Oxford Brookes UniversityOxfordUnited KingdomEngland
Updated 5/7/2026

If I don’t have a UK guarantor, does the rent increase?

Student Query

Hi, my name is Raskar Sarvesh, and I’m from India. I’ll be studying at Oxford Brookes University this year. Since this is my first time in the UK, here is what I realised while looking for student accommodation. I saw that most places ask for a guarantor before you can book. And that guarantor needs to be a UK-based person. I’m not sure who I can appoint as a guarantor in my case. If I don’t have a UK guarantor, does the rent increase? Will I have to pay more? And what are my options if I don’t have one? Can I get a guarantor and how?

Student Profile

NameRaskar Sarvesh
OriginIndia
DestinationOxford, United Kingdom, England
Budget£165/week
Goal

To understand if rent increases without a UK guarantor and explore available alternatives.

Constraints

No access to a UK-based guarantor
Wants to pay rent in instalments instead of upfront
Uncertainty about additional costs without a guarantor
Limited awareness of third-party guarantor options
Needs clarity on property-specific guarantor requirements

Answer Summary

A guarantor is mandatory if you want to pay your rent in instalments. In the UK, some properties require a UK-based guarantor, while others allow international guarantors. If you don’t have a guarantor, you will need to pay the full rent upfront (which doesn’t increase your rent) or use a third-party guarantor service, which will be an additional cost. UniAcco can help you find a guarantor service which is accepted by the property manager and that lets you pay in instalments. Raskar Sarvesh decided to book The Park, Oxford, where you can book without a UK guarantor. The property also offers a Leap option, which means you pay a slightly higher weekly rent that already includes the Guarantor Waiver Fee. 

 

How UniAcco Helped Raskar Sarvesh?

UniAcco helped Raskar figure out how guarantors work and what his options are.

This included:

  • Explained to him that when a guarantor is required, that is when you pay rents in instalments
  • Helped him explore the third-party guarantor services
  • Showed him properties which offer an instalment service without a guarantor, like The Park, Oxford
  • Answered all his guarantor-related queries with 24×7 support

With this help, Raskar could plan his booking without confusion.

Problem Context

A guarantor promises to pay your rent if you can’t. Many UK student accommodation providers ask for a guarantor, especially if you want to pay your rent in instalments instead of all at once. But most international students don’t have a UK-based guarantor. This makes the entire booking process feel stressful. Students worry that not having one will affect their rent or booking.

Student Constraints

In Raskar’s situation:

  • He is an international student
  • He does not have a UK-based guarantor
  • He is going to pay rent in instalments
  • He is unsure about his options

These concerns are very common for students.

How Guarantor Requirements Usually Work

Guarantor rules depend on the accommodation provider.

Some common things include:

  • If you are paying rent in instalments, having a guarantor is a must in this case
  • UK properties prefer having a UK-based guarantor
  • Certain student accommodations accept international guarantors
  • Without a guarantor, students need to pay the entire rent amount upfront

Important Variation to Understand

Guarantor rules can be different for each property.

Some common differences include:

  • Some places accept international guarantors, others don’t
  • Some accommodations allow third-party guarantor services
  • Housing policies depend on the property and tenancy terms

Because of this, it depends on the property and its policies.

Practical Step-by-Step Guidance

Before booking, students should:

  • Make sure to check if a guarantor is required in your case
  • Ask your accommodation providers if international guarantors are accepted
  • Explore third-party guarantor services
  • Check if a full upfront payment is needed
  • Read the property details carefully

This can help you choose the right option.

Key Responsibility to Remember

If you plan to pay your rent in instalments, you must have a UK-based guarantor or use a guarantor service. Guarantor services have charges, so it’s important to check the terms and conditions before you book. This helps you plan your budget better and avoid any confusion later.

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