual ageing of a property from everyday living — faded carpets, small scuffs on walls. Landlords cannot take money from your deposit for fair we…

日常居住造成的正常损耗——地毯褪色、墙面轻微磨痕等。房东不能因正常损耗扣押金，只能就实际损坏索赔。押金保护计划在争议中会…

First floor Neutral Neutral

In the UK, the floor ABOVE street level — one flight of stairs up. This confuses many newcomers: the British first floor is the Chinese/American second floor. …

在英国指街面以上的那一层——即中国的"二楼"。这一点常让新来者困惑：英式 first floor = 中式二楼。电梯按钮通常显示 G（底层）…

Fixed term Neutral Neutral

The set length of your tenancy, usually 6 or 12 months. During the fixed term you normally cannot leave early without a break clause or the landlord's agreemen…

租约的固定期限，通常为6或12个月。固定期内，除非有解约条款或房东同意，一般不能提前退租——否则仍需支付租金。

Flat Neutral Neutral

The normal British word for an apartment — a home on one floor of a larger building. "Apartment" is understood but sounds American or is used for fancy new bui…

英式英语中"公寓"的常用说法——大楼中一层的住宅。"Apartment"也能听懂，但显得美式，或多用于高档新楼盘。"Block of flats"指公…

Flatmate / housemate Informal Neutral

A person you share a flat (flatmate) or house (housemate) with. The American word is "roommate", but in the UK a roommate would share your actual bedroom. Choo…

与你合租公寓（flatmate）或房子（housemate）的人。美式说法是"roommate"，但在英国 roommate 指同住一间卧室的人。选对室友和…

Furnished Neutral Neutral

The property comes with furniture: beds, wardrobes, sofa, table and usually white goods. Most student lets are furnished. Check the inventory so you know exact…

房屋带家具出租：床、衣柜、沙发、桌子，通常还有大家电。大多数学生房都是带家具的。核对物品清单，弄清具体包含什么及其状况。

Garden flat Neutral Neutral

A ground-floor or basement flat with access to a garden. Sounds lovely, but check the light — "garden flat" is sometimes a polite way of saying basement. Visit…

带花园使用权的底层或地下层公寓。听起来很美，但要注意采光——"garden flat"有时是"地下室"的委婉说法。最好在一天中不同时间去…

Gas safety certificate Formal Neutral

By law, landlords must have all gas appliances checked every year by a Gas Safe registered engineer and give tenants a copy of the certificate (CP12). If you h…

法律规定房东须每年请 Gas Safe 注册工程师检查所有燃气设备，并向租客提供证书（CP12）副本。如果从没见过这份证书，应主动索…

Ground floor Neutral Neutral

The floor at street level. Important: in the UK this is NOT the "first floor". Buildings count ground floor, then first floor, then second floor. So a "first-f…

与街道齐平的楼层。注意：在英国这不叫"first floor"。英国楼层从 ground floor 数起，往上才是 first floor、second floor。所…

Guarantor Neutral Neutral

A person (usually UK-based) who legally promises to pay your rent if you cannot. Landlords often ask students for one. If you have no UK guarantor, you may be …

担保人：以法律形式承诺在你付不起房租时替你支付的人（通常须在英国）。房东常要求学生提供担保人。若没有英国担保人，可能需…

HMO (house in multiple occupation) Formal Neutral

A property rented by three or more people from different households who share facilities — most student houses are HMOs. Larger HMOs must be licensed by the co…

由三个及以上非同一家庭的人合租并共用设施的房屋——大多数学生合租房都是 HMO。较大的 HMO 必须获得地方政府许可，需满足防火门…

Holding deposit Neutral Neutral

Money you pay to reserve a property while checks are done, legally capped at one week's rent in England. If you go ahead, it usually counts towards your first …

为"预定"房源而付的定金，在检查（审核）期间为你保留房子。在英格兰法律规定上限为一周房租。如果租约达成，通常会抵扣首期款…

House share Neutral Neutral

Renting a private room in a house and sharing the kitchen, bathroom and living room with other tenants. The cheapest common option for students and young profe…

