A Parent’s Guide to Guarantors: Who can be one & What does it mean?

By Student Cribs | December 18, 2025 | Reading Time: 7 minutes

Transitioning from uni halls to student housing is an exciting milestone in a student’s university journey. Most accommodation providers require students to provide a guarantor to ensure the tenancy is financially secure. For many families, this may be their first time encountering this, so it’s important to understand what is expected and how the process works. 

This guide aims to provide parents with a straightforward overview of what to expect and be aware of as a guarantor with Student Cribs.

What is a Guarantor? 

A guarantor for student housing is an individual who takes on the financial responsibility if a student is unable to meet the terms of their tenancy. In effect, the tenant misses a payment, the guarantor will be contacted to cover any rent payments or outstanding charges. For most families, a parent or guardian takes up this role, however any individual earning over £30,000 per annum can potentially act as one. Becoming a guarantor does not involve you in the daily management of the tenancy (i.e. maintenance issues). It is solely there to provide landlords with assurance that the agreement will be upheld. 

Who can be a Guarantor? 

Parents or guardians are usually the best fit when it comes to supporting students and meeting the financial criteria set out by accommodation providers. However other family members such as grandparents, older siblings, or close friends can also act as guarantors provided that they meet the eligibility requirements.  

Here at Student Cribs, it is a requirement that all guarantors pass our financial checks and are over the age of 18. These checks may include verifying employment, income or credit history to ensure that the guarantor is fit to take on the responsibility. The most important factor is that the individual is financially stable, allowing them to step in if need be. 

Do all students require a Guarantor? 

In the student housing market, providing a guarantor is often a requirement set by landlords and student accommodation providers, including Student Cribs. This ensures that every tenancy agreement is supported by a responsible adult who can step in if necessary. Whether your child is joining a group of friends in a shared property or an individual tenancy, a guarantor must be in place.  

For international students who in many cases cannot provide a UK based guarantor, you can apply for a third- party one through Housing Hand. This is a service specifically designed to support students during the tenancy agreement process. Once approved, this provides landlords with the same financial reassurance as any other guarantor. Housing hand will often ask you a few simple questions before providing you with a quote. Once you have your quote, you can submit your application for approval and start preparing to move into your new home. 

What parents need to know before becoming a Guarantor?  

Before agreeing to act as a guarantor, parents should have a clear understanding of the financial and practical responsibilities involved. One key factor is the cost of the tenancy. Most student accommodations will advertise bills as inclusive or exclusive. At Student Cribs, bills inclusive often covers TV license, internet, electricity, hot water and heating, meaning you can budget more effectively. However, bills exclusive can be the cheaper option to avoid costs when students return home over university breaks. They can often seem extortionate at the start of the academic year, but this often drops off as we enter the spring and summer periods. It’s important to understand which contract your child is entering so you can plan accordingly for the upcoming year.  

Parents should also familiarise themselves with the specific type of tenancy that their child is signing. Many shared houses will often sign a joint tenancy; meaning that all tenants (and guarantors) are individually and jointly responsible for paying rent and for all other tenants’ responsibilities during the tenancy. An individual tenancy ensures that guarantors are only financially responsible for the rent and any outstanding charges for the one tenant. Understanding this distinction is important as it directly effects the amount of responsibility the guarantor takes on. 

How does guarantor process work at Student Cribs? (step by step)  

1. Students pay holding retainer for the property. 

Your child decides on their student house for next year and pays the £200 holding retainer, removing the property from the market. 

NOTE: this is not a deposit, this will be deducted from your child’s first week of rent. 

2. Guarantor forms are issued to the students. 

Students are required to submit all guarantor contact information via email. 

3. Guarantors are sent invite form. 

Student Cribs sends nominated guarantor an invite via email asking them to submit the required forms and documents.    

Requested documents often include  

• Valid photo ID (passport) 

• Proof of UK address (UK driving license or Council Tax Bill) 

• Proof of income/employment (payslips, employer letter or bank statements) 

4. Tenancy agreement is issued to the students. 

Student Cribs issues the tenancy agreement via email (including the guarantor addendums) to all tenants which they are required to sign to secure the property. 

5. Tenancy finalised and tenants move in is scheduled. 

After all Right to Rent checks and guarantor’s documentation has been approved. Student Cribs can confirm the tenancy and start issuing move in instructions for the upcoming academic year. 

Have a look at our student accommodation here.

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