LightWork AI Glossary
Your quick-reference guide to the key terms in property management, compliance, and proptech. We simplify complex property and compliance language so you can focus on what matters most.
A
Agentic AI
Definition: A form of artificial intelligence that acts proactively and autonomously, making decisions to achieve goals rather than waiting for instructions.
Why it matters: In property management, agentic AI could manage compliance, maintenance and tenant communication without constant human oversight.
LightWork angle: LightWork automation is paving the way for agentic AI in property.
AST (Assured Shorthold Tenancy)
Definition: The most common form of tenancy agreement in England and Wales, giving landlords the right to regain possession at the end of a fixed term.
Why it matters: Under the Renters’ Rights Bill, all ASTs will convert to periodic tenancies.
LightWork angle: LightWork automation is paving the way for agentic AI in property.
Automation in Property Management
Definition: The use of software to complete routine property tasks such as reminders, renewals and scheduling automatically.
Why it matters: Reduces manual admin, lowers risk, and frees up property managers’ time.
Lightwork angle: Lightwork automates compliance deadlines, repairs and tenant updates.
B
Block management
Definition: A form of artificial intelligence that acts proactively and autonomously, making decisions to achieve goals rather than waiting for instructions.
Why it matters: In property management, agentic AI could manage compliance, maintenance and tenant communication without constant human oversight.
Lightwork angle: Lightwork automation is paving the way for agentic AI in property.
C
Chatbots for Tenants
Definition: AI-driven tools that provide instant support to tenants through chat apps or websites.
Why it matters: Tenants expect fast responses across multiple channels.
Lightwork angle: Lightwork supports tenant communication in 200+ languages.
CP12 (Gas Safety Certificate)
See Gas Safety Certificate
Compliance
Definition: Meeting legal and regulatory requirements in property management, from gas safety to tenancy law.
Why it matters: Non-compliance carries heavy fines, legal risk and reputational damage.
Lightwork angle: Compliance automation is Lightwork’s core strength.
D
Decent Home Standard
Definition: Government standard defining minimum property condition. Expanding to private rentals in 2026.
Why it matters: Landlords must ensure properties meet health, safety and comfort requirements.
Lightwork angle: Lightwork flags upcoming inspections to ensure compliance.
Digital Twin
Definition: A virtual replica of a building or asset used for monitoring and optimisation.
Why it matters: Helps landlords predict maintenance needs and improve efficiency.
Lightwork angle: Lightwork’s data aggregation supports digital twin applications.
E
EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report)
Definition: A safety inspection of electrical systems in rental properties. Required at least every five years.
Why it matters: Mandatory in England and Wales; critical for tenant safety.
Lightwork angle: Lightwork tracks expiries and schedules inspections.
EPC (Energy Performance Certificate)
Definition: Rates a property’s energy efficiency from A to G.
Why it matters: Required by law for rental properties, with minimum standards.
Lightwork angle: Lightwork monitors EPC expiry dates across portfolios.
F
Fire Risk Assessment (FRA)
Definition: An inspection of fire hazards and safety measures in a property.
Why it matters: Required for most multi-occupancy buildings.
Lightwork angle: Lightwork schedules and stores FRA reports for audit-readiness.
Freehold vs Leasehold
Definition: Freehold means owning the building and land outright; leasehold means owning property for a fixed term under a lease.
Why it matters: Impacts landlord obligations and compliance responsibility.
Lightwork angle: Lightwork adapts workflows for freehold and leasehold management.
G
Gas Safety Certificate (CP12)
Definition: Confirms a property’s gas appliances and installations are safe, valid for 12 months.
Why it matters: Legal requirement for landlords.
Lightwork angle: Lightwork automates scheduling and certificate storage.
H
HMO (House in Multiple Occupation)
Definition: A property rented by at least three tenants forming more than one household, with shared facilities.
Why it matters: HMOs carry stricter licensing and compliance requirements.
Lightwork angle: Lightwork simplifies HMO compliance oversight.
HVAC
Definition: Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning systems.
Why it matters: Impacts landlord obligations and compliance responsibility.
Lightwork angle: Lightwork can integrate HVAC servicing into compliance schedules.
I
Internet of Things (IoT) in Property
Definition: Connected devices such as sensors, meters and alarms that transmit data in real time.
Why it matters: Improves predictive maintenance and safety monitoring.
Lightwork angle: Lightwork can ingest IoT data for smarter workflows.