在一栋房子里租一个独立房间，与其他租客共用厨房、卫生间和客厅。是学生和年轻上班族最常见的省钱选择。SpareRoom 等网站有大…

In high demand Neutral Depends on context

Agent language meaning "many people want this property — decide fast". Sometimes true, sometimes pressure tactics to rush you. Never let it push you into payin…

中介用语，意为"很多人抢这套房——要快点决定"。有时属实，有时只是催促你的销售手段。绝不要因此在看房前付款，或签没读过的合…

Inventory Neutral Neutral

A detailed list, usually with photos, of the property's condition and contents when you move in. Check it carefully, add your own photos, and report mistakes w…

入住时房屋状况和物品的详细清单，通常附照片。要仔细核对、自己补拍照片，并在规定时间内报告错误——它是退押金时最重要的证据。

Joint tenancy Neutral Neutral

One contract signed by all housemates together. Important: you are usually all responsible for the whole rent — if one person leaves or stops paying, the other…

全体室友共同签署的一份合同。注意：通常所有人共同承担全部房租——如果有人搬走或不付钱，其余人必须补上。与不熟的人合签前务…

Kitchenette Neutral Neutral

A very small kitchen area, often just a hob, sink, microwave and mini fridge along one wall. Common in studios and bedsits. Fine for simple cooking, hard for a…

非常小的厨房区，通常只有一面墙的灶台、水槽、微波炉和小冰箱。常见于 studio 和 bedsit。做简餐没问题，想炒几个菜请朋友吃饭…

Landlord Neutral Neutral

The person (or company) who owns the property you rent. A woman is sometimes called a landlady. Your landlord is responsible for most major repairs, gas safety…

你所租房屋的所有者（个人或公司）。女性房东有时称 landlady。房东负责主要维修、燃气安全并保护你的押金。

Lead tenant Neutral Neutral

In a shared house, the one tenant chosen as the main contact for the landlord or deposit scheme. The lead tenant may receive the deposit back for everyone, so …

合租中被指定为房东或押金计划主要联系人的租客。押金可能统一退给 lead tenant，所以要提前商量好如何分配。

Letting agent Neutral Neutral

A company that manages rentals for landlords: advertising, viewings, contracts and sometimes repairs. You often deal with the agent, not the landlord. Their se…

替房东管理出租事务的公司：发布广告、安排看房、签合同，有时还负责维修。租客通常打交道的是中介而非房东。因多数租客费用被…

Letting fees / Tenant Fees Act Neutral Neutral

In England, most letting agent fees to tenants are banned. Agents cannot charge you for viewings, referencing or "admin". They can only take rent, a capped dep…

在英格兰，中介向租客收取的大部分费用已被禁止。中介不能收取看房费、审核费或"手续费"，只能收房租、有上限的押金和预定金及…

Live-in landlord Neutral Neutral

A landlord who lives in the same property as the people renting rooms. Adverts may say "living with live-in landlord". Ask about house rules, guests and kitche…

与租客同住一套房的房东。广告可能写"与房东同住"。同意入住前，先问清家规、访客政策和厨房使用规则。

Lodger Neutral Neutral

Someone who rents a room in the home where the owner also lives. Lodgers have fewer legal rights than tenants — for example, shorter notice. It can be a cheap,…

在房主自住的房子里租一个房间的人。Lodger 的法律权利比普通租客少，例如通知期更短。这种方式便宜灵活，但建议先在 Shelter …

Maisonette Neutral Neutral

A flat spread over two floors with its own front door, often above a shop or as part of a converted house. It feels more like a small house than a flat, and us…

跨两层、有独立入户门的公寓，常位于商铺楼上或由住宅改建。感觉更像小型独立住宅，通常没有公共走廊。

Meter readings Neutral Neutral

The numbers on your gas and electricity meters showing how much you have used. Take photos of the readings on your first and last day — this stops you paying f…

煤气表和电表上显示用量的读数。入住第一天和退租最后一天都要拍照记录——避免替上一任或下一任租客付电费。

Mould Neutral Neutral

Black or green spots of fungus that grow in damp places — around windows, in bathrooms, behind wardrobes. It can affect health, so report it to your landlord i…

