Renting your dream flat or house is exciting – a fresh start, a new place to call home. But when it comes to paperwork, things can feel confusing. One term often mentioned, especially for students, first-time renters, or those without a long rental history, is rental guarantor. So, what exactly does that mean, and why might you need one?
Here’s what you should know about rental guarantors before signing a tenancy agreement.
What is a rental guarantor?
A rental guarantor is a person who agrees to step in and pay your rent if you can’t. Think of them as your backup support — not someone who pays the rent for you regularly, but someone landlords can rely on if things go wrong.
Usually, this person will also sign the tenancy agreement with you. That means they legally agree to take on your rental responsibilities if you cannot meet them.
This extra layer of security makes landlords feel more comfortable renting out a property, especially when tenants don’t have a reliable source of income, don’t have much rental history, or are new to the UK.
For more tips on renting, check out our renting guide
When might you need a rent guarantor?
You might be asked for a guarantor if:
- You’re a student without a steady incom
- You’re starting a new job or in a probation perio
- You have a low credit scor
- Your income doesn’t meet the landlord’s affordability chec
- You’re moving from overseas and don’t have a UK-based financial history
Landlords often use a general rule that your income should be 2.5 times the rent. If you’re under that or don’t have proof of regular income, a guarantor gives them peace of mind.
Related: Joint tenancies explained
Who can act as a guarantor?
Not just anyone can take on the role of guarantor on rent. Most landlords or letting agents will expect the guarantor to:
- Live in the UK
- Have a steady income or own property
- Pass a credit check themselves
- Be over 18 years old
In most cases, people ask a parent or close relatives. But it could also be a friend or employer, as long as they’re comfortable with responsibility.
What does a guarantor agree to?
When someone agrees to be your guarantor, they make a legal commitment. If you stop paying rent or damage the property, they could be asked to cover those costs.
In some cases, especially with joint tenancies, your guarantor might even be liable for your housemate’s share if things go wrong. It’s always a good idea to review the tenancy agreement with the guarantor before signing.
It’s not about expecting anything bad to happen. It’s just about being prepared and giving the landlord a bit of extra reassurance.
Don’t have a guarantor? Here are your options
Not everyone has someone who can step in as a housing guarantor — and that’s completely okay. There are still ways to rent a home without one:
Rent Guarantor Services
If you don’t have anyone who can act as a guarantor, there are paid services available that may be able to help. These are private companies that, for a fee, agree to take on the role of guarantor once you meet their eligibility criteria. This can be a helpful option for students, self-employed individuals, or renters from abroad who don’t have a UK-based contact to vouch for them.
Pay rent upfront
Sometimes, landlords are happy to rent to you without a guarantor if you can pay six or even twelve months’ rent upfront. This isn’t ideal for everyone, but it’s worth asking if you’ve saved up.
Offer a larger deposit
A higher deposit might help build trust with the landlord, especially if you’re using an open rent guarantor scheme or applying directly through private landlords.
Guarantors: what should they know?
If someone asks you to be a guarantor, it’s important to take the time to think about it. It’s a big responsibility and not just a quick favour.
You’ll want to understand:
- How much is the rent
- How long is the tenancy for
- What would your obligations be if the tenant stops paying
- If the guarantor agreement covers just their rent or the whole household’s rent
Also, some landlords will hold a guarantor responsible even after the tenant moves out until the tenancy ends or the deposit is settled. Reading the agreement properly and asking questions is important and can mean there are no surprises later.
Is the guarantor role the same for all rental setups?
Not always. A guarantor for a long-term or commercial property lease might have slightly different responsibilities than a guarantor for a standard tenancy. A guarantor for a tenancy agreement involving multiple people (say, in a student house) can have different rules based on how the contract is written.
The key thing is: Read the agreement. Know exactly what’s being asked of the guarantor before signing.
What landlords look for in a guarantor
When using a rent guarantor scheme, landlords will usually want to check:
- Proof of ID
- Proof of address
- Recent payslips or tax returns (if self-employed)
- Credit check results
Some landlords or agents may offer their own in-house guarantor schemes, particularly for student accommodation or specific rental agreements. In these cases, the landlord or letting agent will explain the terms, including who qualifies and what documents are needed. If this option is available, it can be an alternative for renters who don’t have someone to act as a guarantor.
Do you need a rental guarantor?
If you’re renting and your finances or history aren’t quite ticking all the boxes for a landlord, a rental guarantor can help unlock that opportunity. It’s one of those things that might feel a little formal, but it’s just about creating trust on both sides.
And if you don’t have someone who can act as a guarantor, remember there are still options out there, from housing guarantor services to upfront payments or different letting schemes.
Don’t let the idea of finding a guarantor hold you back. Ask questions, explore your options, and you’ll find the setup that works best for you. Speak with your local Ellis & Co branch to find your perfect home.
