Business

Long-term renting: The essential checklist

Published

7 months ago

May 15, 2025

Renting somewhere long-term means doing all you can to find the right place and avoid getting a UK landlord eviction form. In this post, we’ll show you the ten steps you must follow to secure a long-lasting let that suits all your needs.

1. Set a budget

With an ongoing cost of living crisis, you need to be sure that you can keep up with rent. Ideally, you won’t spend more than 30% of your income on rent – but this rule is slowly becoming nearly impossible to follow.

Plan out how much you can spend on rent while still comfortably making ends meet. You cannot go beyond the amount you set, even for a place you really love – your stability has to come first.

2. Identify must-haves

You’ll likely already know plenty of non-negotiables for your next place. The particulars here are all up to you, but higher-budget places will always have more to offer.

Here are some common renter must-haves:

Proximity to schools
Nearby parking
Allowed to own a pet
In-unit washer/dryer
Low local crime rate
Ample outdoor space

Lacking any of these could be enough to turn you away from otherwise great homes. If you own a pet, for example, you need a pet-friendly place. However, you should still ask yourself if your list of non-negotiables is suitable for your budget.

3. Check listings

Look at properties on many sites, including Rightmove, Zoopla, and SpareRoom. The home for you might be on just one platform; you can’t afford to limit your search just to one site.

When checking listings, always compare their prices and get a vague idea of the market rate – this will help you identify places with outrageously high rent.

4. Prepare a rental application

Once you find the perfect place, it’s time to send in an application. These are typically available on the listing, but you may have to use your own. Look online for an affordable rental application template – this will already include everything you need.

Any UK-ready rental application you fill in and submit should include:

Your personal information
Your rental history
Your employment history
References (personal, professional, and landlord)
Permission to carry out a background check

5. View the property

You should always inspect a potential new home before signing anything – ideally, you’ll be able to view it before you even send in your application.

If you spot any damages, bring this up to the landlord or letting agent. You must visit rooms that weren’t on the listing’s photos; the agency might be trying to hide something.

6. Check the agreement

Assuming all goes well, the landlord will give you a tenancy agreement. However, you must look it over first to ensure it’s fair. These agreements must have the following:

Names of all parties
The rental amount
The rent’s due date
The tenancy’s start/end dates
Tenant and landlord obligations
Repair procedures
Deposit protection scheme details

If you previously discussed any extra clauses with the landlord, check they’re in the lease – don’t leave anything to a verbal agreement.

7. Conduct a move-in inspection

Once you sign the lease and move in, inspect the property in full, even if you already attended a viewing. Take photos of anything that’s off, or the landlord might accuse you of being the culprit.

Your landlord may carry out the inspection with you – and possibly provide their own checklist of every appliance and fixture.

8. Change your address

Before you settle in, you have to go through the hassle of updating your address everywhere, or you won’t get your post.

You need to tell HMRC about your new address, as this will likely affect your tax. You must also inform the DVLA and re-register to vote.

9. Follow the lease

With your tenancy now in effect, all that’s left to do is follow the lease’s rules and make sure you stay on your landlord’s good side. Here’s what you’ll need to do:

Pay your rent on time
Explain any late payments
Report maintenance issues
Keep noise to a minimum
Make sure guests follow the rules
Don’t secretly get a pet
Keep the property in good condition

10. Renewing or moving out

As the lease draws to a close, you’ll need to decide whether to renew it or move out.

You should talk to your landlord about this at least a few months before the lease ends – this will give you time to negotiate and them time to find a replacement if necessary.

If you’re moving out, make sure you have enough time to conduct a move-out inspection before you go, preferably with the landlord present.

Final thoughts

How you conduct yourself throughout the rental process massively affects your chance of getting a great property. By following the steps above, you’ll stand out as a model tenant and find a home that fits your needs.

Business

First wind turbine components arrive as LNG project moves ahead

Published

7 hours ago

December 4, 2025

Tom Sinclair

THE FIRST ship carrying major components for Dragon LNG’s new onshore wind turbines docked at Pembroke Port last week, marking the start of physical deliveries for the multi-million-pound renewable energy project.

The Maltese-registered general cargo vessel Peak Bergen berthed at Pembroke Dock on Wednesday 26^th November, bringing tower sections and other heavy components for the three Enercon turbines that will eventually stand on land adjacent to the existing gas terminal at Waterston.

A second vessel, the Irish-flagged Wilson Flex IV, has arrived in Pembroke Port today (Thursday) carrying the giant rotor blades.

The deliveries follow a successful trial convoy on 25 November, when police-escorted low-loader trailers carried dummy loads along the planned route from the port through Pembroke, past Waterloo roundabout and up the A477 to the Dragon LNG site.

Dragon LNG’s Community and Social Performance Officer, Lynette Round, confirmed the latest movements in emails to the Herald.

“The Peak Bergen arrived last week with the first components,” she said. “We are expecting another delivery tomorrow (Thursday) onboard the Wilson Flex IV. This will be blades and is currently showing an ETA of approximately 03:30.”

The £14.3 million project, approved by Welsh Ministers last year, will see three turbines with a combined capacity of up to 13.5 MW erected on company-owned land next to the LNG terminal. Once operational – expected in late 2026 – they will generate enough electricity to power the entire site, significantly reducing its carbon footprint.

The Weather conditions were favourable for the arrival of the Wilson Flex IV, which was tracking south of the Smalls at midnight.