潮湿处滋生的黑色或绿色霉斑——常见于窗边、浴室、衣柜后。霉菌可能影响健康，应书面报告房东。英式拼写为"mould"，美式为"mold"…

Move-in date Neutral Neutral

The day your tenancy starts and you can collect the keys. Rent is usually charged from this date even if you arrive later, so try to match it to your travel pl…

租约开始、可以拿钥匙的日子。房租通常从这一天开始计算，即使你晚些才入住，所以尽量与行程安排一致。

New build Neutral Neutral

A recently built property. Usually well insulated, with modern kitchens and bathrooms, but rooms can be smaller than in older houses. "New-build development" m…

新建成的房产。通常保温好、厨卫现代，但房间可能比老房子小。"New-build development"指整片新建小区。

No DSS Informal Depends on context

An old phrase meaning "no tenants on housing benefits" (DSS was a former government department). Courts have ruled blanket "No DSS" policies can be unlawful di…

旧用语，意为"不租给领取住房补助者"（DSS 是过去的政府部门名）。法院已裁定一刀切的"No DSS"政策可能构成非法歧视，但这种态…

Notice period Neutral Neutral

The amount of warning you must give (usually in writing) before ending a tenancy — often one month for tenants on a rolling contract. Landlords must also give …

终止租约前必须提前（通常书面）通知的时间——按月滚动租约的租客通常需提前一个月。房东也须依法提前通知。现行规则见 Shelter。

Open-plan Neutral Neutral

A layout where the kitchen and living area are one big room without dividing walls. Modern and sociable, but cooking smells travel and there is less privacy in…

厨房与起居区连成一个大空间、没有隔墙的格局。现代且适合社交，但做饭气味会飘散，合租时私密性也差一些。

Part-furnished Neutral Neutral

Somewhere between furnished and unfurnished — perhaps white goods, wardrobes and curtains but no beds or sofa. The meaning varies a lot, so always ask for an e…

介于带家具和不带家具之间——可能有大家电、衣柜和窗帘，但没有床和沙发。具体含义差别很大，签约前一定索要确切清单。

PCM Neutral Neutral

Short for "per calendar month". A rent of £800 PCM means you pay £800 every month. This is the most common way rent is shown in UK adverts.

"per calendar month"（每个日历月）的缩写。£800 PCM 表示每月房租800英镑。这是英国租房广告中最常见的租金标注方式。

Period property Neutral Neutral

A house or flat from an earlier era — Victorian, Edwardian or Georgian. Adverts praise the "character" and "original features" (fireplaces, high ceilings), but…

早期年代（维多利亚、爱德华或乔治时期）的房产。广告会夸赞其"特色"和"原始细节"（壁炉、高天花板），但老房子可能漏风、潮湿…

Periodic tenancy (rolling contract) Neutral Neutral

A tenancy that continues month by month after the fixed term ends, often called a "rolling contract". It gives flexibility: you can usually leave with one mont…

固定期结束后按月自动延续的租约，常称"rolling contract"。灵活性高：通常提前一个月通知即可退租，但房东也更容易终止租约或…

Permit parking Neutral Neutral

Streets where only residents with a paid council permit can park. Adverts may say "residents' permit parking" or "off-street parking" (a private driveway or sp…

只有持地方政府付费许可证的居民才能停车的街道。广告可能写"residents' permit parking"（居民许可停车）或"off-street parkin…

Pets considered Neutral Neutral

The landlord might allow a pet — ask and they will decide case by case. "No pets" means not allowed (though you can still ask politely). Never hide a pet: it u…

房东可能允许养宠物——需询问后逐例决定。"No pets"表示不允许（但礼貌询问也无妨）。切勿偷偷养宠物：这通常违反合同。

Prepayment meter (top-up meter) Neutral Neutral

A meter you must "top up" with money before you can use gas or electricity, using an app, card or key. If the credit runs out, the power stops. Energy usually …

需要先充值才能用气用电的表，通过手机应用、充值卡或钥匙充值。余额用完就断电。这种方式的电价通常更贵，租房前要问清房子是…

Professionals only Neutral Depends on context

The landlord only wants working tenants with salaries, not students or people on benefits. Common in adverts for smarter house shares. As a student you can sti…

