Guarantor Explained: What Parents Need to Know Before Signing a Student Tenancy

A Clear Guide for Parents Supporting Their Child’s Accommodation

If your child is about to rent their first student house, you’ve probably been asked to act as a guarantor — but what exactly does that mean? Is it risky? What are you responsible for?

At Student Housing, we know that signing legal documents can feel daunting, especially if it’s your first time navigating student lettings. That’s why we’ve created this simple guide to explain what a guarantor for student accommodation really is, how it works, and how we keep the process transparent and stress-free for parents.

🧾 What Is a Guarantor for Student Accommodation?

A guarantor is someone (usually a parent or guardian) who agrees to cover the rent and other tenancy obligations if the student is unable to pay. It gives landlords peace of mind when renting to full-time students who may not have a regular income or credit history.

In short:

If your child doesn’t pay the rent, you agree to pay it for them.

This is a standard requirement across most student tenancies in the UK, and it’s a condition of renting through Student Housing.

✅ What Does a Guarantor Agree To?

At Student Housing, the guarantor’s role is clearly defined in our Deed of Guarantee, which you can review in full here:

👉 View the Guarantor Agreement

When you sign, you’re agreeing to:

Pay any unpaid rent if your child fails to do so
Cover the cost of any damages beyond the deposit
Honour any missed tenancy obligations (e.g. utility contributions, fees for lost keys)

You are not guaranteeing the rent of the entire house — only for the individual tenancy your child has signed.

⚠️ Do Guarantors Get Credit Checked?

Yes, all guarantors will go through a basic credit and ID verification check to ensure they can meet the financial commitment if needed.

We’ll usually ask for:

A valid UK passport or photo ID
Proof of address
Basic credit reference (soft check, not visible to lenders)

If you’re worried about passing a credit check, we recommend contacting our team before signing so we can advise you.

🤔 What Are the Risks of Being a Guarantor?

The main risk is financial: if your child misses rent or damages the property, you may be legally required to cover those costs.

However, at Student Housing we reduce that risk by:

Providing clear rent schedules before the tenancy starts
Giving access to our Parents Portal with useful FAQs:
👉 Parents FAQ Section
Making all agreements and invoices transparent and easy to follow
Offering supportive reminders when rent is due
Communicating early if any payment issues arise

Our goal is always to work with you — not against you.

📝 How Do I Become a Guarantor?

The process is simple and fully online:

Receive the guarantor invite email once your child applies
Review and sign the Deed of Guarantee:
👉 Sign here
Upload your ID and proof of address
Submit your details — and you’re done!

You’ll receive a copy of the agreement for your records, and our team is on hand if you have any questions at any point.

💬 FAQs About Being a Guarantor

Q: Do parents have to be guarantors?

👉 In most cases, yes — unless the student can provide a UK-based guarantor or pay rent in full upfront.

Q: What happens if rent is late?

👉 We’ll contact the student first, then notify the guarantor. We always aim to resolve things amicably and early.

Q: Does it affect my credit rating?

👉 No, not unless you are asked to pay and fail to do so — which could result in legal action.

Q: Can I ask questions before signing?

👉 Absolutely. Just reach out to our team at any time — we’re happy to walk you through the process.

👪 Final Thoughts: A Role of Support — Not Stress

Being a guarantor is a standard part of the student housing journey, and for most parents, it’s simply a way to help their child take their first steps into independent living.

At Student Housing, we make the process clear, fair, and fully digital. No jargon, no surprises — just safe, supported accommodation from people who’ve been there themselves.