L
Leasehold
See Freehold vs Leasehold
Legionella Risk Assessment
Definition: An assessment of water systems to prevent the spread of legionella bacteria.
Why it matters: Landlords must manage health risks in rental properties.
Lightwork angle: Lightwork automates legionella inspection tracking.
M
Machine Learning in Proptech
Definition: A subset of AI where algorithms learn from data to improve predictions.
Why it matters: Enables smarter decision-making in property management.
Lightwork angle: Lightwork applies machine learning to improve workflow accuracy.
MEES (Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards)
Definition: Legal standards requiring properties to meet a minimum EPC rating before being let.
Why it matters: Affects landlords’ ability to rent out properties.
Lightwork angle: Lightwork flags non-compliant EPCs.
Maintenance – Preventive
Definition: Regular scheduled upkeep to prevent property breakdowns.
Why it matters: Saves money long-term, avoids tenant dissatisfaction.
Lightwork angle: Lightwork automates preventive maintenance schedules.
N
Natural Language Processing (NLP)
Definition: A field of AI that enables computers to understand and respond to human language.
Why it matters: Used in chatbots and multilingual tenant communications.
Lightwork angle: Lightwork’s tenant comms use NLP to handle queries effectively.
P
PMS (Property Management System)
Definition: Software designed to manage leases, tenants, repairs, and compliance.
Why it matters: A central system reduces manual admin and errors.
Lightwork angle: Lightwork is a next-generation AI-powered PMS.
Proptech
Definition: Technology designed to improve, automate, or innovate property and real estate services.
Why it matters: Proptech is driving efficiency and digital transformation in the sector.
Lightwork angle: Lightwork is part of the new wave of proptech focused on compliance and AI.
Predictive Maintenance
Definition: The process of addressing tenant-reported issues and keeping properties in good condition.
Why it matters: Impacts tenant satisfaction and compliance.
Lightwork angle: Lightwork automates repair triage and contractor scheduling.
R
Repairs & Maintenance
Definition: The process of addressing tenant-reported issues and keeping properties in good condition.
Why it matters: Impacts tenant satisfaction and compliance.
Lightwork angle: Lightwork automates repair triage and contractor scheduling.
Renters’ Rights Bill (2025)
Definition: A UK housing reform bill abolishing Section 21 evictions, introducing periodic tenancies, rent caps, and extending the Decent Homes Standard.
Why it matters: Major changes for landlords and letting agents in 2026.
Lightwork angle: Lightwork helps landlords manage tenancy transitions and compliance.
Right-to-Rent Checks
Definition: Legal checks to confirm a tenant’s immigration status before granting tenancy.
Why it matters: Required by law; failure carries fines and penalties.
Lightwork angle: Lightwork automates Right-to-Rent workflows.
S
Section 8 Eviction
Definition: Legal grounds-based process landlords use to regain possession of a property.
Why it matters: Will replace Section 21 after the Renters’ Rights Bill comes into force.
Lightwork angle: Lightwork stores tenancy documentation for eviction compliance
Section 21 Eviction
Definition: Allows landlords to evict tenants without giving a reason.
Why it matters: Being abolished under the Renters’ Rights Bill.
Lightwork angle: Lightwork keeps tenancy records audit-ready as laws change.
Service Charge
Definition: Fees paid by leaseholders or tenants to cover communal property expenses.
Why it matters: Must be transparent and compliant with regulations.
Lightwork angle: Lightwork tracks service charge-related works.
Smart Building Technology
Definition: Use of IoT and digital systems to manage building performance and efficiency.
Why it matters: Improves energy efficiency, compliance and tenant experience.
Lightwork angle: Lightwork integrates with smart building data for compliance tracking.
Smoke Alarm Regulations
Definition: Laws requiring landlords to fit smoke and carbon monoxide alarms in rental properties.
Why it matters: Mandatory for tenant safety and landlord compliance.
Lightwork angle: Lightwork ensures alarm compliance checks are logged.
T
Tenant Onboarding
Definition: The process of bringing a new tenant into a property, including checks, contracts, and compliance.
Why it matters: Smooth onboarding builds trust and ensures legal compliance.
Lightwork angle: Lightwork automates onboarding, from qualification to contract.
Tenant Turnover / Void Periods
Definition: The time when a rental property is vacant between tenancies.
Why it matters: Affects landlord income and requires property upkeep.
Lightwork angle: Lightwork helps minimise voids with automated lettings workflows.