Glossary

24/7 management

Continuous property management and support services available around the clock, including emergency response and tenant assistance.

Adapted units

Purpose-built or modified housing units adapted to meet specific accessibility or resident needs, enabling residents with particular requirements to live independently or with appropriate support.

Accreditations

Recognised credentials earned by the company or its staff from industry bodies that demonstrate capability and compliance.

Acquisitions

The process of identifying, evaluating, and purchasing new properties or portfolios to add to the company’s management or asset base.

Allocations and lettings

The policy-driven process of prioritising, granting, and managing residency offers for vacant properties to eligible applicants in accordance with waiting lists, priorities, and residency rules.

Anti-social behaviour

Actions or conduct by tenants or residents that disrupts the rights of others to enjoy their homes or the community, including harassment, noise, or intimidation, reported to management for resolution.

Asbestos management

Identification, assessment, and control of asbestos-containing materials to minimise risk to residents and workers, including surveying and remediation plans.

Boroughs

Administrative subdivisions within a city or region used for planning, services, and governance relevant to housing management.

Building management systems

Integrated controls and software that monitor and manage building services (e.g., energy use, alarms, lifts) to optimise performance.

Certified

Demonstrated compliance or qualification confirmed by an authorised body, such as safety, financial, or management certifications.

Communities

The groups of residents, neighbours, and stakeholders within a locality or housing scheme, encompassing social, safety, and engagement initiatives.

Compliance

Adherence to legal, regulatory, and contractual requirements governing housing management, health and safety, data protection, and financial controls.

Comprehensive service delivery

A holistic, unified approach to delivering all property management services, tenancy management, maintenance, compliance, construction, and resident support, within a single coordination framework.

Construction

The end-to-end process of planning, designing, procuring, and building new properties or major upgrades.

Emergency accommodation

Immediate housing provision for individuals or families in crisis, typically when no suitable permanent accommodation is available.

Emergency repairs

Critical maintenance work needed to resolve immediate safety or comfort risks, outside normal operating hours or timelines.

End to end management

The full lifecycle of property management from acquisition or development through tenancy management, maintenance, compliance, and eventual disposal or renewal.

EPC certification

Energy Performance Certificate evidence showing the energy efficiency rating of a building, used for compliance and informing improvements.

Equity, diversity and inclusion

Policies and practices that promote fair treatment, access, and representation across all staff, residents, and communities, fostering a respectful and inclusive culture.

Facilities management

The coordination and delivery of services that keep buildings and environments functioning.

Fire risk assessment

A formal review of a building’s fire hazards, safety measures, and evacuation procedures to reduce fire risk and ensure occupant safety.

Guaranteed rent

A rental assurance arrangement where the landlord or asset owner is guaranteed a baseline rent, reducing income risk.

HMO (House in Multiple Occupation)

A property rented to three or more tenants who share certain facilities (kitchen or cooking appliances), requiring specific licensing, safety standards, and tenancy management.

Housing officer

A designated member of staff responsible for resident support, and liaison with residents and partners within a property or portfolio.

Housing partner

An external organisation collaborating to deliver housing services and tenancy management.

HVAC systems

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems that regulate indoor climate, air quality, and comfort.

Investor

An individual or organisation that finances property assets or portfolios.

Landlords

Property owners or their managers who lease properties to tenants; in social housing, often engaged through partnerships or tenancy arrangements.

Lease agreement

The legally binding contract between landlord and resident outlining rent, responsibilities, duration, and conditions of occupancy.

Legionella risk assessment certificate

Documentation confirming assessment and control measures for Legionella bacteria in water systems, protecting resident health.

Licence

A formal permit or agreement authorising use of property, site access, or specific activities (e.g., HMO licensing, occupancy licenses, or other regulatory approvals).

Local authority

The municipal or regional council responsible for local services, housing strategy, homelessness initiatives, and regulatory compliance.

Maintenance

Scheduled and reactive activities to preserve and repair building fabric, systems, and components to ensure safety, compliance, and resident satisfaction.

Our partners

Local authorities, charities, and housing partners are external organisations, suppliers, and stakeholders that collaborate with Connect.

Out of hours emergencies

Urgent issues that arise outside standard working hours requiring immediate attention to prevent harm or significant property damage.

Project portfolio 

The collection of active construction, refurbishment, and major works projects managed by the company, including timelines, budgets, and outcomes.

Purpose designed accommodation

Units built specifically to meet defined resident needs or service requirements, often with built-in accessibility or support features.

Residents

People living in the Connect or our partners properties, including tenants, leaseholders, and those occupying temporary accommodation.

Responsive repairs

Repairs attended to promptly after a fault is reported, prioritised by urgency and impact on safety and occupancy.

Social housing

Rental housing owned or managed by registered providers or local authorities, designed to meet housing needs and prioritise vulnerable households.

Stakeholders

Individuals or organisations with an interest in the company’s activities and outcomes, including residents, funders, regulators, suppliers, and partner agencies.

Temporary accommodation

Short-term housing provided to individuals or families while permanent housing is secured.

Utilities and council tax

Management of utility services (gas, electricity, water, telecommunications) and council tax obligations associated with properties.

Vacancies

Properties or roles that are unoccupied or unfilled, currently available for letting or recruitment.

Void period

The interval between tenancies when a property is unoccupied and not generating rent, during which essential preparations or works may occur.