What Is a Guarantor in Renting?
A guarantor is someone who agrees to take on financial responsibility if a tenant cannot pay their rent or damages the property. In a UK rental agreement, the guarantor signs a legal document promising to cover any unpaid rent or costs owed by the tenant. This gives landlords extra reassurance that the rent will be paid, even if the tenant faces financial difficulties.
Landlords often ask for a guarantor if a tenant has little or no rental history, a low income, or is a student. Having a guarantor can make it easier for tenants to secure a property, especially if they might not meet all the usual requirements on their own.
By agreeing to be a guarantor, a person helps support the tenant’s application and can give landlords more confidence in renting out their property. For a broader look at the rental process and what’s involved, see our guide to Rental Applications: UK Legal Overview. You can also find more details on tenants’ and landlords’ rights in the official "How to rent" guide from GOV.UK, or explore the basics of Renting Law in the UK: A Legal Overview.
When Can a Landlord Ask for a Guarantor?
Landlords in the UK often ask for a guarantor when they feel extra security is needed before renting out a property. This is common if a tenant has a low credit score, limited rental history, or is renting for the first time. Students and people who are self-employed may also be asked for a guarantor, as their income can be harder to verify.
Legally, landlords are allowed to request a guarantor as part of their screening process. There are no strict rules about when a guarantor can be required, but the request must not be discriminatory. The main legal framework for rental agreements, including guarantor arrangements, is set out in the Housing Act 1988.
Being asked for a guarantor can affect your rental application. It may slow down the process, as the landlord needs to check your guarantor’s financial situation and get them to sign an agreement. If you cannot provide a suitable guarantor, you might need to look for alternative options or explore your rights as a tenant. For more on the general legal background, see our guide to Renting Law in the UK: A Legal Overview.
Responsibilities of a Guarantor
When you agree to be a guarantor for a UK rental agreement, you take on important financial responsibilities. If the tenant cannot pay their rent or causes damage to the property, the landlord can ask you to cover these costs. This means you could be legally required to pay any unpaid rent or for repairs, sometimes even if the tenant has left the property.
Being a guarantor is a serious legal commitment. Before signing, it is important to read the agreement carefully and understand exactly what you are agreeing to. The guarantor’s obligation usually lasts for the length of the tenancy, but sometimes it can continue even if the tenancy is renewed or extended. Always check the terms and ask questions if anything is unclear. For more about what should be included in a tenancy agreement, see our guide on key things every UK tenancy agreement should include.
To fully understand your responsibilities and to access sample forms, you can review the Guarantors Form & Documents for Tenancy | NRLA, which provides useful templates and guidance for both tenants and guarantors.
Impact on Tenants and Guarantors
When entering a rental agreement with a guarantor, both tenants and guarantors should understand their rights and responsibilities.
For tenants:
Having a guarantor can help you secure a rental if you have limited credit history or income. However, it’s important to know that if you miss rent payments or break the tenancy agreement, your guarantor will be asked to cover the costs. Before agreeing, make sure you and your guarantor are clear about the terms and what could trigger their responsibility. For a wider look at your rights as a renter, see our guide on Renting Law in the UK: A Legal Overview.
For guarantors:
Acting as a guarantor is a serious legal commitment. You could be liable for unpaid rent, damage to the property, or other costs if the tenant cannot pay. Before signing, read the agreement carefully and ask questions if anything is unclear. Consider whether you can afford to cover the tenant’s obligations if needed.
Protecting yourself as a guarantor:
Guarantors should always get a copy of the tenancy agreement and the guarantor agreement. It’s wise to seek independent legal advice before signing. Make sure you understand exactly what you are guaranteeing and whether your liability is limited to a fixed period or continues until the end of the tenancy.
If you encounter problems with a letting agent, Citizens Advice offers practical steps for complaining about your letting agent, including how to protect your rights as a tenant or guarantor.
Alternatives to Using a Guarantor
If you cannot provide a guarantor, there are still ways to secure a rental property in the UK. Many tenants face this challenge, especially if they are new to the country or do not have close family or friends who can act as a guarantor.
Some landlords may accept alternatives, such as paying a larger deposit or several months’ rent upfront. You might also consider using a professional guarantor service, or offering references from previous landlords or employers to show your reliability.
For a step-by-step guide on these options and more, visit our detailed page on how to rent a home in the UK without a guarantor.
Understanding your rights and the legal landscape can also help. For a broader overview, see our guide to renting law in the UK.
Additional Considerations in the Rental Process
When applying for a rental property in the UK, several important factors come into play alongside guarantor requirements. Understanding these can help you feel more confident and prepared during the application process.
Discrimination and Tenant Protections
Landlords and letting agents must treat all applicants fairly. It is illegal to discriminate against someone based on factors like race, gender, disability, or family status. If you are concerned about unfair treatment during your application, see our guide on Discrimination When Applying to Rent: UK Legal Overview.
Application Fees and Deposits
Most fees for tenants are now banned in England. However, some payments – such as holding deposits – may still be requested, especially if a guarantor is involved. For full details on what landlords can and cannot charge, read about Application Fees and Holding Deposits and consult the official Tenant Fees Act 2019.
Rental References
Landlords often ask for references from previous landlords or employers. If your references are limited or unavailable, a guarantor may be required. Learn more in our overview of Rental References: Legal Overview for UK Tenants and Landlords.
Right to Rent Checks
Every tenant must pass a right to rent check before moving in. This process can involve providing documents or using share codes, which guarantors should be aware of if they are helping with the application. For more on this, see Share Codes Explained: Right to Rent Checks for Tenants and Landlords.
The Application Process
Having a guarantor may affect how quickly your application is processed or what extra documents are needed. For a step-by-step overview, visit How to Apply for a Rental Property in the UK: A Step-by-Step Guide.
For a broader understanding of your rights and responsibilities as a tenant or guarantor, see our summary of Renting Law in the UK: A Legal Overview.
Need further guidance? Contend’s AI Legal Assistant can help you understand your rights, answer questions about guarantors, and explain what documents you might need. If you face issues with discrimination, fees, or references, Contend can offer step-by-step advice and even help you draft letters to landlords or letting agents. Get clear, tailored support for your rental journey with Contend.
