Your Guide To Apartment Terminology In Westfield

April 16, 2026
Aerial wide view of the exterior of Penrose On Mass Apartments

If you are hunting for or have recently relocated to your first apartment in Westfield, you could run into a word or expression you aren’t familiar with. You can always contact the community’s leasing agents to clear things up, but most words are easy to decipher with a quick look at an apartment glossary.

Have you come across a term you didn’t recognize? Wish to be more informed while you hunt for apartments? Use this list of apartment terminology in Westfield to learn more about apartment living.

Apartment Terminology You Need To Know When Searching For Westfield Communities

Pristine pool surrounded by apartment buildings at Wheelhouse Apartments.
 
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A

Accessible apartment

A unit that is wheelchair accessible.

Addendum

An addition to the primary lease document, such as a Pet Addendum explaining policies on pets living on site.

Amenity

Additional features in an apartment or in the apartment community, such as an in-unit washer and dryer or a community pool and gym.

Applicant

Anyone who requests an apartment lease.

B

BR/BA

Bedrooms/Bathrooms. 2BR/2BA specifies two bedrooms and two bathrooms within the apartment.

Breed restrictions

Rules for what dog breeds are prohibited from living in an apartment.

C

Common areas

Communal spaces accessible by all Residents, such as the clubhouse, laundry rooms, property grounds, and community amenities.

Concession

Money credited to your account due to overpayment or a special discount.

E

E-payments

Rent payments made online as opposed to by check.

Elevator building

A multi-story apartment with elevators for Residents. These are typically four or more stories.

Eviction

The legal procedure of property management terminating your lease agreement and requiring you to vacate in response to your violating lease terms or community rules.

F

Fair housing laws

Laws that protect specific classes of people from housing discrimination.

G

Galley kitchen

A narrow kitchen with cabinets, counters, and appliances on either side that are frequently found in apartment floor plans.

Garden apartment

Apartment buildings as tall as three stories that are surrounded by grassy or tree-lined areas.

Grace period

A short period of time after your rent is due during which you can still remit payment without incurring late fees or other charges.

Guarantor

A lease co-signer who is held financially responsible if you fail to pay your rent.

I

Income requirement

An earnings threshold you must satisfy to be eligible to rent an apartment.

L

Exterior shot of the Highpointe Apartments leasing office

Lease

A rental contract that outlines the guidelines and terms of renting an apartment.

Lockout policy

A property's process for letting you into your apartment if you get locked out.

Long-term

A lease of at least 12 months.

Luxury apartments

Apartments with community amenities, appliances, and high-end finishes that exceed builder-grade offerings.

M

Maintenance

The team tasked with apartment repairs and maintenance. You should reach out to them if you have a repair need in your apartment.

Market rate

The current rent cost, according to prices of comparable apartments in the neighboring area.

Multi-family

A building with multiple apartment units built to serve many households.

O

Occupancy standards

Limits on the number of individuals who may reside in an apartment.

Online portal

A convenient internet platform for Residents to make online payments, communicate with staff, request a repair, and more.

P

Dog park at East Bank Noblesville Riverside Apartments

Pet policy

A community's guidelines for which animals are allowed or restricted and the costs associated with having a pet in your apartment.

Prorate

A per diem calculation of rent if you begin or end your tenancy halfway through a month, rather than charging you an entire month's rent.

Prospect

A potential apartment Resident who is searching for an apartment but hasn't agreed to a lease yet.

R

Renewal

The extension of your lease once the initial term is over.

Renters insurance

An insurance policy that covers specified personal property damage and loss in case your apartment is affected by a disaster.

Rent

The money you pay each month to occupy your apartment.

S

Screen

Performing a background check and evaluating your rental history during the application process.

Security deposit

A payment you make before moving into your apartment. It is designed to cover unpaid rent or damages upon moving out. If you vacate with no outstanding rent or damage, you receive your deposit back.

Short-term

A lease for less than 12 months.

T

Term

The length of your rental agreement.

Term fee

A fee you pay for canceling your lease early.

U

Utilities

Electricity, garbage removal, water, and gas. These may or may not be included in your rent.

W

Walk-up apartment

An apartment accessed by stairs rather than an elevator.

Wheelhouse Apartments on the Monon Is Ready To Answer Questions About Apartment Terminology In Westfield

Bring all your questions about apartment terminology to the staff at Wheelhouse! We’ll take you through the leasing process and show you around our lovely apartments and community. Call us at 463-223-4309 or book a tour to learn more about the amazing apartment lifestyle we provide.