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Guarantors

Most landlords and agents will require you to provide a UK guarantor. A guarantor is someone who agrees to pay your rent and reimburse the landlord for any damage caused at the property if you, as the tenant, fail to do so.

UK, EU and International students alike have found providing a qualifying UK guarantor a hurdle when renting in the private sector. We have therefore partnered with Housing Hand to help give an alternative option to students paying rent in advance. At a discounted fee, Housing Hand can stand as the guarantor for students who are unable to provide one.

For more information about this guarantor service, visit our dedicated Housing Hand link. 

To ensure you have done everything to set up in your new rental property and understand your rights in the process, we would strongly recommend you read our Private Housing Guide. We also encourage you to book an appointment with us for a Contract Check before signing anything.

FAQs about the Housing Hand guarantor service 

What does it cost? All UK, EU and international students of our subscribing institutions will receive a discounted fee of 5% if you pay the fee upfront, or 5.5% if you pay in 12 monthly instalments of your annual tenancy agreement (subject to a minimum fee of £295.00).

What does it cover? You will be covered for the full amount of rent, as well as any damages, dilapidations and professional eviction costs incurred during your tenancy. They can stand as a guarantor for a minimum of 6 months to a maximum of 12 months.

What is the guarantor length? If you are wanting to apply for this service, you will be able to obtain a guarantor for a minimum of 6 to 12 months. If your tenancy is longer than 12 months, you must renew the Housing Hand service once your guarantee expires.

How to apply: Before you apply, you will need to have the following documents ready: 

• Proof of study: Correspondence from your university dated within the last year, a UCAS form or a valid Student ID 
•  Proof of ID : This can be a passport, drivers license or a national ID document 
•  Co-Signer Details : This is someone they can get in touch with if they can't contact you. They can't be an existing Housing Hand Customer. 

When can I apply? You can apply now for the Housing Hand Guarantor Service. 

Disclaimer

Please note, any private company acting as Guarantor can work out to be an expensive option, and not all landlords/agents will accept them. Please be sure to read all relevant information about the company and payment terms before signing up.

If you have any questions or concerns about the Housing Hand service please contact the ULHS and one of our team members will be able to assist you.

*The Housing Hand tenant portal contains a feature called 'House Finder'. The University of London Housing Services (ULHS) has no direct association with the advertisers, rooms or properties listed via Housing Hand's House Finder and they have not been vetted. ULHS shall not be held liable for any loss or damage (however caused) suffered as a result of any dealings you have with any of the mentioned companies.

To find accommodation offered by verified providers, please visit the University's Property Platform.

Only My Share Service

Only My Share is another paid service offered by the Housing Hand Group, that protects you (or a guarantor) from having to pay other housemates’ rent arrears when sharing a property and are bound by joint and several rent liability.

By acting as your guarantor for a fee of £99 a year, Only My Share can be responsible for up to £10,000 worth of housemate arrears in a 12-month tenancy. Using Only My Share can reduce the risk of you having to pay other tenants’ missed rent, meaning you are only liable for your share of the rent.

More information can be found on their dedicated website.