7 Essential Tips for New Landlords in Newport, Cardiff & South Wales

1. Do Your Local Market Research

Before marketing your rental property, it’s essential to research the local rental market thoroughly.

Consider:

• Is the property close to good schools, universities, or transport links?

• Does the area appeal more to families, students, or professionals?

• What are similar properties in Cardiff, Newport, or South Wales currently renting for?

Understanding local demand will help you:

• Set a competitive rental price

• Attract the right type of tenant

• Reduce void periods

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2. Take Out the Right Landlord Insurance

While landlord insurance isn’t legally required, it is strongly recommended.

A comprehensive policy can cover:

• Accidental or malicious damage

• Structural issues (fire, flooding, storms)

• Loss of rent

You may also want rent guarantee insurance, which protects you if tenants fail to pay and may cover legal eviction costs.

👉 Tenants remain responsible for insuring their own belongings.

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3. Find Reliable Tenants

Finding the right tenants is one of the most important decisions you’ll make as a landlord.

Ways to find good tenants include:

• Word of mouth referrals

• Online rental platforms

• Using a professional letting agent in Cardiff or Newport

To attract quality tenants:

• Write a detailed property description

• Use high-quality photos

• Price the property in line with the local market

Always carry out:

• Credit checks

• Rental history references

• Right-to-Rent checks

Your instincts matter too—trust is key in a landlord-tenant relationship.

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4. Use a Legally Compliant Tenancy Agreement

Once tenants are selected, you must put a written tenancy agreement in place.

This should clearly outline:

• Rent amount and payment terms

• Deposit details

• Maintenance responsibilities

• Tenant and landlord obligations

A well-drafted tenancy agreement protects both parties and helps prevent future disputes. Most South Wales letting agents can prepare this for you.

In Wales, traditional tenancy agreements have largely been replaced by Occupation Contracts following the introduction of the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016, which came into force in December 2022.

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5. Protect the Deposit in a Government Scheme

By law, landlords must place tenant deposits into a government-approved Tenancy Deposit Protection (TDP) scheme.

Key rules:

• Deposit must be protected within 14 days

• Tenants must be informed within 30 days

Failure to comply can result in fines and restrictions on serving eviction notices.

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6. Ensure Your Property Meets Energy Efficiency Standards

All rental properties must meet minimum EPC requirements.

Ways to improve energy efficiency include:

• Upgrading boilers

• Sealing doors and windows

• Installing double glazing

• Adding loft or cavity wall insulation

• Using energy-efficient lighting

• Installing smart meters

Since April 2016, tenants can request energy-efficiency improvements, and landlords are legally required to make reasonable upgrades.

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7. Build and Maintain a Strong Tenant Relationship

Successful landlords understand that good communication is essential.

To keep tenants long-term:

• Respond quickly to maintenance requests

• Address concerns professionally

• Treat tenants fairly and respectfully

Reliable tenants who pay rent on time and look after your property are worth retaining—good relationships reduce voids and stress.

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Need Help Letting a Property in Cardiff, Newport or South Wales?

If you’re thinking about letting a property in Cardiff, Newport, or anywhere in South Wales, our experienced team at Redkey is here to help.

📞 Call us: 01633 387970
We offer friendly, expert advice on:

• Tenant sourcing

• Property management

• Legal compliance

• Rental valuations

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Frequently Asked Questions About Being a New Landlord

What should a tenancy agreement include?

It should outline rent, deposit details, responsibilities, maintenance procedures, and legal rights for both parties.

Who pays property tax on a rental property?

The landlord is responsible for all property-related taxes and declaring rental income.

How can I maintain a good landlord-tenant relationship?

Clear communication, quick responses, and fair treatment help build trust and long-term tenancies.

Do I need landlord insurance?

It’s not mandatory, but highly recommended to protect against damage, loss of rent, and legal costs.