A New Residents Guide To Apartment Terminology In Plainfield

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

If you are searching for or have just relocated to your first apartment in Plainfield, you could encounter a term you don’t understand. You can always get in touch with the community’s leasing agents to ask for clarification, but many words are easily understandable with a quick glance at an apartment glossary.

Have you come across a term you didn’t know? Wish to be more informed while you apartment hunt? Use this list of apartment terminology in Plainfield to get more familiar with apartment life.

Apartment Terminology You Need To Know When Checking Out Plainfield Communities

Pristine pool surrounded by apartment buildings at Wheelhouse Apartments.
 
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A

Accessible apartment

A unit that is handicap accessible.

Addendum

An amendment to the primary lease document, such as a pet policy outlining rules around pets living on property.

Amenity

Additional features in an apartment or within the apartment community, such as in-unit washers and dryers or a community swimming pool and gym.

Applicant

Any person who applies for an apartment lease.

B

BR/BA

Bedrooms/Bathrooms. 2BR/2BA means two bedrooms and two bathrooms in the apartment.

Breed restrictions

Policies about what dog and animal breeds are not permitted to live in an apartment.

C

Common areas

Communal spaces available to all apartment Residents, such as the clubhouse, laundry facilities, green spaces, and community amenities.

Concession

Funds applied to your account because of overpayment or a special offer.

E

E-payments

Rent payments made digitally versus by check.

Elevator building

A multi-story apartment featuring elevators for Residents. These are generally four or more stories.

Eviction

The legal process of property owners terminating your lease agreement and removing you from your apartment as a result of you failing to comply with lease terms or community guidelines.

F

Fair housing laws

Laws that protect certain groups of people from housing discrimination.

G

Galley kitchen

A narrow kitchen with cabinets, counters, and appliances on both sides that are common in apartment floor plans.

Garden apartment

Apartment buildings up to three stories that are surrounded by wooded or grassy areas.

Grace period

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

Guarantor

A co-signer who takes financial responsibility for your lease if you fail to pay your rent.

I

Income requirement

A minimum income level you must reach to be eligible to rent an apartment.

L

Exterior shot of the Highpointe Apartments leasing office

Lease

A rental agreement that states the guidelines and terms of renting an apartment.

Lockout policy

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

Long-term

A rental agreement of no less than 12 months.

Luxury apartments

Apartments with appliances, community amenities, and upscale finishes that surpass builder-grade offerings.

M

Maintenance

The staff tasked with property repairs and maintenance. You should reach out to them if you need something fixed in your apartment.

Market rate

The current rent cost, according to what comparable apartments are going for in the surrounding area.

Multi-family

A building with multiple apartments meant to house many households.

O

Occupancy standards

Restrictions on the number of individuals who may live in an apartment.

Online portal

A convenient way for Residents to pay rent online, ask a question, request maintenance, and more.

P

Dog park at East Bank Noblesville Riverside Apartments

Pet policy

A community's rules for which animals are allowed or restricted and the costs associated with housing a pet on the premises.

Prorate

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

Prospect

A possible future Resident who is trying to find an apartment but has not agreed to a lease yet.

R

Renewal

The extension of your lease after its initial term ends.

Renters insurance

An insurance policy that covers specified personal property damage and loss in the event your apartment is impacted by a covered event.

Rent

The monthly cost you pay to live in your apartment.

S

Screen

Performing a background check and reviewing your past rental record during the application process.

Security deposit

Funds you submit before starting your rental term. It is intended to cover unpaid rent or damages once your lease is up. If you depart with no rent due or damage, you get your deposit back.

Short-term

A lease for less than 12 months.

T

Term

The duration of your lease contract.

Term fee

A charge you pay for terminating your lease early.

U

Utilities

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

W

Walk-up apartment

An apartment you access by flights of stairs rather than an elevator.

Crossing 5 Towns & Flats Is Happy To Answer Questions About Apartment Terminology In Plainfield

Bring all your questions about apartment vocabulary to the staff at Crossing 5! We’ll help you understand the leasing process and introduce you to our stunning apartments and community. Call us at (317) 561-0907 or book a tour to learn more about the amazing apartment living experience we provide.