The UK Guarantor Problem (And How to Solve It)

If you're an international student, you've probably hit this wall:

"We require a UK-based guarantor earning £30,000+ per year."

Your parents might be millionaires back home. Doesn't matter. They need a UK address and UK income.

It's frustrating. It's discriminatory. And it's the #1 barrier international students face finding accommodation.

Here's every solution I've found.

What Is a UK Guarantor?

A guarantor is someone who legally agrees to pay your rent if you don't. Landlords want:

• UK residency (address in the UK)
• UK bank account
• Income of £30,000-45,000+ (usually 3x the annual rent)
• Credit check (good UK credit history)

For international students, finding someone who ticks all these boxes is nearly impossible.

Solution 1: Guarantor Services

These companies act as your guarantor for a fee.

How Guarantor Services Work

1. You pay them a fee (typically 4-6% of annual rent)
2. They provide a guarantee to your landlord
3. If you don't pay rent, they cover it (then chase you)
4. Some require you to pay upfront rent or a larger deposit

Cost example: £150/week rent × 51 weeks = £7,650/year × 5% = £382.50 fee

The Catch

• Not all landlords accept third-party guarantors
• You still need to prove you can afford rent (bank statements, visa, etc.)
• Some services require a reference from your university

Solution 2: University Guarantor Schemes

Check this first. Many universities offer guarantor schemes for international students:

• Usually FREE or very low cost
• Directly from your university = trusted by landlords
• Often covers approved accommodation only

Contact your university's accommodation office before paying for a third-party service.

Solution 3: Providers That Don't Require UK Guarantors

Usually No UK Guarantor Required:

1. Unite Students - Often accept international guarantors or upfront payment
2. iQ Student Accommodation - International student friendly
3. Student Roost - Usually flexible on guarantors
4. Host - Often accept overseas guarantors
5. Prestige Student Living - Check individual properties

What They Accept Instead:

• Overseas guarantor (your parents, even abroad)
• Upfront rent payment (full year or term in advance)
• Larger deposit (sometimes 2-3 months instead of 1)
• Proof of funds (bank statements showing you can afford it)

Solution 4: Pay Rent Upfront

The nuclear option: pay your entire year's rent in advance.

Pros:

• No guarantor needed
• Often gets you a discount (ask!)
• Total peace of mind

Cons:

• Tying up a lot of money
• Risky if things go wrong
• Not possible for everyone

If your family can do this, it solves the problem completely.

Solution 5: Stay in University Halls

University-owned accommodation often has simpler requirements for international students:

• Guarantor requirements are usually more flexible
• University understands visa and international payments
• Often deposit-only, no guarantor

The trade-off: Less choice, potentially more expensive than private.

Red Flags to Avoid

🚩 Scammers target international students. Be careful:

• Never pay before viewing a property or signing a contract
• Never wire money to individuals
• Be wary of deals that seem too good
• Use reputable providers, not Gumtree/Facebook strangers
• If they won't meet you or do a video call, walk away

Step-by-Step Action Plan

1. Check your university first - Do they offer a guarantor scheme?
2. Look at PBSA providers - Unite, iQ, Host, etc. are international-friendly
3. Ask about alternatives - Can you pay upfront instead?
4. Get quotes from guarantor services - Compare Housing Hand, UK Guarantor, etc.
5. Start early - The best properties go fast, and you need time to arrange guarantees

The Real Talk

The UK guarantor system is a genuine barrier for international students. It's not fair, and it's slowly changing - but slowly.

Your best bets:

1. University halls or university-approved PBSA - Least hassle
2. Major providers (Unite, iQ, Host) - Set up for international students
3. Guarantor services - Cost money but solve the problem

Don't let the guarantor requirement discourage you. There are solutions - you just need to know where to look.

Search international-friendly properties →

Last updated: January 2026. Always verify current requirements directly with providers.