Guarantors
In most cases, you will be required to provide a guarantor. A guarantor is someone who will guarantee to pay for your rent or damage incurred at the property if you fail to do so.
This is part of our information on Renting Off Campus covering House Hunting and Before You Move In.
A guarantor is someone who agrees to cover your rent or any property damage if you fail to pay. If neither of you pay what’s been agreed, the landlord can apply for a county court judgement against either or both of you.
Typically, landlords require a guarantor to be based in the UK, as it is easier for them to take legal action against a UK resident.
Guarantor Agreements
If you are asked to provide a guarantor, you can limit the guarantor’s liability by making sure the guarantor agreement clearly states:
- The name of the tenant being guaranteed
- The start and end dates of the guarantee
- The maximum amount guaranteed. If you have a joint tenancy, make sure the guarantee does not apply to all the rent rather than just one person’s share.
Both you and your guarantor should read the tenancy and guarantor agreement carefully before signing. An adviser can review your tenancy and guarantor agreement at a SASS contract check.
Professional Rent Guarantor Services
If you don’t have a UK-based guarantor, you could use a professional guarantor service. These are companies that, for a fee, act as your guarantor by agreeing to cover your rent if you are unable to pay. You will usually need to repay the professional guarantor service if they pay rent on your behalf.
Housing Hand
The University has partnered with Housing Hand to support students requiring a UK guarantor. You can find more information by following the link to the Student Accommodation Centre’s webpages.
For information/support with the University’s partnership with Housing Hand, you can contact the Student Accommodation Centre on sac@mailbox.lboro.ac.uk.
Examples of other rent guarantor services include:
Make sure you check the terms and conditions for the most up to date and accurate information.
When selecting a rent guarantor service, it is important to consider:
- Eligibility criteria
- Check that the scheme fits your personal circumstances.
- Cost
- Fees can vary depending on the provider and length of cover.
- Payment arrangements
- Some services require payment up front while others allow monthly payments.
- Application process
- How easy is the application process?
- What supporting documentation do you need to provide
- Reviews
- Check reviews online
Once you have found a property, get your contract checked before agreeing
#RentSmart
Before you agree to anything, remember: a contract is legally and financially binding. Make sure you read it and understand your rights and responsibilities first.
Contact the Student Advice and Support Service for a contract check to help you decide if it is suitable and to review any potentially unfair terms.
If you can't get an appointment in time:
- review our ‘contracts’ guidance and key information to know before agreeing to make sure it’s suitable
- ask the landlord/agent to hold the property while you seek advice. It’s completely reasonable to take time before agreeing.
Last Updated: 8th October 2026