Wording guidance

A quick reference for language that tends to carry risk and safer phrasing to use instead.

Deposits & feesHigh

Avoid: We guarantee your full deposit will be returned within 7 days.

Use: Deposit return depends on tenancy condition, scheme adjudication and statutory timescales.

DiscriminationHigh

Avoid: I have prioritised young families and ruled out housing benefit.

Use: I have assessed applicants against the same published affordability and referencing criteria.

PrivacyHigh

Avoid: I am attaching the full credit report and medical note.

Use: I can confirm the applicant meets the agreed referencing threshold.

ToneMedium

Avoid: You must pay immediately or the property is gone.

Use: Please confirm by the stated deadline so we can keep your application moving.