Yes, in the UK landlords can legally refuse tenants without a guarantor, especially if they feel like the tenant might have trouble affording the rent.
If you’re a tenant in the UK that has been turned down because you couldn’t provide a guarantor, you’re not alone. Having a person who can act as a guarantor for you can be tough to find, especially if you are a student, expat or new to the UK.
In this guide, we’ll explain when landlords can refuse tenants, who is most likely to be asked for a guarantor, and what your options are if you don’t have one.
And if finding a guarantor is the only thing holding you back, there is another way forward.
Rentmigo is a professional guarantor service that acts as a guarantor for you, so you can move forward with your rental without asking friends or family to take on financial risk for you.
All you need to do is apply below, and once you’re eligible, we’ll act as your guarantor. It really is that simple.
See if you can get approved in minutes
Do all UK landlords ask for a guarantor?
No, not all landlords ask for a guarantor.
However, it is becoming very common for landlords to request one, especially in competitive rental markets. Many landlords and letting agents in big cities like London and Manchester will include a guarantor as part of their standard referencing process, even though it’s not legally required.
Whether you’re asked for one usually depends on how strong your application looks and how ‘high-risk’ the landlord deems your tenancy to be.
If you can clearly show that you can afford the rent, have a stable income and a good credit history, you may not need a guarantor at all.
But in reality, many landlords prefer the extra layer of security, especially when demand is high and they can choose between multiple applicants. In this case, having a guarantor could help you have a competitive edge when renting.
Which tenants are more likely to be asked for a guarantor?
Some tenants are far more likely to be asked for a guarantor than others, particularly if they are new to the UK.
Landlords typically ask for one when there is any uncertainty around a tenant’s financial situation or rental history.
You’re more likely to be asked if you:
- Are a student or renting for the first time
- Have a low income or receive benefits
- Have recently moved to the UK and don’t have a financial footprint here
- Don’t have references from a previous UK landlord
- Have a poor or limited credit history
These factors make it harder for landlords to work out how risky the tenancy might be, so having a guarantor helps them get an extra level of security.
For example, international students are almost always asked for a guarantor because they don’t have a UK credit history, even if they have savings and a good job.
See: Rent guarantor for international students.
Who can be a guarantor?
A guarantor is a person who agrees to pay your rent if you can’t, but not everyone can act as a guarantor.
In most cases, landlords expect a guarantor to:
- Be over 18
- Live in the UK
- Have a strong credit history
- Have a stable income
- Be able to cover the rent if needed
Some landlords also prefer guarantors who own property in the UK, as it gives extra financial reassurance.
This is why many tenants struggle. If you’re new to the UK, your family or friends may not meet these criteria, even if they are financially stable in another country.
Can landlords reject a guarantor?
Yes, landlords can reject a guarantor if they don’t meet their criteria.
Just like tenants, guarantors go through checks. If the landlord feels the guarantor isn’t financially strong enough, they can refuse them.
Common reasons include:
- Low or unstable income
- Poor credit history
- Not being UK-based
- Not having enough savings
- Not owning UK property (sometimes)
Landlords are allowed to carry out credit checks and ask for proof of income to make this decision. Ultimately, the decision to accept the guarantor lies with them. And if the guarantor doesn’t reduce the landlord’s risk, they won’t be accepted.
What to do if you can't get a guarantor
Not having a guarantor doesn’t mean you can’t rent, but it does mean you may need to explore other options.
Paying rent upfront
Some landlords may take several months of rent upfront instead of a guarantor. This helps provide them with financial security incase you miss any payments.
However, this is becoming less common, and rules are changing this year that will affect how much money landlords are able to hold upfront.
Improving your application
Another way to secure a rental if you can’t get a guarantor is by making your application as strong as possible, so a landlord doesn’t see you as a risky option. You can do this by providing clear proof of income that is well above the asking rent, a chunk of savings to lean on or strong references. All of these can help reassure landlords and encourage them to proceed without asking for a guarantor..
Using a professional guarantor service
This is one of the most reliable options.
Instead of trying to find someone you know to act as a guarantor, you can use a service that acts as one for you.
For example, Rentmigo’s rent guarantor service is designed for tenants that can’t get a traditional guarantor. All you have to do is apply online and we’ll act as your guarantor for you. That way landlords get the reassurance they need so you can move forward with your application.
Check your eligibility with Rentmigo
Rent in the UK, even if you don’t have a guarantor
Landlords can legally refuse tenants without a guarantor, and in today’s market, it’s something many renters come up against.
While not every landlord asks for one, it’s often used as a way to reduce risk, particularly for students, expats and those without a strong UK financial history.
The challenge is that not everyone has access to a guarantor, especially if you’ve recently moved to the UK.
Rentmigo exists to solve this problem.
Instead of relying on friends or family to take on financial risk, you can use Rentmigo as your rental guarantor so you can secure your dream rental.
We act as a UK-based guarantor, giving landlords the confidence they need to approve your tenancy.
