We lived at one of Matthew Todd’s properties last year and he was an incredible landlord. The house was in really good condition and whenever we had issues he would come and fix it usually that day. A genuine and honest guy who loves a chat and is a great landlord. He doesn’t have that many properties in student land but if you are lucky enough to get one then I am very jealous!
Rent: £340
Deposit Returned?: Yes
The Living Room are fantastic! Have been with them for two years and had any issues fixed within a week if not the same day. The staff are all so lovely especially Polly and will always get back to you very quickly. We have had plenty of warning about viewings and they have bought us mirrors and curtain poles and installed them just because we wanted them! We fucking love them! Honestly couldn’t recommend enough.
Rent: 340
Deposit Returned? Yes
Horizon
To sum the whole experience up in 5 bullet points:
Rent: £325
Deposit Returned? Didn’t have one
We’ve had an update from the poor folks who were having to live with Kingstons mould, poison, flooding and mice house!
Just a follow up from my last submission regarding the deposit.
They tried to take over £100 from each of our deposits (there was 6 of us) for completely unjustified reasons such as stains on mattress and cracks in bathroom tiles (which were there when we moved in and luckily had proof of). They sent us an inventory with ridiculous arguments such as the kitchen wasn’t clean as there was a spider in the sink.
We managed to dispute their claims and ended up getting the majority of the deposit back but not all of it as they claimed they ‘couldn’t reduce the cleaning charge’ implying there was always going to be a cleaning charge regardless of it we had cleaned the property. Surely this should have been in the contract or they should have given us the option to hire our own cleaners which would have cost us less. They are such scammers and try their best to take advantage of students but we were lucky as we took pictures of every room when we moved in. If you sign with them TAKE PICTURES OF EVERY ITEM IN EVERY ROOM. It’s the only way you’ll get the majority of your deposit back from them, and don’t be afraid to dispute everything they say.
Rent: £310
Deposit Returned?: Partially
Lived in one of Dondi’s flats in the centre of Cardiff. The flat had everything that was need and was up to date and modern. It was in a great location – only 5 minute walk into the city centre. If we ever had any maintenance issues with the flat, Dondi would send someone round/visit herself as soon as possible which was great. She was a very fair landlord and was always contactable.
Rent: £650
Deposit Returned?: Yes
On the whole a good landlord. They responded quickly to things that needed fixing (generally that day or the following day) And the flat was in good condition. There was pressure at the end for me to get out when I didn’t have anywhere to go, and pressure to go into emergency accommodation (!) even though there was no court order forcing me out. Apart from that, I would “recommend” this landlord insofar as any landlord can be recommended. They returned my entire deposit.
Rent: £675
Deposit Returned?: Yes
Rented with them for 2 years and they’re easily one of the best landlords in Cardiff. Run by a father and daughter, genuine people. Their houses are immaculate and brilliantly maintained. They provide much more than most landlords – TV and Dishwasher. They even give gift cards for tenants that keep the house clean and tidy. You couldn’t ask for anything more.
Rent: £380
Deposit Returned?: Didn’t have one
Although we mostly post reviews we are always happy to chat to people about their rights when it comes to renting properties. We aren’t trained in this, nor are we lawyers. (Tbh we just hate landlords)
Someone approached us after reading our comment on a CPS review. In it, we explained that charging tenants to change the names on their tenancy agreement is illegal. The person we were speaking too showed us a copy of their agreement and wanted to know the exact law we were referring to.
In September 2019 Welsh Government changed the laws regarding tenancy fees. Under the new law, it is illegal to charge the tenant any fees related to signing a contract, renewing one, inspecting the property and administration fees. You can check the full list out here! Included in the full guidance found here is a paragraph relating directly to changing names on contracts:
“Landlords or agents are unable to contractually require a payment from a tenant to change a joint tenancy agreement to reflect a change of sharer, should one tenant leave and be replaced by another.”
“Should either party wish to amend a tenancy agreement, a landlord or agent cannot contractually require a payment for the amendment.”
This makes these elements in a tenancy agreement illegal if it was created and signed after September 2019. If this happens to you we recommend you check out our where to find help page. In this case, we recommended the tenant contact ACORN Cardiff and Rent Smart Wales to help them out.
Told cps there were rats in the ceiling and they refused to help. Told us it was our fault and then asked for images … Urm wtf? Of what a rat?
[Maybe they were hoping to go viral with a selfie rat?]
Rent: £800
Deposit Returned?: Still living at the hole in question
Lovely lettings agents – all staff are friendly and up for a giggle with us. Most staff are young, approachable women. Small touches like a goodybag, free coffee and cake when you move in and check-in e-mails make us feel well looked after as tenants. They are speedy with maintenance issues, with replies within 1-2 weeks. They always give at least 48-72 hours notice before coming around. The communication between landlady and them are always efficient. The house is gorgeous. We’ve had no issues thus far, and got the deposit back in a short space of time.
Rent: 360
Deposit returned?: Yes