UK Rent Guarantor For International Students: A Complete Guide

Have you recently moved to the UK for your academic pursuits? Well, congratulations are definitely in order since you have got into a prestigious university — but have you started looking for accommodation? University dorms quickly fill up, and we understand how puzzled you may be feeling. Off-campus accommodation near your university is the most sought-after option; however, guarantors are a prerequisite. If you find a UK-based guarantor, your landlord will not only heave a sigh of relief but also prefer you as a prospective tenant. However, how to find a guarantor for rent in the UK and does a UK guarantor have to be a UK citizen? To help you find all your answers, here’s a complete guide for you! We will talk about where you can find UK rent guarantors, their importance, and how to tackle unfair terms. So, let’s get started!

What is a UK-based Guarantor for Students?

A rent guarantor is someone who signs your lease with you and essentially acts as your safety net. They could be a person, organisation, or company that accounts for your responsibility when you're in the UK. The student rent guarantor also complies with securing another person's tenancy agreement or contract based upon a professional or mutual connection. 

Depending on the country you're renting a home in, the role and requirements may differ slightly, but their primary responsibility is to be liable to pay rent if you are unable to. Usually, the terms, namely “international student guarantor” and “co-signer,” are used interchangeably, so don't get confused if someone uses one instead of the other. 

Why Do You Need a UK Guarantor Service? 

Suppose a stranger knocks on your door one day, looks around your apartments, and asks if they could move in the next day. What could be scarier than this, right? Well, that's the kind of risk homeowners and building managers take daily when renting out properties. A UK guarantor for international students focuses on offering a more professional and structured solution, streamlining the renting process.

Of course, not all landlords will require you to have a UK rent guarantor, especially if you're a great applicant, but as a college student with little to no income, needing a co-signer is almost unavoidable. Here are some common reasons property managers will ask you for a UK guarantor for students: 

1. First-time Renter

Landlords often ask tenants for references or enquire about their renting history to see whether they would be suitable tenants. If this is your first time renting a property, you will be required to have a UK rent guarantor in place of references. Keep your UK student visa or passport handy because landlords are also likely to see essential documents. 

2. Low Income

In order to qualify as a tenant for the apartment you have chosen, you must provide proof of income. The requirements change depending on the property; however, as a general rule of thumb, you are often required to show proof of income equal to or higher than three times one month's rent. 

3. Irregular Income

Candidates without a steady income are also often required to have a UK rent guarantor so the landlord can ensure rent payments are made on time. If you have an excellent credit score but a history of long periods of unemployment or months without pay, that can be a red flag. 

4. Non-UK Citizens  

International students and any other non-citizens or residents are often required to have a UK guarantor on their leases as they often do not meet the property's requirements without one. Moreover, they are new to the UK renting process — landlords might feel more comfortable with a student rent guarantor who understands the system and can act as a point of contact. 

Responsibilities of a UK Guarantor for International Students

Having a UK guarantor at your side provides landlords with an extra level of assurance. While the landlord or real estate agencies can efficiently deal with the guarantor directly, this also helps you a long way to make your profile more credible and authentic, leaving better chances of finding student housing near your university. Being a UK based guarantor on a lease is high risk and low reward. Here are some of the primary requirements of a UK rent guarantor:

1. To Act as an Assurance

A guarantor assures the landlord that you will be able to make rent payments. If you have a UK rent guarantor, your landlord will likely allow you to make rent payments in instalments rather than in one lump sum. 

2. To Pay Rent if Needed

If the student is unable to make a rent payment, their UK guarantor service will make their payment for them. Legal action may be taken against both the UK guarantor and the tenant if they cannot make the payment. 

3. Be Liable for Any Damages

A UK guarantor for international students is also liable for any damages made by the tenant during their time of stay. Damages are usually recovered through the security deposit. Still, if the total amount of damages done is worth more than the deposit, it will have to be paid by either the tenant or the UK rent guarantor. 

Requirements of a UK Guarantor

The process of becoming a guarantor on a lease is relatively simple. Property owners will likely only ask for a handful of documents that will make up the bulk of the UK guarantor requirements, which are: 

1. Name & date of birth
2. Phone number & email id
3. National insurance number
4. Proof of address
5. Proof of income (tax returns)
6. Most recent and past bank statements
7. Bank details, including branch name and account number

Who can be a UK Rent Guarantor for Students?

Finding a suitable guarantor in a new country is a tall order for international students. This could leave them in despair if they weren't around the city guide to find out how to choose a suitable guarantor for themselves. For starters, a UK based guarantor can be anyone you can feel to relate your stay with. They can be a living resident, a relative, or an organisation. Here are some important things to remember about a UK guarantor service: 

1. A rent guarantor for international students must be willing to be liable on your behalf. They effectively take on the commitments that the main party to the tenancy agreement is taking on. 

2. A UK based guarantor does not have to be your guardian. It is a common misconception that a guarantor should be a personal connection! They can be anyone who meets the criteria set by the landlord, agent, or third-party organisation.

3. While renting an apartment with a lease co-signer, you should know that the student rent guarantor must be a lawful resident of the UK. 

How to Get a UK Guarantor? 

Being a competitive industry, many local authorities have started giving out guarantor services so students can easily find one. To make the process easier for you, here are a few tips to consider: 

1. To ensure you're dealing with an authentic source, aim to contact the landlord's main office and consult your agency's legitimacy.
2. Many local landlords are strong in market knowledge and will surely know the names of popular and trustworthy UK based rent guarantors.
3. Some universities have partnerships with UK guarantor services, so explore your university’s student support for guidance.
4. Some landlords might be open to alternative solutions like a large security deposit only if you can demonstrate financial stability.
5. The easiest way to find a UK guarantor for international students is to ask a friend or family member.

