Yes, landlords in the UK can legally require a guarantor as part of the rental process, but there are new rules that both tenants and landlords should know.
If you’ve ever been asked for a guarantor and wondered why, you’re not alone. It’s one of the most common sticking points in the UK rental market, especially for students, expats and anyone new to the country.
Here, we explain everything you need to know about when landlords can ask for a guarantor, what’s changing under the new Renters Rights Act, and what your options are if you don’t have one.
In fact, if you are an expat or international student that needs a guarantor but has no one in the UK who can help, why not try Rentmigo?
At Rentmigo, our rent guarantor service allows you to secure a guarantor today, so you have the coverage you need to rent the place you want.
What is a rental guarantor?
A rental guarantor is someone who agrees to step in and cover the rent if a tenant is not able to pay.
From a landlord’s perspective, it’s just an extra layer of security that the rent will be covered. Especially if a tenant is new to a country and doesn’t have a UK credit history, a rental guarantor is seen as a way to reduce any kind of financial risk for the landlord.
And whilst most guarantors are never actually needed to step in to pay the rent, needing one on record can be a barrier for many tenants that are new to the country.
When can landlords ask for a guarantor?
There is currently no law in the UK that means private landlords can’t ask for a guarantor. In most cases, it comes down to how risky they deem the tenancy to be.
Landlords or letting agents are more likely to ask for one if:
- You’re a student
- You’ve recently moved to the UK
- You don’t have a UK credit history
- You’re self-employed or freelance
- Your income doesn’t meet their affordability thresholds (usually a measure against the annual rent)
In competitive rental markets in particular, some landlords request a guarantor as standard, even if your finances are strong.
Do guarantors have to be UK-based?
In most cases, yes, guarantors have to be UK based.
Landlords usually prefer a guarantor who lives in the UK because it makes it easier to legally enforce payment if something goes wrong. This is a big reason why international tenants often struggle to find a guarantor, even if they have strong income or savings.
Normally, a UK guarantor has to:
- Be a UK resident
- Have a strong credit history in the UK
- Prove they are earning enough to cover the rent (often 3x the annual rent)
- Sometimes owning property as extra collateral
For many tenants, especially those moving from abroad, finding someone who fits these requirements that will act as a guarantor for them is an impossible task.
That’s where Rentmigo can help.
Our rent guarantor service allows expats, international students and those new to the UK to lock in a guarantor within weeks. All you have to do is sign up, prove you can afford the rent, and we’ll act as a guarantor on your behalf.
Can landlords ask for rent in advance instead of asking for a guarantor?
Tenants without a guarantor used to be able to pay several months of rent in advance instead of having one. This allowed them to provide the landlord with the level of security they were after, without needing a guarantor in place.
However, this is changing.
Under the new Renters’ Rights Act, landlords can no longer ask tenants to pay chunks of rent in advance once a tenancy agreement is in place. Rent in advance will be capped at one month, which means it’s no longer a viable option for international tenants without a guarantor.
As a result, more tenants will be asked for guarantors instead.
What else is changing under the Renters’ Rights Bill?
The upcoming Renters’ Rights Bill will change how guarantors are used in the UK.
While the details are still being fleshed out, changes expected to come into effect include:
- Guarantors will only be responsible for up to six months’ rent, so landlords won’t be able to claim unlimited amounts from them
- There will be clearer rules on when landlords can actually ask for a guarantor
- Landlords won’t be able to rely on large upfront rent payments as a backup option
- If a tenant passes away, the guarantor will no longer be held responsible for ongoing rent
Put simply, these changes are designed to make renting fairer for tenants, while still giving landlords some level of protection.
That said, in reality, landlords may become more cautious about who they rent to, especially if someone is new to the UK, self-employed or has a less traditional income.
What happens if you don’t have a guarantor?
This is where many tenants get stuck.
If you don’t have a UK-based guarantor, your options are often limited. You might face:
- Rejected rental applications
- Requests for upfront rent (where still permitted)
- Issues securing a property
This is especially common for:
- International students
- Expats moving for work
- Freelancers or contractors
- First-time renters in the UK
Luckily, another option exists.
A simpler alternative: using a professional rent guarantor
Instead of asking a friend or family member to take on financial responsibility, many tenants now use professional guarantor services.
Rentmigo’s rent guarantor service allows you to secure a tenancy without needing a personal guarantor.
This means:
- You don’t need a UK-based contact
- Landlords still get financial security
- You can move forward with applications more confidently
We act as a UK-based rent guarantor, giving landlords the security they need to approve your tenancy. If you can afford the rent but don’t have someone in the UK who can guarantee it for you, Rentmigo can step in.
Check your eligibility with Rentmigo
What to do if you don’t have a guarantor in the UK
A lot of tenants struggle to find someone who can act as a guarantor. This is especially true for international students, expats and professionals moving to the UK.
In a lot of cases, landlords just want reassurance that rent will be paid. If you can’t provide a personal guarantor for whatever reason, a professional guarantor service like Rentmigo can step in instead.
This gives landlords the financial security they need to allow tenants to move forward with their rental application.
So, instead of relying on friends or family, use a professional rent guarantor service designed for modern renters.
Check your eligibility today and start renting with Rentmigo
