More students and working professionals than ever are finding it difficult to secure rental accommodation in the UK. Rising rents, tighter affordability checks, and limited credit history are creating real barriers, particularly for international tenants and those at earlier stages of their careers.
At Housing Hand, we’re seeing this trend first-hand. As the UK’s leading professional rent guarantor service, we’ve supported over 100,000 tenants from more than 140 countries, helping them access housing they might otherwise have been unable to secure.
But what’s driving this growing demand for UK guarantors, and why is it becoming such a sticking point?
Rising rents and affordability pressures
The cost of renting in the UK has continued to rise over recent years, particularly in major cities and university towns. According to the latest market data, average monthly rents for students now sit at approximately £530-£560 nationally, with London and the South East significantly higher at £800+.
For students and young professionals, rent is rarely the only cost to consider. Deposits, bills, travel, and everyday living expenses all add up quickly, often before a tenant has received their first student loan payment or salary.
Historically, tenants without a UK guarantor were frequently asked to pay six or even twelve months’ rent upfront to offset perceived risk. While the Renters’ Rights Act now limits how much rent can legally be requested in advance, the underlying issue remains: landlords still need reassurance that rent will be paid.
That reassurance often comes in the form of a guarantor.
Why UK guarantors are so commonly required
A rent guarantor is someone who agrees to cover the rent if a tenant is unable to pay. From a landlord’s perspective, it’s a way to reduce financial risk, particularly when renting to someone without a long UK credit history.
This is why guarantors are most commonly requested from:
- International students and professionals new to the UK
- UK students renting for the first time
- Graduates starting their first role
- Self-employed or contract workers
- Anyone who fails a traditional credit check
It’s important to stress that being asked for a guarantor is not a judgment on reliability. It’s a standard part of the UK rental system and affects thousands of capable, responsible tenants every year.
The reality for international tenants
For international renters, the challenge is often more pronounced. Even with proof of funds or overseas income, most landlords require a UK-based guarantor who can be credit-checked and pursued under UK law if needed.
This creates a situation where many international students and professionals simply don’t know anyone in the UK who meets the criteria, even though they can comfortably afford the rent month to month.
As a result, otherwise suitable tenants can find themselves repeatedly turned down, delayed, or asked to meet conditions that aren’t realistic.
Even with upfront payments, guarantors are still requested
A common misconception is that paying rent in advance removes the need for a guarantor. But this isn’t always the case. Most landlords and accommodation providers still require a guarantor to cover the full term of the tenancy, regardless of any advance payments made.
This can be particularly stressful for tenants who have already stretched themselves financially to secure a property.
How Housing Hand supports tenants differently
Housing Hand was created to solve this exact problem. Instead of relying on a parent, relative, or friend to take on legal and financial responsibility, we stand as the tenant’s professional UK guarantor.
Once accepted, we sign the guarantor agreement directly with the landlord or accommodation provider. This allows tenants to rent in the same way as someone with a traditional guarantor without placing that responsibility on friends or family members.
Supporting students and working professionals from over 140 countries, across private rentals, shared housing, and purpose-built student accommodation, we are widely accepted among landlords and agents, giving tenants and accommodation providers confidence and peace of mind.
Adapting to a changing rental market
With the introduction of the Renters’ Rights Act, the UK rental market is undergoing significant change. Limits on advance rent, the move away from fixed-term tenancies, and increased protections for tenants all signal a shift toward greater fairness and transparency.
At the same time, these changes place new emphasis on risk management for landlords and providers. Professional guarantor services play an increasingly important role in bridging that gap, ensuring tenants can access housing while providers remain protected.
Housing Hand continues to adapt its services in response to these changes, combining financial security with practical tenant support. This includes clearer onboarding, multilingual assistance, and additional wellbeing services informed by our ongoing research into renter experiences.
Making renting more accessible
For many tenants, the ability to rent comes down to one question: Can I provide a guarantor?
By removing that barrier, Housing Hand helps make the UK rental market more accessible, particularly for international tenants, students, and early-career professionals who are ready to start (or continue) their renting journey.
If you’re struggling to find a UK guarantor, or you want to understand your options more clearly, Housing Hand is here to help. Our team can guide you through the process and provide a no-obligation quote, so you can focus on finding the right place to live, with confidence.
