If you’re renting in the UK, there’s a strong chance you’ll be asked to provide a rent guarantor. But for many renters, especially students, international renters, or people early in their careers, this can quickly become one of the biggest obstacles to securing a home.
In theory, you might already understand what a guarantor is, but the question many renters actually struggle with is this:
Who can be a rent guarantor, and what happens if I don’t have one?
In this blog, we’ll explain who qualifies as a rent guarantor, why landlords require one, what responsibilities come with the role, and what your realistic options are if you can’t provide a traditional UK guarantor.
Why do landlords ask for a rent guarantor?
A rent guarantor is there to reduce risk for landlords and accommodation providers. If you are unable to pay your rent, the guarantor can step in and cover the cost. This reassurance is particularly important when renting to people who may not yet have a long financial track record in the UK.
Landlords are most likely to request a guarantor if the tenant is a student, renting for the first time, new to the UK, self-employed, or lacking a UK credit history. It’s worth stressing that being asked for a guarantor isn’t a reflection on you personally. It’s a standard part of the UK rental system and one that affects millions of renters every year.
So, who can be a rent guarantor?
In most cases, a rent guarantor must be an adult UK resident with a stable financial position and a good credit history. The exact requirements can vary slightly depending on the landlord or letting agent, but UK guarantors are typically expected to meet most of the following conditions:
Age and legal status
A guarantor must usually be at least 18 years old. Some landlords also apply an upper age limit, often around 75, because the guarantor must be legally and financially capable of covering the tenancy for its full duration.
UK residency
Most landlords require guarantors to be UK residents because this allows them to carry out credit checks, verify income, and enforce the agreement if necessary. Guarantors who live overseas are rarely accepted, even if they are financially secure.
Good UK credit history
A guarantor will almost always be credit-checked. This means they must have a clean or strong UK credit record, with no recent defaults, CCJs, or significant debt issues. Even someone who is willing to help may be declined if their credit file does not meet the required standard.
Proof of income
Guarantors are expected to prove that they could realistically afford the rent if needed. This usually means providing evidence of stable income, such as payslips, tax returns, or pension statements. Many landlords expect the guarantor to earn significantly more than the annual rent, often two to three times the amount.
Homeownership (often required)
It’s not universal, but many landlords prefer, or insist, that a guarantor is a UK homeowner. This is seen as an additional layer of financial stability and reassurance, particularly in higher-value tenancies or shared properties.
This combination of requirements explains why many willing parents, relatives, or friends still fail guarantor checks, even when they genuinely want to help.
What does being a rent guarantor actually mean?
This is where things are often misunderstood. Being a rent guarantor is not the same as giving a character reference. It is a legal commitment!
If the tenant doesn’t pay their rent, the landlord has the right to pursue the guarantor for the outstanding amount. In many tenancy agreements, this responsibility lasts for the full duration of the tenancy and can sometimes include damage to the property as well as rent arrears.
In shared properties, the risk can be even higher. Under joint tenancies, guarantors may be unintentionally exposed to joint and several liability, meaning they could be held responsible not just for one person’s rent but for others in the household as well. This often comes as a shock to parents or relatives who believed they were only supporting one individual.
Because of this, it’s completely understandable that many people are hesitant to act as guarantors, even when they want to help.
Why finding a guarantor isn’t always possible
For a significant number of renters, finding a suitable guarantor simply isn’t realistic. International students often don’t have family members living in the UK. Graduates moving for their first job may not yet have anyone in a position to act on their behalf. Working professionals relocating for work may face the same issue.
When a guarantor isn’t available, landlords have previously requested six or even twelve months’ rent upfront instead. With rental costs continuing to rise, this can be financially overwhelming and, in some cases, completely out of reach. With the introduction of the Renters’ Rights Act in the UK, requesting more than five weeks’ rent up front is no longer going to be possible.
What if you don’t have a rent guarantor?
Not having a traditional UK guarantor doesn’t mean you can’t rent, but it does mean you may need an alternative solution.
This is where a professional rent guarantor service, like Housing Hand, can help. Instead of asking a parent, guardian, or friend to take on legal risk, Housing Hand can stand as your UK guarantor directly, for a small monthly fee. We’ll sign the guarantor agreement on your behalf, giving landlords the reassurance they need, while allowing you to rent without paying months of rent upfront.
Once accepted, you pay rent monthly as normal. And if unexpected financial difficulties arise, Housing Hand pays the accommodation provider and works with you to resolve the situation fairly, removing pressure from both you and your family.
Is a professional guarantor accepted?
Housing Hand works with thousands of landlords, letting agents, and student accommodation providers across the UK. Our guarantor agreements are widely recognised, and we maintain a 100% payout rate on valid claims, which gives accommodation providers confidence and security.
For many landlords, working with a professional guarantor actually simplifies the process. It reduces risk, avoids disputes, and ensures rent continuity – particularly important in today’s changing rental market.
Is using a guarantor service right for you?
A professional guarantor can be a good option if you don’t have a UK-based guarantor, don’t want to put financial pressure on family members, or want to avoid paying large sums of rent upfront. It’s also a solution many parents prefer, as it removes the worry of being unexpectedly liable for large amounts of rent!
Ultimately, it’s about renting with confidence and knowing that you’re protected and supported throughout your tenancy.
If you’re struggling to find a guarantor or simply want a clearer, more secure way to rent in the UK, Housing Hand is here to help. Our team is always happy to answer questions and guide you through your options, so you can focus on settling into your new home.
