Securing Your House For 2027-28

You don't all need to attend the viewing, but we highly recommend that everyone does if possible.To prevent unnecessary disruption to the current tenants, we do not offer second viewings. This means that anyone who does not attend will need to be comfortable making a decision based on the property photos and the feedback from the rest of the group.Before arranging a viewing, you'll also need to confirm the size of your group. For example, we wouldn't arrange viewings for both 5-bedroom and 7-bedroom properties (again to avoid unnecessary disruption for current tenants).

As most student contract-holders do not occupy the property during July, many landlords offer a 50% reduction in rent for that month. This is known as a summer retainer.In return, landlords can use this period to carry out maintenance works, repairs, and improvements while the property is empty.You are welcome to store your belongings in the property during this time, but you will not be able to live there.If this arrangement does not suit your plans, please let us know. Alternative arrangements can usually be made to allow occupation during July.Please note that if any member of the group wishes to stay in the property during July, the full rent will be payable by all contract-holders for that period.

You may have seen the property advertised through UniHomes, with the weekly rent shown as including bills.The tenancy agreement you sign with BPM Cardiff is the agreement between your group and the landlord, and covers the monthly rent for the property only.The benefits of a UniHomes package, which you then sign up to separately, include no usage caps, no unexpected price increases during the tenancy period, and the convenience of making one simple payment rather than managing multiple bills separately.You are not required to take the UniHomes package. However, if you choose not to, your group will need to arrange your own utility accounts, manage the bills, collect payments from each person, and ensure all suppliers are paid on time.

We ask for you to provide two different forms of identification, both of which are uploaded along with your application form.Type 1 - Photographic ID such as a Driving Licence or Passport (not expired)Type 2 - Photographic Student ID (showing expiry date)

A guarantor is usually a parent or close family member who agrees to cover the rent if you are unable to pay. To qualify as a guarantor, they must be a UK homeowner and over the age of 25.As part of the application process, the guarantor will sign an agreement confirming they may be held responsible for any unpaid rent and, where applicable, the cost of repairing damage to the property beyond the value of the security deposit held.They will also need to provide a form of photographic ID and proof of address dated within the last six months.The guarantor agreement is signed electronically and includes full details of the requirements and responsibilities involved.

Holding Deposit (or holding fee)This is a payment made by the group to secure the property. Once paid, the property is taken off the market and no further viewings will take place, even if appointments have already been booked.The holding deposit is usually £125 per person.Security Deposit (or bond)This is a refundable deposit held throughout your tenancy in case there are any damages, missing items, or cleaning costs when you move out.The deposit is protected in a Government-approved tenancy deposit scheme. This ensures that neither party can access the funds without following the correct process. We use the Deposit Protection Service (DPS).The total secuirty deposit held is usually £250 per person.What do we pay and when?To secure the property, you will first pay a holding deposit of £125 per person.Once all application forms and guarantor agreements have been completed, we will ask you to make a second payment of £125 per person. This tops up your deposit to the full security deposit amount of £250 per person.Once the security deposit has been paid in full, we can proceed with signing the tenancy agreement.

It is important to understand that securing a property is a commitment and should only be done if everyone in the group is confident they can proceed.Before Signing The ContractIf you decide not to proceed with the contract, or are unable to proceed due to circumstances within your control, the holding deposit may be retained in accordance with the Renting Homes (Fees etc.) (Wales) Act 2019.When you pay a holding deposit to take a property off the market, you are committing to move forward with the tenancy. For this reason, it is important to make sure the property is right for your group before making any payment.If your group decides not to proceed, or if the tenancy cannot go ahead due to circumstances beyond the Landlord, the property will be re-advertised immediately and the holding deposit will be retained by BPM Cardiff in accordance with the Renting Homes (Fees Etc.) (Wales) Act 2019.After Signing The ContractOnce the tenancy agreement has been signed, you are legally bound by its terms. This means you are responsible for paying rent from the contract start date and for meeting all obligations set out within the agreement.What if the whole group wants to leave?If all contract-holders wish to withdraw from the tenancy, the property can be re-advertised. However, you will be responsible for covering the landlord's costs of doing so (usually 50% of one month's rent) and will remain liable for the property until replacement contract-holders have been found and their new agreement has been completed.What if only one person wants to leave?If a single contract-holder wishes to leave the tenancy, they will need to find a suitable replacement themselves.Once a replacement has been approved, we can arrange for a new occupation contract to be completed. Full details of the process, including any potential costs, can be found within the relevant clauses of your contract.Further details on both of these options can be found within your tenancy agreement.