Remember, under some circumstances, your friends and family may not be eligible to co-sign your lease with you. In that case, there are a variety of services available that will help you find a local rent guarantor. Check out amber+ to find a range of reliable service partners that can help you with your rent guarantor search and much more.

Popular UK Guarantors for International Students & Residents 

Finding a good guarantor can be as challenging as picking your dream accommodation. That's why we have compiled a list of some of the best UK guarantors for international students: 

1. UKGuarantor.com

One of the most reliable UK guarantors for international students, UK Guarantor acts as the rent guarantor for students, recent graduates, as well as working professionals. The platform allows you to apply online, get a guarantor within 24 hours of applying, and pay rent in instalments, with the fees starting at £295.

2. HousingHand.com

Housing Hand is another popular UK guarantor service that connects students and professionals with the best rent guarantor match in the UK and Ireland. The best part is that they offer monthly subscriptions, which start when you move in and start from £31.

3. RentGuarantor.com

Unable to get a family member or friend to be your rent guarantor? Don't worry! RentGuarantor has got your back! UK and overseas students, people who are employed, self-employed, retired, or in receipt of benefits, and customers can also choose to pay in instalments if eligible.

4. Guarantid.com

Instead of relying on friends or family, Homeppl Guarantid can get you set up within a day, cutting off the lengthy process. The platform assesses a tenant’s financial situation to determine suitability and offers different tiers of service. Their fees are among the lowest for UK guarantors for international students. 

5. Yourguarantor.com

This scheme caters to students studying in UK universities who are looking for a rent guarantor. YourGuarantor acts as a UK guarantor for students, as The National Union of Students, at both national and local levels, in trying universities to introduce this scheme for the students. Their service costs start from just 3.5% of your rent and don't require a co-signer or guarantor.

What Happens When the UK Guarantor's Liability Ends?

Now that you have an idea of “What is a UK guarantor?,” you should know that a guarantor's responsibility ends depends on the details of the guarantee agreement or any other verbal agreements made. Some guarantee agreements have no fixed end date and state that the guarantor will be responsible for the entire tenancy or any changes to it, like rent increases or extensions. The international student guarantor's responsibility might continue as long as the tenancy exists and will only end if:

1. The tenant serves a valid notice to end the tenancy.
2. The landlord and tenant agree to end the tenancy together.
3. A court issues a possession order.

One could argue that an open-ended guarantor agreement is not enforceable. Still, it would ultimately be up to a court to decide on this matter.

Importance of a UK Guarantor for International Students

Starting a life in a new country can be incredibly challenging, and building a home is one of the hardest parts of the journey. An international guarantor will allow you to rent a home easily if you ever need help paying the bills. A local guarantor is often the requirement in most rental agreements; hence,  finding a UK based guarantor is an essential part of your search for accommodation. Let’s have a look at the reasons:

1. Wider Accommodation Options 

Regardless of whether you explore the best apps to find apartments, having a UK based guarantor opens doors to a range of options. Every student accommodation often has its guarantor requirements, but a student rent guarantor can give you more flexibility. 

2. Mitigate Perceived Risks 

Landlords might feel renting to someone unfamiliar with the system is a higher risk. A UK based guarantor acts as a safety net, guaranteeing rent payment if needed.

3. Lack of Credit History in the UK 

Since international students are new to the UK, they likely lack an established credit history. A student rent guarantor with a good UK credit score assures landlords of your financial reliability.

UK Guarantors of Tenants Who Live in Shared Accommodation

With the cost of living in Oxford, London, and other major student hubs seemingly increasing, finding a roommate will help you save more. However, when it comes to sharing an accommodation with other roommates, you need to be extra cautious and careful! Let’s go through the following tips to know what you should keep in mind: 

1. It is important to understand that the person who rents the guarantor is responsible for paying the whole amount, not just their share.
2. You should read the agreement carefully, ask the landlord if you have any questions, and clarify immediately if something is unclear.
3. Once you sign the agreement, you must follow the rules as the UK guarantor for international students.
4. Ask whether the UK rent guarantor has any specific procedures or notice periods for terminating their liability.
5. See if there are any possibilities of getting rent guarantee insurance or alternative options for financial protection in case the tenant defaults on rent. 

You may be worried about being responsible for everyone else's rent or any damages they cause; in such cases, it is best to come clean with the landlord and see if they are ready to change the agreement. 

Identifying Unfair Terms in a Guarantee Agreement

A term in a contract could be unfair if it creates a big difference in the rights and responsibilities of the people involved. If a term is considered unfair, it can't be used or enforced by law. If a landlord tries to make a student rent guarantor follow an unfair term in the agreement, the guarantor can ask the court to decide if the term is unfair. If the court agrees that it's unfair, they will decide if the guarantor still needs to make payments. If you think there might be an unfair term in your contract, you can talk to the Trading Standards Officer at your local authority. They can give you more advice and help you understand if the term is truly unfair or not.

In conclusion, navigating the rental market is challenging, but understanding the role of a UK guarantor for international students can ease the process. By exploring UK guarantor services or negotiating with landlords, you can up your chances of securing the choice of your accommodation. There are a few things to look for when choosing student accommodation, like types of accommodation and facts; don’t forget to communicate with potential student rent guarantors and review agreements. With careful planning and the right approach, finding the perfect UK rent guarantor for international students is a breeze!