Private Rented Housing

What is Private Rented Housing?

Private rented housing is where a property is owned by a landlord and is leased to a tenant. The tenants would either deal directly with an individual landlord, a management company or an estate agency, caring for the property on behalf of the landlord.

If you are unsure of how to find suitable private rented housing, there are many lettings agents in Rhondda Cynon Taff that you would be able to contact, or you can find suitable properties on the following websites:

Who is Eligible for Private Rented Housing?

Private rented housing is available to everyone, over the age of 18. Assistance may be provided if you cannot find the rent or bond required. If you have any difficulties in finding the money needed, because you are on a low income then you may qualify for assistance through the Housing Advice Centre (HAC).

In some instances, the Council may also be able to assist you if you are at risk of being made homeless although assistance will vary depending on your circumstances.

If I rent a property, what are my rights?

As a tenant, you have the right to:

live in a safe and secure property, which is in a good state of repair
have your deposit returned once your tenancy has ended
challenge excessively high charges
know who your landlord or their agent is
live in the property undisturbed
see an Energy Performance Certificate for the property
be protected against unfair or unreasonable evictions
have a written agreement if you have fixed-term tenancy for more than 3 years

If there is an issue with your landlord or your home, your rights and your landlord's responsibilities will vary depending on your rental agreements. For more information please visit: Citizens Advice - your rights when you rent from a private landlord

Your responsibilities as a tenant

As a tenant you should allow your landlord into the property to inspect or carry out repairs, once a 24-hour notice has been given. However, in the case of an emergency your landlord can gain immediate access. Your landlord has the right to take legal action to evict you if you do not meet your responsibilities:

take good care of the property, for example turn off the water at the mains if you're away in cold weather
pay the agreed rent, even if you're in dispute with your landlord
pay other charges as agreed with the landlord, e.g. Council Tax or utility bills
repair or pay for any damage caused by you or anyone in your household
only sublet a property if the tenancy agreement allows you to

What help can I get with my rent? Local Housing Allowance (LHA)

If your home is private rented, and you are on low income you are eligible to claim help wth our housing costs up to the level of the Local Housing Allowance. The LHA rate is based on where you live and the size of your household. This payment comes from the Council to help pay towards your rent, unless you are claiming Universal Credit (UC), where it would come from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), as part of your Universal Credit payment. The maximum the Council can pay is set by the Rent Officer Service. However, if your rent is lower than the LHA rate set, the Council will not be able to pay more than your rental costs.

To find the the current LHA rate for RCT please visit:

More useful advice and information is available at: