Renting Services

Student houses in Cardiff, sorted properly

Cardiff's student letting cycle moves fast - many groups secure a house for the next academic year before Christmas. Here's how the year unfolds, what a joint occupation contract and guarantor mean, and how to land a compliant, well-managed house near campus.

See the letting calendar

The basics

Where Cardiff students live

Cardiff's main student areas are Cathays and Plasnewydd/Roath, close to Cardiff University, Cardiff Metropolitan University and the University of South Wales. Student houses are usually let on a joint occupation contract - all housemates on one contract, jointly and severally liable for the rent. We help groups register interest and find the right house; this is a guide, not a live listings page.

The student year

Your letting calendar

The cycle runs from autumn to move-in. Read it left to right - each segment is a phase of the academic-year hunt.

Oct - Dec

Start viewing & secure your house

Cardiff's student cycle is early. Get your group together and view properties for the NEXT academic year - many houses are secured before Christmas.
Jan - Mar

References & guarantor

Provide references and arrange a UK-based guarantor (often a parent) for each housemate, ready to sign.
Spring

Sign your occupation contract & protect deposit

Sign a joint occupation contract. Your deposit is protected in a government-approved scheme, with your written statement provided within 14 days.
Summer

Prepare & check what's included

Confirm exactly what an 'all-inclusive' rent covers, sort your move logistics and check safety paperwork is in order.
Sep

Move in

Collect keys, complete the inventory and settle in for the new academic year.

A common requirement

What is a guarantor?

Most students need a UK-based guarantor - someone who agrees to cover unpaid rent or damage if it isn't paid. It's standard for student lets, so it's worth understanding before you sign.

Most student groups are asked for a UK-based guarantor for each housemate.
A guarantor is usually a parent or close relative who lives in the UK.
They agree to cover unpaid rent or damage if a contract-holder doesn't pay.
On a joint contract you're jointly and severally liable, so line guarantors up early - references and guarantor checks take time.

Read the small print

What "all-inclusive" should cover

Many student lets are advertised "all-inclusive", bundling bills into the rent. It's convenient - but always check exactly what's included.

Gas

Heating and hot water where the property runs on gas.

Electricity

Power for lighting, appliances and any electric heating.

Water

Mains water and sewerage charges for the household.

Broadband

An internet connection - check the speed and who sets it up.

Fair-use caps?

Some 'inclusive' deals cap usage. Ask whether there's a limit and what happens if you exceed it.

What's NOT included

TV Licence and contents insurance are often separate - always confirm in writing.

Know the neighbourhoods

Cardiff's student areas

Most student houses cluster in two areas near the universities. Here's the quick lay of the land.

CathaysStudent area

The classic student heartland, sitting between the universities and the city centre. Densely populated with student houses and within walking distance of campus.

Plasnewydd / RoathStudent area

A lively, leafier neighbourhood just east of the centre, popular with students who want a mix of student houses, independent cafés and green space at Roath Park.

Know your rights

What a compliant Welsh let gives you

Renting in Wales follows the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016. A well-run student house should deliver all of this as standard.

01
A written statement of your occupation contract within 14 days
02
Your deposit protected in a government-approved scheme within 30 days
03
Most fees banned under the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016
04
Mains-wired interlinked smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms
05
An EICR electrical safety check at least every 5 years
06
An annual gas safety check on any gas appliances
07
Landlords registered and licensed with Rent Smart Wales
08
A council licence where the property is a larger HMO

Find your student house

Got your group together? Register your details and we'll help you secure a compliant, well-managed student house in Cardiff for the next academic year.