Private-sector housing
To register your interest in private sector accommodation and receive further information on searching for accommodation please email us.
For both new students who have not secured a hall of residence and existing students moving out of halls, an array of high quality private accommodation is available on Glamorgan’s doorstep.
A range of housing is just a five-minute walk away, within a one-mile radius, for an average of £50 per week, and Accommodation Services staff will help you find a suitable place.
The majority of university students live in the local community, where accommodation usually consists of shared houses in which individuals have their own room with communal areas such as kitchen, bathroom and lounge.
Treforest, the local village, is nearby the main town of Pontypridd and a short train ride to the bustling Welsh capital, Cardiff. So students will have the peace necessary for academic study – and just a stone’s throw from the main attractions of the campus and
the city.
It is worth visiting the area before you rent a room, viewing as many properties as possible in person to assess whether the accommodation is right for you.
During the summer vacation period temporary rooms are available in halls of residence for those wishing to stay overnight whilst looking for private accommodation – contact Accommodation Services for further information.
www.glamorganstudentpad.co.uk
The University maintains a website of Local Authority registered, reputable local landlords who have complied with the legal minimum standard and safety regulations.
www.glamorganstudentpad.co.uk is provided by the company Studentpad.co.uk that specialises in advertising student properties. There you will find advertisements for houses, flats and lodgings and practical advice about student accommodation. The website supplies details and photographs of the property. Details of the safety certificates held are clearly displayed on each property advertisement. Students can make a targeted and specific search of properties to match their needs.
Below: Examples of some of the properties advertised on the website this year:
Property reference: 14504 Property reference: 13769
Tips
Retainer – Depending on the time of year that you find suitable accommodation, the landlord may request a retainer in order to book the room until you move in at the start of the Academic Year. For example, if you find a room in July, the landlord will want financial assurance that you will turn up to occupy the room in September. This money is usually non-refundable and can vary from around £100 to £200.
Bond – This is an amount held against any damage to the house during the tenancy. This deposit is refundable less any deductions for any damages. It is advisable to point out any existing damage and ensure that there is an accurate inventory to the landlord as soon as you move in. New Government legislation indicates that from April 2007 Bonds are held in accordance with the Tenancy Deposit Scheme.
Rent – The rent varies considerably and prices are an average of £47 per week for a single room excluding fuel bills. The landlord would expect payment in advance, usually per term.
Utility bills – Landlords request different methods of payment e.g. equal share of quarterly bills, token meter etc. Tenants in the property may be required to pay an equal share and are equally responsible for the bills. It is best to establish a method of payment at the beginning of the contract. Other bills may include telephone. There is no charge for Council Tax if the property is solely occupied by students but you will need to provide your landlord with a Council tax exemption certificate which are available from academic registry after enrolment in order to ensure your exemption.
Contracts – It is recommended that a written contract, clearly outlining the terms and conditions of the tenancy, is exchanged. Do not sign anything without reading it very carefully and without fully understanding it. It is good advice to take meter readings as soon as you begin your tenancy to monitor fuel bills. This avoids any ambiguity or confusion at a later date when settling any outstanding bills.
Inventory – It is useful for both landlord and tenant to know what furnishings are at the property at the beginning of the tenancy and to agree their condition. If the landlord has not provided a list of contents, it is advisable to request that one be compiled. This should be used as a checklist at the termination of the tenancy.
