A guarantor is usually a friend or family member who agrees to cover your rent if you can’t pay, while a rent guarantor service is a company that acts as your guarantor if you don’t have anyone to ask.
If you’re trying to rent in the UK, you’ve probably been asked to provide a guarantor - especially if you’re new to the country or self-employed.
But for many tenants, especially international students, expats, freelancers and people who are new to the UK, finding someone who fits a landlord’s guarantor requirements is easier said than done. You might be able to afford the rent, but still be held back because you do not have the “right” person in place.
That is exactly why rent guarantor services like Rentmigo exist. We help tenants move forward when the traditional guarantor route is not realistic.
If you’re looking to understand the difference between a guarantor and a rent guarantor service, then we explain exactly what you need to know, and how knowing the difference can help you secure your dream property.
Need a professional rent guarantor on your side?
What is a guarantor?
A guarantor is usually a family member or friend who agrees to take legal responsibility for your rent if you can’t pay it.
In the UK rental market, landlords and letting agents often ask for a guarantor when they want extra reassurance before approving a tenant. This is common if you are:
- New to the UK
- A student
- Self-employed
- Freelance or contract-based
- Building your UK credit history
- Starting a new job
In most cases, a traditional guarantor will need to live in the UK, have a strong credit profile, and earn enough to show they could cover the rent if needed. In some cases, landlords will also want guarantors to own UK property, as it shows better financial stability.
And whilst a lot of tenants do have someone willing to support them, that person may live abroad, may not meet the income threshold, or may simply not want to take on the legal responsibility.
For many, that leaves them in an incredibly difficult situation.
What is a rent guarantor service?
A rent guarantor service is a professional company that acts as your guarantor when you do not have anyone who can do it for you.
Instead of asking a parent, sibling or friend to sign a legal agreement and take on any unpaid rent on your behalf, you apply to the service directly. If you are approved, the company steps in as the guarantor for your tenancy.
At Rentmigo, we look at what really matters: whether you can afford the rent.
Rather than focusing purely on whether you have a UK-based family member or a perfect credit footprint, we assess your ability to keep up with rent payments.
If you are eligible, we will go on record as your guarantor.
Click here to check your eligibility
Guarantor vs rent guarantor service: the main difference
The main difference between a guarantor and a rent guarantor service is who is backing your tenancy.
With a traditional guarantor, the person backing you is someone you know personally.
With a rent guarantor service, the guarantor is a company that has been set up specifically to help tenants rent when they may not have someone in the UK to go on record for them.
That difference matters for a few reasons.
A traditional guarantor can be difficult to find. Even if someone wants to help, they may not meet the landlord’s requirements. They may not live in the UK, they may not earn enough, or they may not want to take on a legal commitment that could last for the length of the tenancy.
A rent guarantor service removes that personal pressure. Instead of asking someone close to you to shoulder that responsibility, you apply through a professional service built for exactly this situation.
Why do so many tenants struggle with traditional guarantors?
The traditional guarantor model can work well in some situations, but it can also be incredibly restrictive to many potential tenants.
More tenants are moving internationally for work or study. More people are self-employed. More renters have income from multiple sources. And many highly reliable tenants still do not have a UK-based support network they can turn to.
You can have a strong salary, savings in the bank, and every intention of paying your rent on time, but still find yourself stuck because you cannot produce a qualifying guarantor.
This happens all the time with:
- International students whose parents live overseas
- Expats relocating for work
- Professionals who have just arrived in the UK
- Freelancers with non-traditional income
- Contractors who do not fit a standard referencing box
That does not make you a bad tenant. It just means the system has not kept up with the way people rent today.
Who usually uses a rent guarantor service?
Rent guarantor services are particularly useful for tenants who know they can afford the rent, but do not have access to a traditional guarantor.
This often includes:
International students
Many students moving to the UK are asked for a guarantor, but their parents live abroad. Even if their family is financially secure, landlords and agents often want someone based in the UK.
Expats and international professionals
If you have moved to the UK for work, you may have a good income and a solid employment contract, but still not have the UK credit history or personal network that agents want to see.
Freelancers and contractors
People with flexible income can sometimes be overlooked by traditional referencing, even when they are financially stable.
Tenants building UK credit history
You may be completely reliable, but if you are new to the country, your UK credit history might not be advanced enough.
In all of these cases, a rent guarantor service like Rentmigo can help bridge the gap.
Is a rent guarantor service better than a traditional guarantor?
That depends on your situation.
If you already have a UK-based guarantor who meets the landlord’s requirements and is happy to support you, that definitely can be a decent option.
But for many tenants, a rent guarantor service is the more realistic and less stressful choice.
It can be a better fit because:
- You do not need to rely on family or friends
- You are not asking someone close to you to take on legal and financial responsibility
- It can be a better option for international and non-traditional tenants
- It’s widely accepted by UK landlords
- It can help move your application forward faster
For a lot of renters, the biggest benefit is peace of mind. You are not chasing relatives for paperwork, having awkward conversations, or worrying that your application will fall apart because someone does not meet the criteria.
How does a rent guarantor service work?
While each provider may work a little differently, the general process to apply for a rent guarantor is relatively simple.
With Rentmigo, it looks like this:
1. You apply online
The process starts with a quick online application. We look at your circumstances and assess whether we can help.
2. We review affordability
Rather than relying only on old-fashioned measures like credit history, we assess your income, savings and overall ability to keep up with rent.
3. If approved, we act as your guarantor
Once approved, you can use Rentmigo in place of a traditional guarantor as part of your rental application.
4. You move forward with your dream rental
Instead of being held back because you do not have the right person to ask, you have a practical way to move closer to securing the property you want.
Which option is right for you?
If you already have a personal guarantor who meets the landlord’s requirements and is genuinely happy to do it, that may work well.
But if you do not, or if you would rather not put that responsibility on someone you know, a rent guarantor service could be the better route.
It is particularly worth looking into if:
- You are moving to the UK
- You are a student without a UK guarantor
- You are an expat or international professional
- You are self-employed or freelance
- You are tired of having good applications delayed or rejected for the same reason
Guarantor vs rent guarantor service
So, what’s the difference between a guarantor and a rent guarantor service?
A guarantor is usually a friend or family member who agrees to back your tenancy. A rent guarantor service is a company that can do that job when you do not have someone suitable to ask.
Both exist to give landlords reassurance. But for many modern renters, the second option is far more realistic.
The truth is, renting in the UK should not come down to whether you know the right person. It should come down to whether you can afford the home and keep up with the rent.
That is why Rentmigo exists.
Need a guarantor for renting in the UK?
If you do not have access to a traditional guarantor, Rentmigo could help you move forward.
Check your eligibility with Rentmigo today and take the stress out of renting without a guarantor.