房东只想租给有工资收入的上班族，不接受学生或领福利者。常见于条件较好的合租房广告。学生也不妨一问——有英国担保人或愿意预…

Purpose-built Neutral Neutral

A building constructed as flats from the start, rather than converted from a house. Usually better soundproofing and layouts, often with lifts and communal ent…

一开始就作为公寓建造的楼，而非住宅改建。通常隔音和格局更好，常有电梯和公共入口。"Purpose-built student accommodation"（…

PW Neutral Neutral

Short for "per week". Some adverts, especially in London and for student rooms, show rent per week. Careful: £200 PW is about £867 a month (multiply by 52, div…

"per week"（每周）的缩写。有些广告（尤其是伦敦和学生房）按周标租金。注意：£200 PW 约等于每月867英镑（乘52再除以12），而…

Radiator Neutral Neutral

The metal panel on the wall that gives out heat from the central heating. Most have a valve you can turn to control the heat in that room. If a radiator is col…

装在墙上、通过集中供暖散热的金属暖气片。多数带阀门，可调节该房间温度。如果暖气片上半部分不热，可能需要"放气"（排出积存…

Reception room Formal Neutral

Estate-agent language for a living room, lounge or dining room — any main room that is not a bedroom, kitchen or bathroom. "Two reception rooms" usually means …

房产中介用语，指客厅、起居室或餐厅——即卧室、厨房、卫生间以外的主要房间。"Two reception rooms"通常指一个客厅加一个独立餐…

Referencing checks Neutral Neutral

Checks done before you can rent: credit history, income or student status, and references from previous landlords or your employer/university. They usually tak…

租房前的审核：信用记录、收入或学生身份，以及前房东、雇主或学校的推荐信。通常需要几天。国际学生可能被要求提供额外材料。

Rent arrears Neutral Neutral

Rent that you owe because you have missed payments. Arrears can affect your references and, if they build up, the landlord can start steps to end the tenancy. …

欠付的房租。欠租会影响你的租房推荐信，累积过多时房东可以启动终止租约的程序。如遇困难，尽早与房东沟通——Shelter 提供免费…

Rent in advance Neutral Neutral

Paying several months' rent up front, often asked of international students who have no UK guarantor or credit history. Six months in advance is common. Get a …

预付几个月的房租，常见于没有英国担保人或信用记录的国际学生。预付六个月很常见。务必索要收据，并确保写进合同。

Rent increase Neutral Neutral

When the landlord puts the rent up, usually at renewal time. During a fixed term the rent can normally only rise if the contract allows it. You can try to nego…

房东上调房租，通常发生在续约时。固定租期内，除非合同允许，房租一般不能上涨。你可以尝试协商。Shelter 网站有简明的规则说…

Reporting repairs Neutral Neutral

Telling the landlord or agent about problems: broken boiler, leaks, damp, broken locks. Always report in writing (email or the agent's portal) and keep copies …

向房东或中介报告问题：锅炉故障、漏水、潮湿、门锁损坏等。务必书面报告（邮件或中介系统）并保留副本——如果问题拖着不修，这…

Right to rent check Formal Neutral

By law in England, landlords must check that every adult tenant is allowed to live in the UK before the tenancy starts. You show your passport and visa, or a g…

按英格兰法律，房东在租约开始前必须核查每位成年租客是否有权在英国居住。你需要出示护照和签证，或政府的 share code。官方流…

Rightmove / Zoopla Neutral Neutral

The two biggest UK property websites, listing whole flats and houses to rent from letting agents. Almost every agent-managed rental appears there. For single r…

英国最大的两个房产网站，汇集中介发布的整租公寓和房屋。几乎所有中介管理的房源都会在上面出现。若找合租单间，SpareRoom 通…

Section 21 notice Formal Neutral

A formal notice a landlord in England can use to end an assured shorthold tenancy without giving a reason, following strict legal rules and time limits. If you…

