What if I don’t have a UK-based guarantor for student accommodation in the UK?

 

Aarav, an international student from India with an offer from University of Manchester, was concerned because he did not have a UK-based guarantor. He preferred to pay monthly rather than upfront, but many properties required a guarantor for instalment plans.

UniAcco supported him by:

• Identifying properties that offer no-guarantor options

• Explaining alternative arrangements such as upfront payment where required

• Informing him about 3rd party guarantor services available for international students

• Shortlisting properties that accept approved guarantor services

• Clarifying the additional cost involved before he made a decision

This allowed Aarav to compare three options, full upfront payment, no-guarantor properties, and a paid guarantor service — and choose the one that best suited his budget and cash flow.

Problem Context

Many UK accommodation providers require a UK-based guarantor, especially when students choose to pay rent in instalments.

A guarantor typically agrees to cover the rent if the tenant missed any of the instalments, thus ensuring that property receives rent. For international students, this requirement can be difficult to meet because:

• Family members are not living in the UK

• They don't know anyone who can become their guarantor

• Guarantors often require UK residency and financial checks

Student Constraints

In Aarav’s case:

• He is an international student from India

• He does not have a UK-based guarantor

• He wants monthly or termly instalments instead of paying full rent upfront

• He needs to secure accommodation before arriving in the UK

How Guarantor Requirements Usually Work in the UK

Many private student accommodation providers:

• Require a UK based guarantor for instalment payment plans

• Conduct financial and residency checks on the guarantor

• Allow full upfront payment as an alternative to a guarantor

Policies vary between properties, and requirements are set by the provider.

Important Variation to Understand

Some properties:

• Do not require a guarantor

• Accept full upfront payment instead of instalments

• Accept approved third-party guarantor services

Guarantor services can allow international students to pay in instalments even without a UK-based guarantor. However:

• These services involve an additional fee

• The cost may increase overall rent expenses by a small percentage

• Not all properties accept guarantor service providers

• Eligibility criteria may apply

Guarantor requirements and alternatives are determined by the individual property, not the platform.

Practical Step-by-Step Guidance

If you do not have a UK-based guarantor:

1. Ask whether the property requires a guarantor for instalment payments.

2. Check if the property offers a no-guarantor option.

3. Confirm whether paying rent upfront removes the guarantor requirement.

4. Ask if an approved guarantor service can be used.

5. Review the additional cost of the guarantor service before deciding.

6. Ensure all terms are confirmed before completing the booking.

Key Responsibility to Remember

Guarantor policies and payment options vary by property. Students should carefully compare upfront payments, instalment plans, and guarantor service costs before committing, so they choose the option that best fits their financial situation.