Navigating and choosing accommodation for your studies is an overwhelming experience.
Even more so if you’re an international student moving to the UK.
But one aspect that often catches people off guard is the need for a rent guarantor.
It’s a common requirement, especially in competitive student cities like London, Manchester, and Edinburgh, but so many students aren’t sure what it means or how to meet this condition.
In this blog, we’ll try to break it down and answer some of the most common questions about guarantors, including how they work, who can act as one, and your options if you don’t have anyone in the UK.
What is a rent guarantor?
A rent guarantor is someone who agrees to cover your rent if you’re unable to pay. They’re essentially a financial safety net for the landlord. If you fall behind, the landlord can legally pursue the guarantor for any unpaid rent or damage.
In the UK, it’s standard practice for landlords or letting agents to request a guarantor for tenants without a stable income, employment history, or UK credit record, which includes most international students.
Who can be a guarantor for international students?
Landlords typically want someone who:
- Is over 18
- Lives in the UK
- Has a good credit history
- Has a regular income
UK students tend to have a parent or guardian who usually steps in. But international students often don’t have relatives in the UK who meet these criteria.
That’s where professional guarantor services like Housing Hand come in. We can stand as your UK guarantor. This gives landlords the security they need, and you the freedom to find a great place to live.
How does a guarantor for rent work?
A guarantor for rent becomes legally responsible for covering any unpaid rent or damages that fall outside of the tenancy deposit. This typically starts once a guarantor agreement is signed.
Guarantors typically remain liable for the entire tenancy period. That means if your rent is £600 per month for 12 months, the guarantor could be liable for up to £7,200 – even if you only default on a few payments.
What happens if your guarantor cannot pay the rent?
If you default and the guarantor cannot pay (in the case that you are using your own guarantor), the landlord can take legal action. This might lead to court proceedings and even a County Court Judgement (CCJ), which will damage the guarantor’s credit record and financial standing. This is also a major reason that many international students’ families are hesitant to act as guarantors, as the financial risk can be significant, and potentially impact future living plans.
With Housing Hand’s guarantor service, we would cover the missed rent for your portion, then work with you or your co-signer to arrange a repayment plan.
Does being a guarantor affect your credit?
No. Simply being named a guarantor won’t affect someone’s credit score. But, in the event that rent goes unpaid and legal action follows, it can negatively impact the guarantor’s credit history.
It’s a responsibility that shouldn’t be taken lightly, and there are, of course, risks involved. That’s why services like Housing Hand exist – to take on that risk professionally, backed by years of experience and trusted partnerships with UK letting agents and universities.
How long does a guarantor stay on a tenancy agreement?
In most cases, a guarantor is tied to the entire duration of the tenancy agreement. If you sign a 12-month contract, the guarantor is liable for 12 months. Some contracts may extend this period automatically if the tenancy is renewed, so it’s important to check the details.
At Housing Hand, we work directly with landlords and agents to ensure everything is clearly defined and fairly managed.
How much does a rent guarantor cost?
Professional guarantor services do come with a fee, but for many international students, it’s a small price to pay for peace of mind and security.
At Housing Hand, our fees are designed to be student-friendly. You can pay as a one-off upfront payment or spread the cost over instalments.
Get a quote from Housing Hand here.
What is rent guarantee insurance?
This one’s a bit confusing. Rent guarantee insurance is a landlord’s product. It protects them in case the tenant doesn’t pay, but it doesn’t replace the need for a guarantor.
In other words, even if a landlord has this insurance, they might still ask you for a guarantor. It doesn’t protect you as the tenant or help you meet their conditions.
How to find a guarantor for rent as an international student
If you don’t know anyone in the UK, don’t panic. Many international students are in the same position. You’ve still got two main options:
- Use a professional guarantor service like Housing Hand.
- Pay rent upfront, which some landlords accept (but this can be risky and unaffordable for many).
At Housing Hand, we’ve supported over 95,000 students and professionals worldwide, working with thousands of accommodation providers across the UK.
We understand your challenges and are here to make the process smoother and safer for everyone involved.
Start your application here.
Key takeaways
Moving to a new country is exciting, but it can also be incredibly daunting. Guarantor requirements are just one hurdle, but they don’t have to stop you from finding your ideal home.
With Housing Hand, you can rent with confidence, knowing you’ve got professional backing and support every step of the way.
Need help finding student accommodation or sorting out your guarantor?
