Property Management
Glossary

Learn the lingo when it comes to property management right here!

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
A
Amenities

The term "amenities" refers to the features or services that enhance the desirability of a property for its occupants or tenants. Amenities can be tangible or intangible and can vary depending on the type of property and the intended audience. Property managers are responsible for identifying, maintaining, and promoting amenities to attract and retain tenants, as well as to increase property values.

Ancillary Services

Ancillary services in the context of Homeowners' Association (HOA) management refer to additional services beyond the core responsibilities of managing the community.

Assessment

In property management, an assessment refers to a financial charge or fee levied on homeowners in a community, typically on a monthly or yearly basis.

B
Board of Directors

A group of homeowners who are elected by the community to make decisions about the operation and management of the homeowner's association (HOA).

Bylaws

In property management, bylaws refer to the rules and regulations that govern the operation of the homeowner's association (HOA).

C
CC&Rs

A legally binding document that outlines the rules and regulations that all homeowners in a community must follow.

Community Association Manager

A community association manager, also known as a CAM, is a professional who is responsible for managing the operations of a community association.

D
Declaration of covenants

A declaration of covenants is a legal document that outlines the various covenants, conditions, and restrictions (CC&Rs) for a property.

Dues

In property management, dues refer to the regular payments made by property owners or tenants for the maintenance and upkeep of common areas and amenities within a community or complex. These dues are usually collected by the property management company or homeowner's association (HOA) and are used to cover expenses such as landscaping, pool maintenance, trash removal, and other communal services.

F
Fine

In property management, a fine is a monetary penalty imposed on a tenant or property owner for violating the rules and regulations outlined in the lease agreement, community guidelines, or local laws. Fines are meant to deter bad behavior and promote compliance with the established standards for maintaining a safe, healthy, and harmonious living environment for all residents.

H
HOA

HOA stands for Homeowners Association. It is an organization that manages and governs a community of residential properties, such as townhouses, condominiums, or single-family homes. The purpose of an HOA is to maintain and improve the community's appearance, value, and quality of life for the residents.

High Rise Condominiums

High-rise condominiums are residential buildings that typically have 10 or more stories and offer individual units for purchase or rent. These properties are designed to provide luxurious living spaces with high-end amenities and breathtaking views. High-rise condominiums are often located in urban areas and offer convenient access to shopping, dining, and entertainment.

L
Lease

A lease is a legal contract between a property owner and a tenant that grants the tenant the right to occupy a property for a specific period of time. It is one of the most important documents in property management as it sets out the terms and conditions of the tenant's occupation of the property.

Lien

In property management, a lien is a legal claim or right that a creditor has over a property or asset as security for a debt or obligation owed by the property owner. Liens can be placed on a property by a variety of parties, including contractors, lenders, and government agencies.

M
Maintenance

Maintenance is an essential aspect of property management that involves the upkeep, repair, and improvement of a property. Maintenance can encompass a wide range of activities, from routine cleaning and landscaping to major repairs and renovations. The primary goal of maintenance is to ensure that a property is safe, functional, and appealing to tenants or occupants.

P
Property Management

Property management is a profession that involves the administration, operation, and oversight of real estate properties on behalf of property owners. The property manager acts as a liaison between the owner and the tenants, ensuring that the property is well-maintained, financially stable, and profitable.

Proxy

In property management, a proxy refers to a person who is authorized to act on behalf of another person, typically a property owner or landlord. The proxy has the legal authority to make decisions and take actions on behalf of the owner, such as attending meetings, signing documents, or making decisions related to the property.

R
Rental Agreement

A rental agreement is a legal contract between a property owner and a tenant that outlines the terms and conditions of renting a property. These agreements are a crucial part of property management, as they establish the expectations and responsibilities of both the landlord and tenant during the rental period.

T
Traditional Budgeting

Traditional budgeting is a financial management technique where the previous year's budget is used as the starting point for creating the upcoming year's budget. This approach involves adjusting the previous year's budget for inflation, revenue changes, and expected expenses. In property management, traditional budgeting involves taking the previous year's budget and making changes to reflect any anticipated changes in the property or expenses.

Z

Zero-based budgeting (ZBB) is a financial management technique where every expense must be justified and evaluated from scratch, without using the previous year's budget as a reference point. This means that instead of simply adjusting the previous year's budget up or down based on certain assumptions, every line item of the budget must be justified on its own merits.