What is PCM in a room listing?

If you’ve ever searched for rental accommodation, you will have likely come across the abbreviation “PCM” or “Per Calendar Month.” PCM is a standard term used in the property rental market, primarily in the United Kingdom and some other countries.

Defining PCM – Per Calendar Month

PCM stands for “Per Calendar Month,” and it represents the amount of rent that a tenant is required to pay for their accommodation over the span of one month. The listings you will find in the Rooms for Rent section on the Cohabitas site show the rent per calendar month per room.

Please check the listing including the written description carefully, each landlord will specify whether this amount includes bills or not. Even for listings that state a monthly rent inclusive of bills, it’s always worth double-checking with the landlord if any bills need to be paid on top.

Some landlords are open to reducing the monthly rent in exchange for helping out with chores around the house, or for Monday to Friday lets. Check the field “Reduction for chores” and what each landlord has written in their room description.

How can I calculate rent per week?

If you would like to see how much rent this means per week, simply multiply the monthly rent (PCM) times 12 and divide by 52 (52 weeks in a year).

Example: Let’s say the monthly rent (PCM) for a room is £600.

• £600 x 12 = £7,200 rent per year
• £7,200 ÷ 52 = £138 rent per week.

Considerations for Tenants

Before entering into a house share rental agreement, always ensure you have full clarity on what the rent includes.

• Utility Bills: Clarify with the landlord whether the PCM includes utility bills (water, electricity, gas, internet) or if these are additional expenses to be shared among the tenants.
• Tenancy Agreement: Always sign a tenancy agreement that outlines the terms and conditions of the house share, including the PCM, tenancy duration, deposit details, and any other relevant clauses.

Good luck in finding the right house share!