For most university students, renting for the first time can feel a bit overwhelming. Between starting university, keeping up with coursework, making new friends, and figuring out life in a new city, now you’ve got rent to think about too. 

That’s where a guarantor comes in. They can take a lot of the stress out of renting and give both you and your landlord peace of mind. In this post, we’ll break down why having a guarantor is important for students and how it can make renting a whole lot easier. 

 

What Exactly Is a Guarantor? 

Think of a guarantor as your financial safety net. 

When you sign a tenancy agreement for a house or flat, a guarantor is a responsible adult (usually a parent, guardian, or close family member) who also signs the document. 

 

Their main job is to legally promise the landlord that they will cover your rent and any related costs if you, the student, can’t pay it yourself. 

This one signature is usually the key to unlocking your student home. 

 

Why Landlords Insist on a Guarantor 

If you’re wondering why landlords make a fuss about this, it all comes down to financial risk. 

  • The Lack of Income Factor: Most students don’t have a steady, monthly income. Your main source of money is usually your student loan, which only drops into your account in large chunks once per term. Landlords need assurance they’re getting paid every month. 
  • The No-Credit Factor: As a young person, you probably haven’t built up much of a credit history yet. Landlords can’t rely on a strong credit score to prove you’re financially reliable. 
  • The Safety Net: The guarantor acts as an essential insurance policy for the landlord. If anything goes wrong, a loan payment is delayed, or you leave the property with damages, then the landlord can go straight to the guarantor to recover the costs. 

Having a guarantor tells the landlord: “This student is low risk, and you will get your money.” 

 

Explained: What a Guarantor Signs Up For 

When your guarantor signs the form, they aren’t just giving a verbal promise. They are entering into a legal commitment. 

  • Unpaid Rent: Their primary responsibility is to cover any rent that goes unpaid during your tenancy. 
  • Property Damage: If you cause damage to the property that costs more than your initial deposit covers, the guarantor can be held responsible for the extra costs. 
  • The Joint Tenancy: This is where things get tricky. If you and your housemates sign a single joint tenancy agreement for the whole house (which is really common), the guarantor might be liable for the entire house rent if any of your housemates stop paying, not just your share. This is why it’s essential to check the wording of the agreement beforehand! 

 

What If I Can’t Find a UK Guarantor? 

This is a really common problem, especially for international students or those who don’t have family who can sign for them. Don’t worry, there are other routes to securing your place: 

  • Pay Rent Upfront: The most popular alternative. Landlords often accept an advance payment of three, six, or even twelve months’ worth of rent in lieu of a guarantor. 
  • University Guarantor Schemes: Some universities run their own schemes to help their students. It’s always worth checking with your Student Union or accommodation office to see if they offer this service. 
  • Private Guarantor Services: You can use a specialist third-party company that acts as your guarantor for a fee. 
  • Specific Accommodation: Look for purpose-built student accommodation. These providers often have different terms and might not require a guarantor if you pay a larger deposit or use an instalment plan. 

Roome’s Takeaway 

A guarantor isn’t just admin; it’s the fastest way to prove your reliability and secure the student home you want, quickly. Once you’ve finalised your guarantor and signed that tenancy agreement, you can use Roome to effortlessly meet your future housemates and find the right people to share it with. 

 

Find your place. Find your people. Download the Roome app here today.