Looking for a home to rent in Cardiff, Newport or Pontypridd and not sure where to start? This step-by-step guide takes you from first viewing to moving out.
Plan ahead
Before you book a viewing, think about where you want to live, the size of home you need, how long you want to stay and when you want to move in. Work out what you can afford each month, including bills and Council Tax.
You will not pay us any agency, administration, referencing or inventory fees. Letting fees charged to tenants are banned in Wales. Your upfront costs are:
- a holding deposit to reserve the property, of no more than one week’s rent
- your first month’s rent in advance
- a security deposit, [one month’s rent plus £50 unless stated otherwise], or a deposit alternative if you and the landlord both choose one
See our tenants guide to fees for the full list of what you can and cannot be charged.
Viewing a property
If someone is living in the property, we give them at least 24 hours’ notice before a viewing. When you book, we will ask for your full name and a contact number. One of our team will meet you at the property, or you are welcome to come to our office first if you do not know the area.
Found the right property
Tell us you would like to go ahead and we will send you the application forms, guarantor forms if needed, and the Heads of Terms. This sets out what has been agreed between you and the landlord: the rent, the deposit, the start date and the length of the contract.
We consider every application on its own merits. We do not turn people away because they receive benefits or have children.
Reservation of the property
To take the property off the market while we complete your checks, we ask for a holding deposit of no more than one week’s rent. Before you pay it, we will tell you in writing the amount, the property, the rent, the proposed contract length and start date, and any information we need from you.
- We accept only one holding deposit per property, so it is reserved for you.
- You and the landlord have 15 days to enter into the contract, unless we agree a different date with you in writing.
- If the contract goes ahead, we put your holding deposit toward your [first month’s rent], or return it within seven days.
- If the landlord decides not to proceed, we return it in full within seven days.
- We may keep it only if you withdraw, do not take reasonable steps to complete the contract by the deadline, or give us false or misleading information.
Referencing
Once we have your forms and documents, we carry out reference checks. These usually include a credit check, proof of income and a previous landlord reference. There is no charge to you.
You may be asked for a guarantor if you are a student, are not in work, have a poor credit history, or if your income is below our affordability threshold. As a guide, [your gross monthly income should be more than three times the monthly rent].
Signing and moving in
Your property manager will go through the occupation contract with you, check you in and explain anything specific to the property. You will receive:
- a written statement of your occupation contract, within 14 days of your move-in date
- an inventory and schedule of condition, recording the property on arrival
- details of the scheme protecting your security deposit, within 30 days of paying it
- the gas safety certificate, electrical condition report and Energy Performance Certificate
For emergencies out of hours, such as flooding, we run a 24-hour emergency helpline.
Staying on
Most of our contracts start with a fixed term. If you stay after it ends, your contract continues automatically as a periodic contract on the same terms, rolling from one rent period to the next. You do not need to sign anything, and there is no renewal fee.
If you and the landlord would both prefer a new fixed term, we can arrange one at no charge to you. If the rent is to change under a periodic contract, you will get at least two months’ written notice.
Giving notice
Under a periodic contract, you can end it by giving at least four weeks’ written notice. During a fixed term, you cannot normally leave early unless your contract has a break clause or the landlord agrees. Talk to us first and we will explain your options.
A landlord who wants the property back when you have not broken the contract must give at least six months’ notice, and cannot give that notice in the first six months of your contract.
Moving out
At the end of your contract, your property manager will visit and compare the property with the original inventory, allowing for fair wear and tear. If there is nothing to deduct for damage, cleaning or unpaid rent, we will instruct the return of your deposit. If we cannot agree, the deposit scheme’s free dispute resolution service will decide.