Private renting is the most expensive type of accommodation but it can be found more quickly than others. This is renting a home from a private landlord, this means, from a man or woman who owns houses and rents them out to people. Private landlords sometimes allow agencies to deal with this for them. Some of the agencies are detailed in the table below.

The Bond Board

One month’s rent is payable in advance and another amount of money which is called a Bond will have to be paid at the same time. The Bond is usually about the same amount as one month’s rent. This Bond is kept by an organisation called The Bond Board (www.cardiff-bond-board) and is given back when a tenant leaves the property. If any damage has been caused to the property whilst living there, the Landlord will need to use some of the Bond to repair the damage. The remainder of the Bond should then be returned to the tenant. To contact the Bond Board Email guarantee@cardiff-bond-board.org.uk

The offices can be visited during working hours (normally 9.00 am – 5.00 pm). They will find suitable accommodation for you to look at.

If suitable accommodation is found and a decision is made to rent it, it will be necessary to give evidence of employment and a reference from a trustworthy person such as a doctor, teacher, bank manager or person in an official position. It may also be necessary to produce bank statements.

Private Landlords may instruct the agency to inspect the property at regular intervals and this should be written into the Agreement document. They will usually write before each visit but this should also be written into the Agreement. At this point it should be agreed as to how the tenant will be communicated with i.e. if you would like correspondence in another language or if you would prefer them to telephone. The inspection is to check that the property is being maintained in a good order and is clean.

Private Landlords do not usually accept tenants who receive housing benefit.