CPS Homes' guide to renting: the student edition!
If you've recently arrived in Cardiff to begin your university studies, chances are you've already moved into your student halls, met hundreds of new people (maybe even made lots of friends) and even started thinking about where, and with whom you’re going to be living next year. If you are already thinking about where to live next year, we at CPS Homes have created this guide to renting to help the process, from finding a property with friends to signing the tenancy agreement, go as smoothly and as stress-free as possible!
1) With friends like these...
Ensure you choose your housemates carefully and selectively. After all, just like the property, they’re yours for keeps… or at least until the end of your tenancy.
2) What do you want?
Come together as a group and decide on what’s important to you in Cardiff student accommodation. Is it location, e.g. being as close to campus as possible, or are you willing to walk a bit further for a nicer house? Do you want plenty of communal living space? Do you want to live in a flat or a terraced property? What about a garden for those summer BBQs? Take a look at some of the properties on our website to get you thinking about what’s really important to you when house hunting.
3) Do some research
Set aside some time to do your own research on what is vital when letting a property, such as the importance of choosing an ARLA-regulated agent, which is the industry standard for reputable letting agents. A quick browse of the Internet will reveal such agents and, for additional peace of mind, you may want to go with an agent who is accredited by Cardiff Council.
4) Let’s get together
Pick a time when you can all get together and view a selection of properties. In order to digest everything that’s on offer and give you enough time to make an informed decision, we’d recommend setting aside up to two hours in most cases. We offer student viewings up until 8PM every week night!
5) Call CPS Homes
When you’re ready, give us a call on 02920 668585. We’ll ask you a lot of questions about what you’re looking for from your student home, so be sure to have considered all of the above points as a group. Using the information you give us, we’ll sift through the properties and find the ones best-suited to you, so the more detail you’re able to give us, the better. Feel free browse our website to get an idea of what we’re marketing before you call.
6) Have a good look
When you’re out and about on viewings, don’t be afraid to ask questions or make suggestions. Think to yourself, 'what would turn this house into a home?' The person showing you around is there to negotiate a deal between you and the owner, so let them know what you’d like and they’ll do their best for you. Whether it’s new sofas, new carpets, redecoration - or even a new bathroom/kitchen - if you don’t ask, you don’t get!
7) The one for you
When you've found ‘The One’, act quickly. There are only so many properties on the market, so don’t get caught hesitating and miss out. At this point you’ll need to fill in a few forms and pay an agency fee, which takes the property off the market and reserves it for you, meaning nobody else will be shown around.
We hope this student renting guide has been helpful and you are ready to move into your new property. However, if you still need any help finding the perfect student accommodation in Cardiff, please don’t hesitate to pop into our office on Woodville Road where one of our friendly members of staff will be happy to answer any questions you may have and provide any additional information you require. Alternatively, you can also call us on 02920 668585 or email: enquiries@cpshomes.co.uk.