英格兰房东用来终止 AST 租约的正式通知，无需说明理由，但必须遵守严格的法律程序和期限。收到后不要慌，也不要立刻搬走——先通…

Semi-detached Neutral Neutral

A house joined to one neighbouring house, sharing a single wall — often just called a "semi". The classic British family home, usually with a garden. Quieter t…

与一户邻居共用一面墙的房子，常简称"semi"。是最经典的英国家庭住宅，通常带花园。比排屋安静，比独栋便宜。

Short let Neutral Neutral

A rental for weeks or a few months rather than a year — useful when you first arrive and want time to find a proper home. Usually furnished with bills included…

以周或数月为期的短租，而非一年——刚到英国、想慢慢找长期住处时很有用。通常带家具且含账单，但月租明显高于普通租约。

Single room Neutral Neutral

A bedroom with a single bed, smaller and cheaper than a double. Note: it means the room size, not "for one person" — almost all rooms in UK house shares are fo…

放单人床的卧室，比双人间小且便宜。注意：它指房间大小，而不是"限住一人"——英国合租房的房间本来几乎都是单人住。

Smart meter Neutral Neutral

A modern meter that sends readings to the energy supplier automatically, usually with a small in-home display showing what you are spending in pounds. No manua…

自动向能源公司发送读数的新型电表/气表，通常配有小型显示器，实时显示花费金额。无需手动抄表，账单按实际用量计算。

Sought-after area Neutral Neutral

Advert language for a popular, desirable neighbourhood — and a warning that the price reflects it. "Sought-after" literally means many people want to live ther…

广告用语，指受欢迎、抢手的地段——同时也暗示价格不菲。"Sought-after"字面意思是很多人想住在那里。最好自己在不同时间段去实…

SpareRoom Neutral Neutral

The UK's biggest website for finding rooms in house shares and flatmates. You can message advertisers and attend "speed-flatmating" events. Watch for scams: ne…

英国最大的合租房和室友寻找网站。可以给发布者发消息，还有"闪电找室友"活动。谨防诈骗：没实地看房或视频连线看房前，绝不要…

Standing order Neutral Neutral

An instruction to your bank to pay a fixed amount regularly, for example your rent on the 1st of each month. You control it, unlike a Direct Debit which the co…

委托银行定期支付固定金额，例如每月1号自动付房租。与由收款方控制的直接扣款（Direct Debit）不同，standing order 由你自己…

Student council tax exemption Neutral Neutral

A household where everyone is a full-time student normally pays no council tax, but you must apply to the council with proof from your university. If you live …

全员都是全日制学生的住户通常无需缴市政税，但必须凭学校证明向地方政府申请。若与非学生同住，可能只能减免部分。申请方法见 …

Student let Neutral Neutral

A property rented specifically to students, usually on a 12-month joint contract starting in summer, advertised from autumn the year before. Landlords expect a…

专门租给学生的房源，通常是从夏季开始的12个月联合合同，前一年秋天就开始招租。房东一般要求每个学生提供担保人。"再不签就没…

Studio (flat) Neutral Neutral

A small flat where the bedroom, living area and kitchen are all one room, with a separate bathroom. Popular with students who want privacy. Check the size — so…

卧室、起居区和厨房合为一室的小公寓，卫生间独立。受想要独立空间的学生欢迎。注意面积——有些 studio 真的非常小。

Subletting Neutral Neutral

Renting out your room or flat to someone else while you are the tenant, for example over the summer. Most contracts ban it without the landlord's written permi…

在你是租客期间把房间或整套房转租给别人，例如暑假期间。大多数合同禁止未经房东书面同意的转租，违反可能导致租约被终止。务…

Tenancy agreement Formal Neutral

The written contract between you and the landlord: rent, deposit, length, rules and responsibilities. Read every page before signing and keep a copy. If anythi…

你与房东之间的书面合同：房租、押金、租期、规则和双方责任。签字前逐页阅读并保留副本。有不明白之处，Shelter 和 Citizens A…

Tenancy deposit Neutral Neutral

Money (capped at five weeks' rent for most tenancies in England) that the landlord holds in case of damage or unpaid rent. It must be protected in a government…

