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What is the difference between a Flat and an Apartment?
Not much! There generally is no difference. Occasionally, a landlord may refer to a 'flat" meaning an apartment that is generally more spacious than usual, and in a small building consisting of two or three, possibly four, other apartments. But in the U.S., flat and apartment are by and large interchangeable.
In-Law or Granny Units
"In-Law" apartments are very common in Berkeley.
These apartments are usually in the basement or attic of a house, or in the backyard, or over the garage. The home owner lives in the main house, and offers an apartment within the house for rent. In-Law units are usually configured as studios or one bedroom apartments and typically are offered for single occupancy.
A major advantage to In-Law units is that the cost of the utilities are included in the rent. A drawback can be noise from the main house (particularly if the home owner has children), and also, the home owner may not necessarily have the know-how to be a professional landlord. For example, the rental agreement might stipulate a non-refundable cleaning deposit, and the landlord may be unaware that this is illegal. |
