Tenant
FAQ
At My Place Properties, we know that renting a home can sometimes feel overwhelming, particularly with the different rules and processes that apply to renting in Wales.
Whether you’re renting for the first time or you’ve rented before, it’s completely normal to have questions. We want you to understand what to expect before you move in and throughout your time in the property.
Below you’ll find answers to some of the questions we’re most frequently asked by tenants and prospective tenants.
In Wales, most people renting their home now do so under an occupation contract. The person renting the property is legally referred to as the contract-holder.
Your landlord must provide you with a written statement of your occupation contract. This sets out important information about your occupation, together with the rights and responsibilities of both you and your landlord.
We’ll provide and explain the relevant paperwork as part of the moving-in process, and you should keep your written statement somewhere safe for future reference.
Welsh law restricts the payments that landlords and letting agents can require from contract-holders.
You will normally be required to pay your agreed rent and, where applicable, a security deposit. There are also certain other payments that may lawfully be required in particular circumstances.
We do not charge prohibited administration, referencing or credit-check fees to prospective contract-holders.
Please see our Tenant Fees information for a clear explanation of the payments that may apply.
A security deposit is normally required before you move into one of our properties, together with the agreed rent in advance. The amount will be clearly confirmed to you before you commit to the property.
A security deposit provides protection against certain costs that may arise during or at the end of your occupation, such as unpaid rent, damage beyond fair wear and tear or missing items, where a deduction is justified.
Where a security deposit is taken, it will be protected in an authorised tenancy deposit protection scheme in accordance with Welsh law, and the required information about the deposit and the scheme will be provided to you.
This depends on the individual property and the terms of the occupation contract.
Where pets are considered, we will discuss your request with the landlord and take into account factors such as the type and number of pets, the property itself and any restrictions affecting the building.
If permission is granted, this must be agreed with us in writing before the pet is kept at the property. Additional conditions may apply and, where appropriate, an additional amount may be requested as part of the security deposit.
If you already have a pet, please tell us when enquiring about a property so that we can advise you whether pets will be considered.
If you’re struggling to pay your rent, please contact us as soon as possible rather than allowing arrears to build up.
We act on behalf of your landlord, but early communication gives us the best opportunity to discuss the situation with you and the landlord and consider what options may be available.
Depending on your circumstances, we may also be able to signpost you to relevant organisations or local authority services for further support.
If your circumstances have changed and you believe the property is no longer affordable for you, please speak to us. We can discuss your occupation contract and the appropriate options available rather than allowing the situation to become more difficult.
A landlord cannot simply require you to leave your home without following the appropriate legal process.
There are different ways an occupation contract can be brought to an end under Welsh law, and the type of notice, notice period and process will depend on the circumstances and the type of occupation contract you hold.
If your landlord instructs us to serve you with a notice, we will provide the appropriate documentation and explain what it means and the relevant dates.
Receiving a notice does not in itself allow a landlord to physically remove you from the property. Where possession is not given up in accordance with a valid notice, the landlord may need to follow the appropriate court process.
If you are unsure about a notice you have received, you can contact us for clarification about the documentation. You may also wish to obtain independent housing or legal advice about your rights.
You can view our currently available properties here on our website. We regularly update our listings, so it’s worth checking back if you’re actively looking for a new home.
You can also follow My Place Properties on social media or contact our team to tell us what you’re looking for.
If you see a property that interests you, get in touch with us and we’ll explain the next steps and arrange a viewing where appropriate.
There is no fixed timescale, as every application is different. We aim to progress applications as efficiently as possible, but the time required can depend on how quickly we receive the necessary information, references and landlord approval.
As part of an application, we may ask for:
• Proof of identity
• Proof of income or affordability
• Employment information
• Previous landlord references, where applicable
• Any other information reasonably required to assess the application
We’ll explain what we need from you and keep you updated as your application progresses.
If you have a question that is not answered here, please get in touch with us.
Guarantors
In some circumstances, a guarantor may be required as part of your application. This may depend on your income, employment status, referencing results or individual circumstances.
Where a guarantor is required, they will need to complete their own formal application and referencing process alongside your property application and meet our eligibility requirements.
By agreeing to act as a guarantor, they are agreeing to financially guarantee your obligations under the occupation contract. This means they may be responsible for unpaid rent and other sums due under the contract if you fail to meet your obligations.
The guarantor will be provided with the relevant documentation explaining their responsibilities and will be required to sign a guarantor agreement before the tenancy can proceed.
We will let you know during the application process if a guarantor is required.
Pets
We understand that pets are an important part of the family, and wherever possible, we will work with prospective tenants to find a property suitable for both them and their pets.
Pet requests are considered on an individual basis and are subject to the landlord’s approval, the suitability of the property, and the type and number of pets.
Where a pet is accepted, an increased security deposit may be required, together with additional pet-specific terms within your occupation contract. Any additional deposit and conditions will be agreed on an individual basis before the contract begins.
Please tell us about all pets at the application stage. Pets must not be kept at a property without prior written consent.
