Tenants

Your Property Search

The first step in finding your new home is deciding what matters most to you. Thinking about the features that are important can help narrow down your search and make the process much easier. For example, you may want to consider whether parking is essential, if you would like outside space, or whether having an ensuite bathroom is important. The size of the bedroom, the type of property and whether you are sharing with friends can also influence your decision.

Location is another key factor. Many tenants prefer to live in areas that provide convenient access to work, university buildings, transport links, or the city centre. Budget is also important, as rental prices can vary depending on location, property size, condition and additional features.

With over 200 properties in our portfolio, ranging from studios to large houses, we offer a wide variety of rental homes across Cardiff. Our team is always happy to talk through your requirements and help you identify suitable properties based on your preferences and budget.

Property Viewings

We strongly recommend arranging viewings for any properties you are interested in as early as possible. Demand for rental properties in Cardiff is extremely high and the market moves quickly. Viewing a property in person allows you to fully understand the layout, space, features and surrounding area so you can decide whether it is the right fit for you.

Our standard viewing hours are Monday to Friday between 9am and 6pm. However, we understand that busy work schedules and university timetables can sometimes make it difficult for everyone to attend during these hours. For this reason, we also offer evening and Saturday viewings by prior appointment. Our team can meet you either at our offices on Woodville Road or directly at the property, and we will be happy to answer any questions you may have during the viewing.

Securing Your Property

Once you have found the property you would like to rent, you will be required to pay a holding fee equivalent to one week’s rent. This amount will be deducted from your full deposit, which is five weeks’ rent in total. After paying the holding fee, you will have up to three weeks to complete your application form, provide identification documents and pay the remaining deposit.

Your deposit will be held and protected by the Deposit Protection Service for the duration of your tenancy. This deposit acts as protection against damage to the property during the tenancy. A reasonable level of fair wear and tear is expected; however, any damage caused by tenants may result in deductions. These will be assessed once the tenancy has ended and an exit inspection has been carried out. If no deductions are required, the Deposit Protection Service will return your deposit at the end of your tenancy.

Please note that if the required documentation is not returned within the three-week period, we reserve the right to retain the holding fee and re-advertise the property as available.

Guarantor

As part of the application process, some landlords may require tenants to either pay rent in advance on a quarterly, half-yearly or annual basis, or provide the details of a UK homeowner guarantor. A guarantor provides reassurance to the landlord that rent payments and other financial obligations outlined in the Occupational Agreement will be met.

If a guarantor is required, they must be a UK resident and a UK homeowner. Once your application form has been submitted, we will contact your guarantor to request two forms of identification and proof of home ownership. These documents must also be returned within the initial three-week application period. If your guarantor has any questions about this role, they are welcome to contact our office and a member of our team will be happy to discuss the details with them.

Occupational Agreement

Once all checks relating to your application have been completed and your guarantor has been verified, you will be required to sign your Occupational Agreement. This agreement outlines the terms and conditions of your tenancy. It can either be signed digitally or completed at our offices, but it must be signed by all tenants before the tenancy can begin.

PropertyFile

At JNR Properties, all tenants are required to set up an account with PropertyFile. This online portal gives tenants convenient access to all the relevant information relating to their tenancy. Through PropertyFile you will be able to view copies of your documents and agreements, check the dates of your tenancy, access rent receipts and see your current account balance. The portal also allows you to log maintenance requests quickly and easily.

In addition, PropertyFile will notify you of any upcoming inspections or viewings booked at your property, as well as confirming your move-in and move-out dates and times. This system helps keep everything organised and ensures important information is always accessible.

Collecting Your Keys

As your tenancy start date approaches, you will receive an email with a scheduled time slot to collect your keys from our office. Each tenant will be issued one set of keys. We also keep a spare set in our office in case tenants accidentally lock themselves out or if our maintenance team requires access for emergency or scheduled repairs.

Inventory

When you collect your keys, you will also receive an inventory report via email containing a link to the document. This report records the condition of the property at the beginning of your tenancy. We strongly advise that once you move in, you review the inventory carefully and check all listed items.

If you notice any discrepancies or existing damage, you should make notes and upload photographs as evidence before submitting the completed inventory. This helps ensure an accurate record of the property’s condition at the start of the tenancy.

Bills

Tenants are responsible for contacting the relevant utility providers to set up new accounts for the duration of the tenancy. We recommend taking meter readings on the day you move into the property and providing these readings to your chosen supplier as soon as possible.

If you are looking for a simpler way to manage household bills, Homebox offers an online platform that allows tenants to split their utility bills into one convenient monthly payment. If you would like more information about this service, please let our team know and we will be happy to provide further details.

Tenants should also remember to apply for a TV licence if required and students need to obtain a Council Tax exemption certificate from their university.