When renting in the UK, landlords usually require tenants to have a rent guarantor. This is especially true for international students or working professionals who have recently moved to the UK.
In this post, we’re going to explain what a guarantor is, who qualifies as a guarantor and walk you through the steps on how to find one.
What is a guarantor?
A guarantor is someone responsible for paying your rent if you cannot. This essentially gives the landlord additional peace of mind and reduces their financial risk.
The concept might seem daunting, but it’s a common rental requirement and a pretty straightforward process once you understand it.
You may be asked to supply a guarantor for the following reasons:
- You’re studying
- You’re renting for the first time
- You’ve recently moved to the UK
- You have little to no credit history
- You’re unemployed, or have unsteady income
Even if you fall outside of these categories, it’s still possible that you’ll be required to supply a guarantor.
Why is a guarantor important?
Having a guarantor is important because it offers additional security for both parties.
Financial security
You and your landlord will benefit from increased financial security, knowing that the rental payments will be made even if you encounter financial struggles.
Better options
Although some accommodation providers will accept you without one, you’ll have access to better, more legitimate choices when renting with a guarantor.
Professional support
For renters who use a UK-based guarantor service, such as Housing Hand, you’ll also have access to professional support and guidance. From application to move-in, Housing Hand supports renters navigating the complexities of the UK renting process and legal requirements.
How to find a guarantor?
Now that you understand what a guarantor is and why they’re important, let’s learn how to find one.
The first step is understanding who qualifies as a guarantor, so you know who you can ask.
Who qualifies as a guarantor?
The requirements of an acceptable guarantor usually include:
- UK resident (England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland)
- They’re aged 18+
- Proof of steady income, or home ownership
- Good credit history
Family/friends
Asking someone you already know and trust is the most popular choice. In most cases, UK landlords require the guarantor to be a UK resident, however, some may accept an international guarantor.
If you’re unable to find a UK-based candidate, check with your accommodation provider to see if you can nominate someone from overseas.
When asking family/friends to act as your guarantor, it’s important to be upfront and honest about their role.
Being a guarantor isn’t just a character reference, it means they’re legally liable for your rental payments if you can’t pay.
It’s a big commitment, so ensure you show them your financial plans and suggest they seek independent legal advice for their peace of mind.
Professional guarantor service
Housing Hand is a leading rent guarantor service in the UK, helping both students and working professionals secure rental accommodation by acting as a guarantor.
Our service is particularly useful for international students, or working professionals who have just moved to the country or have little to no credit history and do not have access to a UK guarantor.
We offer a range of flexible services for renters without a guarantor, including monthly payment plans and comprehensive rental support for people unfamiliar with the UK rental market.
To apply for our guarantor service, you need to complete an online application form and submit the relevant documentation, including identification, proof of income and/or proof of enrolment.
You can find more information about how to apply for our guarantor scheme here.
Please note that not all UK landlords accept third-party guarantors. Always check with your accommodation provider before applying for Housing Hand.
Student accommodation services
For international students, it’s common for your university to offer a guarantor scheme. When enrolling, check with your student accommodation office to see if this is a service they offer.
University guarantor schemes typically only cover rent, not bills or damages, and approval from your university cannot be guaranteed.
How to submit your guarantor
Once you’ve chosen your guarantor from the list of suitable choices above, it’s time to submit them in your rental agreement.
For family/friends
A UK landlord will usually require the following things from your guarantor:
- Proof of identification
- Proof of income/home ownership
- Proof of address
- Credit check consent
- Their signature on a guarantor agreement
Using Housing Hand
If you’re opting to use a guarantor service, such as Housing Hand, your landlord will need:
- Guarantor certificate from Housing Hand (including your personal details and the tenancy details)
Student accommodation services
When using your university as your guarantor, the landlord will require:
- Your student documentation
- A guarantor confirmation letter from the university
Key takeaways
A guarantor is a very common requirement for people renting in the UK, and can be a straightforward process once you understand who qualifies.
Guarantors give landlords and tenants increased financial security, and can provide tenants with access to better accommodation options.
Often, guarantors are required to be UK residents, be aged 18+ and have a steady income and/or own a home. In some cases, landlords will accept international guarantors.
Typical examples of guarantors include friends, family, guarantor services like Housing Hand, or student accommodation services.
Always be upfront with friends or family about the legal liability when asking them to be your guarantor. Always check with your accommodation provider before requesting a third-party guarantor.
Make sure you have the appropriate documentation for yourself and your guarantor when submitting your application to a rental property.
