Frank & Honest

• Life »
• Housing:

Top tip for renting!

• There are always lots of options – check out a few places before you decide.

• Take someone with you, preferably someone who has rented before a flat before as they may be able to spot something you don’t. You should go along with someone anyhow, for personal safety, unless of course you know the person who is showing you around.

• If you can, speak to other tenants of the landlord you think you’ll use – ask them if they’ve had a good experience of renting from him/her.

• Make a check list of what you want from your accommodation – e.g. not further than x miles from the train station, central heating, double glazing, washing machine, on ground floor, accessibility, good locks and security, etc.

• Make sure you’re happy with the area and that you think you will feel safe living there. Make sure all doors and windows have good quality locks that work.

• When you first visit the property make sure everything works – heating, taps, shower, flush, electric sockets, lights, windows and doors open, close and lock, appliances, etc. If things don’t work when a landlord is showing you around – you may find it difficult to get things fixed quickly later on.

• As a tenant, you have legal rights, check you local council’s website for information about your rights. Organisations such as your local Citizen’s Advice Bureaux can also offer information and advise.

• Can the landlord show you a current gas safety certificate?

• Are there any signs of damp – e.g. stains, mould or condensation on walls or ceiling.

• Check the condition and cleanliness of of the bed mattress. Mattresses are expensive and bulky to replace.

• Get a list of furniture that comes with the flat – agree a list with the landlord before agreeing to rent.

• Make sure you have smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in the property and that they work.

• Where’s the emergency exit – how would you get out in case of fire?

• Make a list of anything that is missing or broken and talk to the landlord about it before you move in

• Make sure you know what’s included with your bills – does it include council tax, water rates, electric bills, gas bills. Some include these costs, some don’t.

• Think carefully about the cost – can you definitely afford it?

• Make sure you get a written tenancy agreement which states what the rent is as well as when it is due. It should also state what you and the landlord are responsible for. This agreement protects you as much as the landlord.

• Make sure you don’t make alterations, decorate or put up screws or nails for pictures without permission from your landlord – if you don’t, you could lose your deposit.

• Some council websites – e.g. Newport – list all the estate agents in the council as well as link to their websites.

• Visit the Shelter Cymru website – and check out their advice section for students, it contains some very useful information and advice for anyone – not just students – looking for accommodation. Go to www.sheltercymru.org.uk/shelter/advice/afs.asp

  
  

Links & Contact Details

Name: Shelter
Web: www.sheltercymru.org.uk
Email:info@shelter.org.uk
Tel: 0845 075 5005
Info: They provide advice, information and support to people dealing with housing problems.

Name: Childline
Web: www.childline.org.uk/
Email:
Email:
Tel: 0800 1111
Info: Offers confidential support and advice to children and young people in trouble or in danger. Their lines can be very busy – don’t give up trying to get through to them if you don’t succeed the first time. You can also contact them via their website.

Name: National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC)
Web: http://www.nspcc.org.uk/
Email:
Tel: 0808 800 5000
Info: The UK’s largest charity specialising in child protection and the prevention of cruelty to children. They can offer support and advice.

Name: Newport City Council – Housing Services
Web: www.newport.gov.uk
Email: info@newport.gov.uk
Tel: 01633 656656
Info:

Name: Blaenau Gwent – Housing Services
Web: www.blaenau-gwent.gov.uk/housing.asp
Email: info@blaenau-gwent.gov.uk
Tel: 01495 350555
Info:

Name: Cardiff Council – Housing Services
Web: www.cardiff.gov.uk (Click on ‘Living’, then ‘Housing’)
Email: c2c@cardiff.gov.uk
Tel: 029 2087 3565
Info:

Name: Caerphilly – Housing Services
Web: www.caerphilly.gov.uk (Click on ‘Housing’)
Email: info@caerphilly.gov.uk
Tel: 01443 815588
Info:

Name: Torfaen – Housing Services
Web: www.torfaen.gov.uk/Housing/
Email:
Tel: 01495 762200
Info:

Name: Merthyr Tydfil – Housing Services
Web: www.merthyr.gov.uk (Click on ‘Housing Services’)
Email: housing@merthyr.gov.uk
Tel: 01685 725000
Info:

Name: Rhondda Cynon Taff – Housing Services
Web: www.rhondda-cynon-taff.gov.uk (Click on ‘Housing’)
Email:
Tel: 0800 0286355
Info:

Name: Citizen Advice Bureau (CAB)
Web: www.citizensadvice.org.uk
Email: Find local CAB contact details on website
Tel: Find local CAB contact details on website
Info: Citizens Advice Bureaux provide free, confidential and independent advice from over 3,000 locations around the UK. Advice available on a wide range of issues, including: housing, debt, benefits, legal, discrimination, employment, immigration, consumer and other problems.

Name: Huggard (formerly C.A.S.H Cardiff Action for Single Homeless)
Web: www.c-a-s-h.org.uk
Email: cash@c-a-s-h.org.uk
Tel: 029 2034 9980
Info: Services and support for homeless people in Cardiff.

Name: Solas Cymru
Web: www.solas-cymru.co.uk
Email: admin@solas-cymru.co.uk
Tel: 01633 664045
Info: Services and support for homeless people in Newport.

Frankandhonest.com is brought to you by ASK Education & Training Ltd. We provide training for young people and organisations working with young people. This site was created in response to countless requests from young people for a place to get answers.