Preparing to rent from a private landlord
Mae'r cyngor hwn yn berthnasol i Cymru. Gweler cyngor ar gyfer Gweler cyngor ar gyfer Lloegr, Gweler cyngor ar gyfer Gogledd Iwerddon, Gweler cyngor ar gyfer Yr Alban
You need to consider a number of things when you’re looking for a home to rent. For example, whether to rent from a landlord or letting agent and the best way to search for a property.
You also need to think about what questions to ask your landlord or letting agent so you don’t lose money.
It can be difficult to get the money you need to rent a property. If you’re on a low income you might be able to get help with renting costs.
Deciding whether to rent from a landlord or letting agent
Whether it's better for you to rent from a landlord or letting agent will depend on your budget and needs. Each option has pros and cons.
If you rent directly from a landlord:
you might have less to pay before moving in
you might not have to give so many references
your landlord might not insist on doing a credit check
If you rent from a letting agent you can:
tell the letting agent if repairs need doing (if they manage the property) - they'll speak to the landlord and arrange the repairs for you
complain to an independent complaints body if you're not happy with their service
get advice about the local area
Searching for a property
The quickest way to find a property is online, on property search websites. You can easily search for the exact area you want and arrange viewings.
If it’s hard for you to look for a property online you could visit local estate agents. It’s also worth asking friends and family and checking local notice boards and newspapers.
When you’re looking for a home, don’t pay any money without seeing the property first.
Don't rent a property directly from an existing contract holder. This is called ‘subletting’ - the contract holder might not have the landlord’s permission to rent to you.
If a contract holder is showing you the property on behalf of the landlord they should give you the landlord's details.
Read our advice on subletting to help you avoid problems.
Take someone with you when visiting properties, if you can. It’s safer and they can help you make a decision.
If you have children or get benefits
Landlords and letting agents can’t refuse to rent to you because you have children or get welfare benefits. They also can’t refuse to:
give you information about the property
allow you to view the property
Check what to do if someone refuses to rent to you because you have children or get benefits.
Questions to ask your landlord or letting agent
To make sure the property you're going to rent is safe and affordable you should ask:
how much rent you'll have to pay and how it should be paid
if your rent includes any bills
how long you can rent for - including whether you'll be able to renew your contract or end it early
if you need to make payments before you move in - for example if you need to pay rent in advance or fees if you rent from a letting agent
if the property is safe to live in - for example, if it has smoke and carbon monoxide alarms
You might have to agree to meet certain conditions or rules when you rent a property. For example, you might not be allowed to smoke or keep pets. Make sure you ask about any conditions before you agree to take a property.
Check the Energy Performance Certificate
You should ask to see the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) for the property. The EPC tells you how energy efficient the property is. The most energy efficient properties get an A rating - the least efficient get a G.
You can read more about energy performance certificates on the Energy Saving Trust website.
When you rent a new home it must have an energy efficiency rating of E or above unless it’s classed as ‘exempt’, which means the rule doesn’t apply. You can search the PRS exemptions register on GOV.UK to check if a property is exempt.
The landlord will break the law if they rent you a property that’s rated F or G and it isn’t exempt - they could be fined by your local council.
If you’re going to live with your landlord
The property can have any energy efficiency rating if you’ll be sharing ‘living space’ with your landlord. Living space includes a kitchen, living room or bathroom.
If you want to rent a property that has an F or G rating
As long as the property isn’t exempt, the landlord must make improvements so it’s more energy efficient. The EPC will say what improvements could be made - for example, replacing an old boiler. The improvements must be made before your contract starts.
The landlord should get a new EPC when the improvements have been made. You should make sure they show you a copy and check that the rating is E or above.
Don’t sign a contract until you’re sure the rating has changed to E or above. Contact your local council if the landlord refuses to make any improvements - you can find your local council on GOV.UK.
If the property is exempt
If the exemption is for 5 years, the landlord doesn’t have to do anything to make the property more energy efficient. In some cases, they might not be allowed to make some kinds of improvements - for example if the property is listed.
If the exemption is for 6 months, the landlord will have to make improvements but not until after the exemption has ended.
Ask if the property is registered
You should only rent a property registered with Rent Smart Wales. If it isn’t registered, your landlord is breaking the law.
You should also check if the property manager has a licence. This can be your landlord or a letting agent - whoever takes care of the viewings and the contract.
Adolygwyd y dudalen ar 01 Rhagfyr 2022