押金（英格兰大多数租约上限为五周房租），房东留存以防损坏或欠租。押金必须存入政府认可的保护计划，租约结束时如无问题会退…

Tenancy renewal Neutral Neutral

Signing a new fixed-term contract when the old one ends, instead of letting it roll monthly. Agents often contact you 2–3 months before the end. Renewal is a n…

旧合同到期时签订新的固定期合同，而不是转为按月滚动。中介通常在到期前两三个月联系你。续约是谈房租或要求维修的好时机。

Tenant Neutral Neutral

The person renting the property — you. Tenants must pay rent on time, look after the property and report problems. In return they have legal rights, explained …

租客——也就是你。租客须按时交租、爱护房屋并及时报告问题，同时享有法律权利。GOV.UK 和 Shelter 有简明的权利说明。

Terraced house Neutral Neutral

A house joined to neighbours on both sides, built in a row. Very common in UK cities, especially older streets. An "end of terrace" only has a neighbour on one…

两侧都与邻居相连、成排而建的房子。在英国城市（尤其老街区）非常常见。"End of terrace"指排尾房，只有一侧有邻居。隔墙可能…

Thermostat Neutral Neutral

The control that sets the temperature for the central heating, often on the hallway wall or a smart device. Typical UK homes are set around 18–21°C. In house s…

设置集中供暖温度的控制器，常装在走廊墙上或为智能设备。英国家庭一般设在18–21°C。合租时恒温器容易引发矛盾——最好大家一起商…

TV licence Neutral Neutral

A yearly fee required by law to watch live TV on any channel or use BBC iPlayer — even on a laptop or phone. In a joint tenancy one licence covers the house; i…

法律规定观看任何频道的直播电视或使用 BBC iPlayer（哪怕在电脑或手机上）都须每年缴纳的执照费。联合租约一份执照覆盖全屋；…

Unfurnished Neutral Neutral

The property comes without furniture, though usually with carpets, curtains and often white goods. Common for family homes and long-term lets. Furnishing a pla…

不带家具出租，但通常有地毯、窗帘，常常也有大家电。家庭住房和长租常见。从零添置家具花费不小——要预留预算。

Utilities Neutral Neutral

The basic home services you pay for: gas, electricity and water (and often broadband is grouped with them). Unless bills are included, tenants set up accounts …

基础生活服务费：煤气、电、水（网络也常归入此类）。除非房租含账单，否则租客需自行与供应商开户，并与室友分摊费用。

Viewing Neutral Neutral

A visit to see a property before renting it. Book through the agent or landlord. At a viewing, check for damp, water pressure, phone signal and noise — and nev…

租房前的实地看房。通过中介或房东预约。看房时检查潮湿、水压、手机信号和噪音——切勿为没看过的房子付款。

Water rates Neutral Neutral

The water bill, paid to the regional water company. Some homes have a water meter (pay for what you use); others pay a fixed yearly amount. You cannot choose y…

水费，交给所在地区的自来水公司。有些住宅装水表（按用量付费），有些按固定年费缴纳。水务公司不能自选——每个地区只有一家。

White goods Neutral Neutral

Large kitchen appliances: fridge, freezer, washing machine, dishwasher, cooker. Called "white goods" because they were traditionally white. Adverts often say "…

大型厨房电器：冰箱、冰柜、洗衣机、洗碗机、炉灶。因传统上多为白色而得名。即使不带家具的房源，广告也常注明"含大家电"。

Would suit… Neutral Neutral

Advert phrase describing the ideal tenant: "would suit professional couple" or "would suit students". It signals who the landlord prefers. Landlords cannot dis…

广告用语，描述理想租客："适合职场情侣"或"适合学生"。它暗示房东偏好的租客类型。房东不得进行非法歧视，但可以对不吸烟、不…

Zero-deposit scheme Neutral Neutral

Instead of a full deposit, you pay a smaller non-refundable fee (often one week's rent) to an insurance company. It sounds cheaper, but you never get that fee …

"零押金"方案：不交全额押金，而是向保险公司付一笔较小且不退还的费用（通常为一周房租）。听起来便宜，但这笔钱不会退还，退…