The abnormal-load convoys carrying the components from the port to Waterston are expected to begin early next year, subject to final police and highway approvals.

A community benefit fund linked to the project will provide for residents in nearby Waterston, Llanstadwell and Neyland.

Further updates will be issued by Dragon LNG as the Port of Milford Haven as the delivery programme continues.

Photo: Martin Cavaney

Business

Cardiff Airport announces special Air France flights for Six Nations

Published

11 hours ago

December 4, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Direct services to Paris-Charles de Gaulle launched to cater for Welsh supporters, French fans and couples planning a Valentine’s getaway

CARDIFF AIRPORT and Air France have unveiled a series of special direct flights between Cardiff (CWL) and Paris-Charles de Gaulle (CDG) scheduled for February 2026.

Timed to coincide with two major dates — the Wales v France Six Nations clash on Saturday 15 February and Valentine’s weekend — the flights are designed to offer supporters and holidaymakers an easy link between the two capitals.

For travelling French rugby fans, the services provide a straightforward route into Wales ahead of match day at the Principality Stadium, when Cardiff will once again be transformed by the colour, noise and passion that accompanies one of the tournament’s most eagerly awaited fixtures.

For Welsh passengers, the additional flights offer a seamless escape to Paris for Valentine’s Day, as well as opportunities for short breaks and onward travel via Air France’s wider global network.

Cardiff Airport CEO Jon Bridge said: “We’re thrilled to offer direct flights to such a vibrant and exciting city for Valentine’s weekend. Cardiff Airport is expanding its reach and giving customers fantastic travel options. We’ve listened to passenger demand and are delighted to make this opportunity possible. There is more to come from Cardiff.”

Tickets are already on sale via the Air France website and through travel agents.

Special flight schedule

Paris (CDG) → Cardiff (CWL):

13 February 2026: AF4148 departs 17:00 (arrives 17:30)
14 February 2026: AF4148 departs 14:00 (arrives 14:30)
15 February 2026: AF4148 departs 08:00 (arrives 08:30)
15 February 2026: AF4150 departs 19:40 (arrives 20:10)
16 February 2026: AF4148 departs 08:00 (arrives 08:30)
16 February 2026: AF4150 departs 16:30 (arrives 17:00)

Cardiff (CWL) → Paris (CDG):

13 February 2026: AF4149 departs 18:20 (arrives 20:50)
14 February 2026: AF4149 departs 15:20 (arrives 17:50)
15 February 2026: AF4149 departs 09:20 (arrives 11:50)
15 February 2026: AF4151 departs 21:00 (arrives 23:30)
16 February 2026: AF4149 departs 09:20 (arrives 11:50)
16 February 2026: AF4151 departs 17:50 (arrives 20:20)

Business

Cwm Deri Vineyard Martletwy holiday lets plans deferred

Published

19 hours ago

December 4, 2025

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

CALLS to convert a former vineyard restaurant in rural Pembrokeshire which had been recommended for refusal has been given a breathing space by planners.

In an application recommended for refusal at the December meeting of Pembrokeshire County Council’s planning committee, Barry Cadogan sought permission for a farm diversification and expansion of an existing holiday operation through the conversion of the redundant former Cwm Deri vineyard production base and restaurant to three holiday lets at Oaklea, Martletwy.

It was recommended for refusal on the grounds of the open countryside location being contrary to planning policy and there was no evidence submitted that the application would not increase foul flows and that nutrient neutrality in the Pembrokeshire Marine SAC would be achieved within this catchment.

An officer report said that, while the scheme was suggested as a form of farm diversification, no detail had been provided in the form of a business case.

Speaking at the meeting, agent Andrew Vaughan-Harries of Hayston Developments & Planning Ltd, after the committee had enjoyed a seasonal break for mince pies, said of the recommendation for refusal: “I’m a bit grumpy over this one; the client has done everything right, he has talked with the authority and it’s not in retrospect but has had a negative report from your officers.”

He said the former Cwm Deri vineyard had been a very successful business, with a shop and a restaurant catering for ‘100 covers’ before it closed two three years ago when the original owner relocated to Carmarthenshire.

He said Mr Cadogan then bought the site, farming over 36 acres and running a small campsite of 20 spaces, but didn’t wish to run a café or a wine shop; arguing the “beautiful kitchen” and facilities would easily convert to holiday let use.

He said a “common sense approach” showed a septic tank that could cope with a restaurant of “100 covers” could cope with three holiday lets, describing the nitrates issue as “a red herring”.

He suggested a deferral for further information to be provided by the applicant, adding: “This is a big, missed opportunity if we just kick this out today, there’s a building sitting there not creating any jobs.”

On the ‘open countryside’ argument, he said that while many viewed Martletwy as “a little bit in the sticks” there was already permission for the campsite, and the restaurant, and the Bluestone holiday park and the Wild Lakes water park were roughly a mile or so away.

He said converting the former restaurant would “be an asset to bring it over to tourism,” adding: “We don’t all want to stay in Tenby or the Ty Hotel in Milford Haven.”

While Cllr Nick Neuman felt the nutrients issue could be overcome, Cllr Michael Williams warned the application was “clearly outside policy,” recommending it be refused.

A counter-proposal, by Cllr Tony Wilcox, called for a site visit before any decision was made, the application returning to a future committee; members voting seven to three in favour of that.