Using a guarantor, do I need one?
A guarantor is a third party, such as a parent or close relative, who agrees to pay your rent if you don’t pay it. Your landlord can take legal action to recover any unpaid rent from your guarantor.
Your landlord may check that your guarantor can pay the rent and may carry out a credit check. There is a legal requirement for this to be in writing.
Landlords will usually want a guarantor who lives in the UK because it’s easier for them to take legal action against a UK resident if they need to. If you’re an international student and can’t get a UK-based guarantor, you may be asked to pay more rent in advance.
If you share accommodation with other tenants under one tenancy agreement (joint tenancy), it’s common for the guarantee to apply to all of the rent, and not just your share. Make sure the guarantor is aware of this, as they are not just liable for your possible unpaid rent, but your flatmates too.
It is always best to check any guarantee agreement carefully so that the guarantor knows how and when their liability ends. As soon as the agreement is signed, the guarantor is bound by its terms and conditions. Ask the landlord or agent any questions if something is unclear.
Remember, you can get advice on this from ASK in the Students’ Union.