If you are renting in the UK as an international student, there is a good chance you will be asked for a guarantor. It catches a lot of students by surprise. Here is what it means and what your options are.
What a guarantor is
A guarantor is a person or organisation that agrees to cover your rent if you cannot pay it. Many UK landlords and letting agents ask international students for a UK-based guarantor because they want reassurance that the rent is secure. Not everyone has a family member or contact in the UK who can do this.
Your options if you do not have a UK guarantor
- Some providers accept several months' rent in advance instead of a guarantor
- Some accept an overseas guarantor, though many do not
- A guarantor service can act as your guarantor for a fee
Getting help
NestAbroad does not provide guarantor services. If an accommodation provider asks for a guarantor, ask them which alternatives they accept, and contact our team if you'd like help understanding your options.
Plan ahead
Guarantor arrangements take a little time, so start early — ideally as soon as your booking is confirmed. Leaving it to the last minute is the most common reason students feel stuck.
