Last updated August 2026
Rent Guarantors: What You Need to Know
A guarantor is one of the most common referencing requirements in the private rented sector, and one of the most misunderstood. Here's what it actually means for tenants, guarantors and landlords.
What Is a Rent Guarantor?
A guarantor is someone who legally agrees to cover the rent, and often other costs, such as damage or unpaid bills, if the tenant is unable to pay. They sign a formal 'deed of guarantee' alongside the tenancy agreement, making them just as responsible for the debt as the tenant if things go wrong.
When Landlords Ask for One
A guarantor is typically requested when a tenant doesn't fully meet standard referencing criteria on their own. Common situations include:
- Students or recent graduates without an established income or rental history
- First-time renters with no previous landlord references
- Tenants whose income falls below the usual affordability threshold (often 2.5–3× the annual rent)
- Applicants who are new to the UK or don't have a long enough UK credit history
- Tenants with adverse credit history, such as a low credit score or previous missed payments
What a Guarantor Is Agreeing To
This is the part that catches people out: a guarantor isn't just vouching for someone's character. They're taking on joint and several liability for the rent, meaning the landlord can pursue the guarantor directly for the full amount owed, not just a share of it, if the tenant falls behind.
Depending on how the deed is worded, that liability can extend for the whole length of the tenancy, including renewals if it rolls onto a periodic tenancy, so it's worth reading the guarantee carefully, or asking a solicitor to, before signing.
Who Can Be a Guarantor
Most landlords and referencing agencies expect a guarantor to:
- Be a UK resident, usually a homeowner (though not always a strict requirement)
- Have a sufficient income, often 3× the annual rent or more
- Pass their own credit and referencing checks
- Be prepared to be contactable and cooperative throughout the tenancy
Alternatives to a Traditional Guarantor
If you don't have someone who can act as a guarantor, you're not automatically ruled out. Depending on the landlord, alternatives can include:
- Guarantor insurance schemes, where a third-party company acts as your guarantor for a fee
- Paying a larger deposit or several months' rent upfront (subject to Tenant Fees Act limits on deposits)
- Rent guarantee insurance taken out by the landlord, which can sometimes reduce the need for a personal guarantor
- A higher-income joint tenant taking on a larger share of responsibility
How We Handle Referencing
As part of our standard referencing process, we'll let you know early on whether a guarantor is likely to be needed, so there are no surprises partway through an application. If you don't have a guarantor available, talk to us. We can usually point you toward a suitable insurance-backed alternative.