A guarantor is someone who agrees to pay your rent if you cannot. Many UK landlords ask for one, usually a UK-based homeowner, which is a real hurdle if you have just arrived and have no local credit history. The good news: you can still rent without a guarantor, and this guide sets out the practical alternatives.
This is part of our guide to renting a home in the UK. It is general information, not legal advice.
Why landlords ask for a guarantor
Referencing checks look at your income, credit record and rental history. Newcomers often have a thin UK credit file and no previous UK landlord, so a landlord may want extra security. A guarantor gives them that. Since you may not have a UK homeowner to ask, it helps to know what else satisfies a landlord.
Alternatives to a personal guarantor
| Option | How it works | Points to watch |
|---|---|---|
| Professional guarantor service | A company acts as your guarantor for a fee, usually a percentage of annual rent. | Compare fees and check the landlord accepts the provider. |
| Rent in advance | You offer to pay several months upfront. Note the legal cap below. | Since May 2026 a landlord can require a maximum of one month’s rent in advance. |
| Employer or sponsor letter | A signed letter confirming your job, salary and start date. | Strong if you have a UK job offer or are on a work visa. |
| Larger deposit | Offering a bigger deposit is limited by the deposit cap. | The deposit cannot exceed five weeks’ rent, so this has limits. |
| International credit reference | Services that translate your overseas rental and credit history for UK landlords. | Useful to show a clean record abroad. |
Know the 2026 limits before you offer more money
It is common advice to “just pay six months upfront,” but the law changed. Under the Renters’ Rights Act, once you have signed the tenancy a landlord can only require a maximum of one month’s rent in advance. They also cannot ask for rent in advance before you sign. A holding deposit to reserve the property is capped at one week’s rent, and your security deposit is capped at five weeks’ rent. These caps protect you, but they also mean a huge upfront payment is no longer the workaround it once was.
What actually strengthens your application
- Proof of income. Recent payslips, a signed job contract, or bank statements showing savings.
- A UK bank account. Set this up early so rent can be paid by standing order. Our money guide for newcomers explains how.
- A clean reference. A letter from a previous landlord abroad, in English, carries weight.
- Right to rent ready. Have your share code prepared so the landlord’s Right to Rent check is quick and easy.
Watch out for unfair demands
A landlord cannot charge you a fee just to consider your application, and cannot run a bidding war by asking for offers above the advertised rent. They also cannot refuse you for being on benefits or having children. If a landlord pushes for more than one month’s rent in advance or an oversized deposit, that is a sign the arrangement does not follow the rules. Check your protections in our tenant rights guide.
Frequently asked questions
Can I rent in the UK without a guarantor at all?
Yes. A guarantor is not a legal requirement. You can use a professional guarantor service, provide strong income evidence, or offer up to one month’s rent in advance, which is the current legal maximum.
Can I just pay a year’s rent upfront instead?
No. Since May 2026, a landlord can require a maximum of one month’s rent in advance once you have signed. Offering a full year is no longer something a landlord can demand or rely on.
Do professional guarantor services cost much?
Fees vary, but they are typically a percentage of your annual rent. Compare providers and confirm your landlord will accept the one you choose before you pay.
Does a bigger deposit help if I have no guarantor?
Only up to a point. Your security deposit is capped at five weeks’ rent, so you cannot offer an unlimited amount. Strong income proof usually helps more.
Will my overseas credit history count in the UK?
UK credit agencies do not automatically see foreign records, but specialist reference services can present your overseas rental and payment history to a UK landlord.
Sources: GOV.UK: Renters’ Rights Act overview for tenants, GOV.UK: Tenant Fees Act 2019.
