If you’re planning on renting in the UK, chances are you’ll come across the word guarantor. But what is it, and why is one so important when it comes to securing student or private rental accommodation?
In simple terms, it is someone who agrees to step in and cover your rent if you’re unable to pay. But there’s a lot more to it — including who can stand as a guarantor, what landlords look for, and what your options are if you don’t have one.
This guide explains everything you need to know.
What is a guarantor?
A guarantor is usually a trusted ‘adult’ such as a parent or family member who agrees to take on financial responsibility for your tenancy. Typically, that means paying your rent if you fall behind, covering damages or costs beyond your deposit and giving landlords that reassurance that the tenancy will be paid for in full.
For UK students, this is often a parent or guardian (although this can depend on a number of factors such as income and whether they are homeowners). For international students and young professionals, finding someone who meets the requirements can be more challenging — especially since most landlords prefer the guarantor to be UK-based.
When and why is a guarantor required?
Most UK landlords, letting agents, and student accommodation providers will ask for a guarantor if:
- The tenant is a student or has no steady income
- The tenant is new to the UK and doesn’t have a local credit history
- The landlord wants extra protection against rent arrears or damages
Don’t worry – it is not a reflection of “distrust”. It’s just a standard safety net for landlords and providers in the competitive UK rental market.
Who can be a guarantor?
Not everyone qualifies. A typical UK guarantor must:
- Be between 18 and 75 years old
- Be a UK resident
- Have a stable income or be a homeowner
- Have a good credit history
If they don’t meet these criteria, they are unlikely to be accepted, and you might be asked to pay 6–12 months’ rent upfront instead. But for most students and young professionals, this isn’t affordable.
What liability does a guarantor have?
When someone agrees to be your guarantor, they are entering into a legally binding agreement. This means they could be held responsible for:
- Your unpaid rent
- Additional costs such as damages, legal fees, or arrears
- In shared accommodation, sometimes other tenants’ rent (if the tenancy agreement is “joint and several”)
This is why many family members are hesitant, and why services like Only My Share exist to protect guarantors in shared tenancies.
What if you don’t have a guarantor?
For international students or young professionals relocating to the UK, it’s common not to know anyone who qualifies. But without one, your landlords may either refuse your application, ask for a year’s rent upfront or require a professional guarantor service.
And this is where we can help!
Housing Hand’s professional guarantor service
Housing Hand is the UK’s largest and most trusted guarantor service, helping over 100,000 students and professionals secure accommodation.
The benefits of working with Housing Hand include:
- Pay your rent monthly
- Secure your tenancy faster
- Protect family and friends from financial liability
- Provide landlords with a reliable, insured guarantor
- Access tenant support, including live chat in multiple languages and free 24/7 virtual GP and wellbeing services
Who can use the service?
Housing Hand supports:
- UK students
- International students
- Young professionals
- Working tenants with limited or no credit history
It’s quick to check eligibility. You can also get a quote in minutes.
Key takeaways
In short, it’s your ticket to securing a rental property in the UK; someone who promises to cover your rent if you can’t.
But if you don’t have a UK-based guarantor, you don’t have to miss out on accommodation. With Housing Hand, you can rent with confidence, knowing you’ve got the backing of a professional guarantor service trusted across the UK. Find out more and apply today.
