| No. | Item | Definition |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | abatement | reduction of rent owed |
| 2. | access | right to enter or use |
| 3. | affidavit | sworn written statement |
| 4. | affordability | ability to pay housing costs |
| 5. | appeal | request for higher review |
| 6. | application | request to rent a unit |
| 7. | arrears | overdue rent still unpaid |
| 8. | assignment | transfer of lease rights |
| 9. | background check | review of past records |
| 10. | bankruptcy | legal process for debt relief |
| 11. | breach | breaking a legal duty |
| 12. | code | building or housing rules |
| 13. | complaint | formal statement of a problem |
| 14. | compliance | following legal or lease rules |
| 15. | cosigner | person sharing payment responsibility |
| 16. | credit check | review of borrowing history |
| 17. | cure | fix a lease violation |
| 18. | damages | money for loss or harm |
| 19. | deduction | amount subtracted from deposit |
| 20. | default | failure to meet obligations |
| 21. | denial | refusal of an application |
| 22. | deposit | money held against damage or loss |
| 23. | discrimination | unfair treatment based on status |
| 24. | documentation | records showing facts |
| 25. | eligibility | meeting requirements for a program |
| 26. | emergency | urgent dangerous situation |
| 27. | entry | landlord coming into the unit |
| 28. | escrow | money held by a third party |
| 29. | eviction | forced removal from rental housing |
| 30. | evidence | proof supporting a claim |
| 31. | fee | charge for a service |
| 32. | filing | submitting papers to court |
| 33. | fixed term | lease with set end date |
| 34. | foreclosure | loss of property over debt |
| 35. | grace period | extra time before penalty |
| 36. | grievance | formal complaint about unfair treatment |
| 37. | guarantor | person promising to pay |
| 38. | habitability | fitness for safe living |
| 39. | harassment | repeated abusive or threatening conduct |
| 40. | hazard | source of danger or risk |
| 41. | hearing | formal proceeding before a decision |
| 42. | holdover | staying after lease ends |
| 43. | house rules | building conduct requirements |
| 44. | income | money received from work benefits |
| 45. | infestation | presence of pests in property |
| 46. | inspection | official check of property condition |
| 47. | itemization | detailed list of charges |
| 48. | judgment | court’s final decision |
| 49. | landlord | property owner who rents out |
| 50. | late fee | penalty for overdue rent |
| 51. | lease | rental contract for a home |
| 52. | liability | legal responsibility for harm |
| 53. | lien | legal claim against property |
| 54. | lockout | illegal exclusion from the unit |
| 55. | mailing | sending notice by mail |
| 56. | maintenance | upkeep of property and systems |
| 57. | mediation | assisted settlement discussion |
| 58. | modification | physical change for accessibility |
| 59. | mold | fungus growth in housing |
| 60. | month-to-month | tenancy renewing each month |
| 61. | negligence | failure to use reasonable care |
| 62. | notice | formal written warning or information |
| 63. | nuisance | conduct interfering with enjoyment |
| 64. | occupant | person living in the unit |
| 65. | organizing | coordinating people for collective action |
| 66. | overcharge | charging more than allowed |
| 67. | pet policy | rules about animals in housing |
| 68. | posting | notice placed on property |
| 69. | premises | the property being rented |
| 70. | privacy | freedom from unwanted intrusion |
| 71. | quiet enjoyment | right to peaceful occupancy |
| 72. | receipt | proof of payment received |
| 73. | reference | person giving rental information |
| 74. | refund | money returned to tenant |
| 75. | remedy | legal way to fix harm |
| 76. | renewal | extension of a lease term |
| 77. | rent | payment for use of housing |
| 78. | repairs | fixes needed in the unit |
| 79. | retaliation | punishment for asserting rights |
| 80. | screening | review of applicant background |
| 81. | settlement | agreement resolving a dispute |
| 82. | shutoff | cutting off essential service |
| 83. | stipulation | formal agreement in a case |
| 84. | sublet | renting to another tenant temporarily |
| 85. | subsidy | financial help for housing costs |
| 86. | succession | taking over tenancy rights |
| 87. | summons | official notice to appear |
| 88. | tenancy | state of renting a property |
| 89. | tenant | person renting a home |
| 90. | termination | ending of a rental agreement |
| 91. | transfer | move to another unit |
| 92. | utilities | essential services like water power |
| 93. | vacate | leave the rental unit |
| 94. | violation | breach of law or rule |
| 95. | voucher | subsidy document for housing assistance |
| 96. | waiver | voluntary giving up of rights |
| 97. | walk-through | inspection before or after move |
| 98. | wear and tear | normal aging from ordinary use |
| 99. | withholding | keeping back rent payment |
| 100. | zoning | land use regulation rules |
