A student guarantor is someone who agrees to pay your rent if you can’t. Most letting agents in Canterbury ask every student in a house to have one.
The letting agent behind the houses listed on RoomSurfer asks for a guarantor who lives and works in the UK. Here’s what a guarantor does, who can be one and what to do if you don’t have one.
In short
- A guarantor agrees to pay your rent if you can’t. Most letting agents in Canterbury ask every student in a house for one.
- For the houses listed on RoomSurfer, your guarantor must live and work in the UK. They’re only responsible for your share of the rent, not the whole group’s.
- No UK guarantor? Some students use a guarantor company for a fee, and some agents accept part of the rent paid in advance.
- You’ll be asked for your guarantor’s details once your group has paid the reservation payment.
What does a student guarantor do?
Your guarantor signs a guarantee alongside your tenancy agreement. If you miss a rent payment, the letting agent can ask your guarantor to pay it instead.
Most students ask a parent, step-parent or another close relative.
Who can be a student guarantor?
- Someone who lives in the UK.
- Someone who works in the UK and could cover your rent if they needed to. Agents usually check this.
- Usually a parent or close family member who is happy to sign for you.
What is a guarantor responsible for?
Student house tenancies are usually “joint and several”. That means the whole group is responsible for all the rent and for looking after the house together.
For the houses listed on RoomSurfer, the letting agent says a guarantor is only responsible for their own student’s share of the rent, not for the whole group.
What if I don’t have a UK guarantor?
International students and anyone without family in the UK still have options. Some students use a guarantor company, which acts as your guarantor for a fee. Some agents will accept part of the rent paid in advance instead.
Every agent has its own rules. Call the letting agent (their number is on each house page) before you reserve a house and ask what they accept.
When will I need my guarantor?
You’ll be asked for your guarantor’s details once your group has paid the reservation payment and the tenancy is being prepared.
Tip: Talk to your guarantor before you start viewing houses, so the paperwork doesn’t hold your group up.
To see what your share would cost, read our guide to student rent in Canterbury. Then browse all the student houses to rent in Canterbury, every one with bills included.