Whether you’re confused about what agency to go for in your second year, or if you’re coming back to finish your degree after a placement year, finding suitable housing can be a pain. Fortunately for you, I’ve been through every apocalyptic housing scenario there is — and I’m ready to spill the beans on which housing agencies are the best for students in Cardiff.

1. Unihomes

Whilst not a Cardiff specific agency, the UniHomes website  is where all students end up at some point or another because of the sheer number of properties hosted on there, that are of course available for viewings. 

UniHomes is a UK based accommodation platform which has been connecting prospective students to landlords and agents since 2015. My house mates and I found our third year property on here, and we really liked the filtering system. The website allows you to put in your details — how many people will be living there, how many bathrooms, included or non included bills. This makes it so much quicker to find the right property for you, instead of soul draining searching across different platforms.

Customer support: 0330 822 0266.

2. CPS Homes

A controversial one, if you ask around your fellow students, the chances are you will receive some pretty divided responses. This ranking at number 2 is based on my own positive experiences with the CPS team in finding my third year house, so please please do your own research! 

Firstly, the fact that CPS has two offices across Roath and Cathays makes it highly accessible for you to communicate with them. One of the disadvantages of choosing an agency who doesn’t have a physical presence in your city or is based in London (I’m looking at you student cribs), is that it can be very hard to get a hold of them if you have an issue. So, any agency that you can talk to physically and not have to spam email is a winner.

Imagine if you’re heating goes down during winter.

Secondly, completing the contract in person with a case manager ( a specific individual that is assigned to your group and contract) means that you have the option to talk through any concerns you might have. Speaking with a real person was deeply reassuring, and she helped us make the right housing decision

  • 02920 454555 for sales/general inquiries (Roath Branch) 
  • 02920 668585 for lettings (Cathays Branch)

3. Student Cribs

My friends and I  went with this agency for our house this year, so I’m happy to share some insider details! .The only reason this agency isn’t higher on the list is because it’s subtly designed for a one year stay, a fact that isn’t advertised on their website. There was really no option to have the house for more than a year, as it was written into the contract that if we wanted the house for 2026/2027, we’d have a rent hike of twenty percent. Ouch! 

So, this may be the perfect agency for a student who is on placement or a year abroad for their third year and only needs a property for second year. However, if you’re a stem or med student and are looking for somewhere solid to last you four or five years, i would suggest you look elsewhere

4. John Winter Student Houses

I admit that this is one agency I hadn’t heard of before starting research. However, word on the street is that these guys are one of the best in business

Unlike the more recent and modern agencies on the list, this company was actually founded way back in 1972! Definitely making it the oldest agency featured here. Whilst experience doesn’t create quality, the founders decades of experience here will no doubt provide for a smooth running of housing  contracts. This agency is ideal for students who are particularly nervous about renting, or are living away from home for the first time 

Their selection of houses is not as large as you might find in other agencies, but the agency’s founder owns every property that they let and, as such, they are able to work closely with tenants to give them a positive renting experience. This individualised approach to doing business with students is unique in comparison to Cardiff’s other letting agencies, reassuring students that their contracts are being handled with professionalism and care. 

5. Abraham Estates

Abraham Estates is proud to be a family run business and this is reflected in their work style. With a portfolio of student houses on the smaller side (the majority of which are in the student area of Cathays), they work closely with tenants to ensure a positive experience. They boast a high tenant retention rate and a commitment to clean and safe student housing. Whilst many of their properties are around the 3-5 bed mark, they endeavor to cater to any student housing need. 

  • Address: 131 Woodville Road, Cathays, Cardiff, CF24 4DZ
  • Phone: 02920 377226

6. The Living Room

A friend of mine works here, so here’s the access to all the inside gossip!

Indeed, . All of their staff have attended university in Cardiff and so have first hand experience of  student lettings here (and what a nightmare they can be) . For increased accessibility and ease, they also  have a car service for viewings further out of the city and they have a great range of properties for different student needs. 

The Living Room’s website declares that they ‘care about customer service’. They also, somewhat strangely, that ‘when you’re a student, your letting agency is – for whatever reason – your enemy’. If you have struggled with letting in the past and are apprehensive about doing so again, this might be the agency for you. 

  • Address: 62 Cathays Terrace, Cardiff, CF24 4HY
  • Phone: 02920 341077
  • Email: cardiff@tlrestates.co.uk
  • Website: https://tlrestates.co.uk/students

7. Capitol Lettings

A favourite among my friends when I went to ask some fellow students for advice — Capitol Lettings is highly established within Cardiff as a solid agency to choose. 

Their website features handy guides to the three main student areas in Cardiff – Roath, Cathays and the slightly quieter Penylan – have great information about renting and living in these areas, as well as broader information on deposits, inventories and letting law. They have a variety of properties, from 1-2 bed flats all the way up to 8+ bed properties for larger households. They have made a name for themselves as a giant in Cardiff student lettings. 

Address: fully automated – their offices have closed, all meetings by appointment via phone/email

8. Hendon’s Homes 

With varying property sizes from large student houses to smaller professional flats, Henson Homes pride themselves on the experience they aim to provide. Not only do they feature extensive rental guides and transparent information about how they are regulated, they run a service for professionals renting their first home in the city, so this might be a good start for students who plan to continue on in Cardiff after graduating. They also provide evening and weekend viewings for busier timetables and a short leaflet of common questions from parents if that is a concern. 

Address: 104 Salisbury Road, Cathays, Cardiff, CF24 4AE

Phone: 02921 158969

Email: info@hensonshomes.com

Website: https://www.hensonshomes.com/stude

9. Cardiff Student Letting

This agency is run and owned by the student union at Cardiff University and, as such, it might be a safer option for first time renters. Their advice guides walk you through every stage of renting, from finding a house, viewing, signing and moving in. Unlike some private agencies, the service is free to use (you won’t face admin costs that you might if you are renting with a private agency). Their website also features a range of ‘useful contacts’ for tenants, including information about renting rights in Wales, pest control, deposit schemes and consumer advice. 

  • Address: Cardiff SU, Park Place, Cardiff, CF10 3QN
  • Phone: 02920 781525
  • Email: cardiffstudentletting@cardiff.ac.uk
  • Website: https://www.cardiffstudentletting.com/
Connor Steele
Connor Steele – University of Sussex
Topic expertise: Student Cities, Cost of Living, Nightlife, Wellbeing, Accommodation

FAQs about student letting agents in Cardiff

Prioritise transparent fees, deposit protection, clear repair processes and responsive communication. Read recent reviews, compare multiple properties in one visit and request draft contracts to check clauses before you sign with your group.

Photo ID, proof of student status, address history and a UK-based guarantor with income evidence are common. If you don’t have a guarantor, ask about alternatives like higher deposits or third-party guarantor services before viewings.

Signs of damp, poor ventilation, broken locks, unclear bills or vague repair policies. Test water pressure, check fire alarms and ask how maintenance is logged and tracked by the agent and landlord during term time.

Start exploring from autumn onwards, but don’t rush. Decide your budget, areas and must-haves first; good houses appear all year as contracts change, so keep checking listings and be ready with documents.

Use a shared spreadsheet, agree bills splitting, and nominate a lead tenant for emails. Photograph meters on move-in, complete the inventory carefully and create a repairs group chat to track issues and updates quickly.

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  • Hi! I'm Ruby and I'm an undergraduate studying English and Journalism at Cardiff University. Outside of lectures, I'm either at the library or on the hunt for a spontaneous sweet treat.

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