A guarantor agrees to meet specified tenancy obligations if the tenant does not. The agreement can expose the guarantor to substantial liability, so everyone should read it carefully before signing.
Check a guarantor income scenario
Why might a landlord request a guarantor?
A guarantor may be requested when an applicant has limited rental history, variable or self-employed income, a low referencing result, a poor credit record, is a student or cannot provide the usual evidence. A landlord is not required to accept a guarantor.
What does a guarantor agree to pay?
The written guarantee decides the scope. It may cover unpaid rent, damage, interest, legal costs or other tenant obligations. In a joint tenancy, wording can sometimes make a guarantor responsible for more than one tenant’s individual share. Never rely only on an agent’s verbal explanation.
Typical affordability checks
Providers commonly compare the guarantor’s gross annual income with monthly rent. FigurePath supports 30×, 36×, 40× and custom income multiples because there is no universal statutory threshold.
| Monthly rent | 36× income | 40× income |
|---|---|---|
| £900 | £32,400 | £36,000 |
| £1,200 | £43,200 | £48,000 |
| £1,500 | £54,000 | £60,000 |
These are scenarios rather than guaranteed criteria. Use the guarantor affordability calculator with the multiple specified by the agent.
What evidence might be requested?
- Identification and proof of address.
- Payslips, pension statements or tax documents.
- Employment or accountant references.
- Bank statements.
- Credit checks.
- Evidence of UK residence or property ownership where required by the provider.
Questions to ask before signing
- Which tenant and obligations are guaranteed?
- Is liability limited to a fixed amount or period?
- Does the guarantee continue through rent increases or tenancy changes?
- How can the guarantee end?
- Could it cover every tenant under a joint tenancy?
- Has the guarantor received the proposed tenancy and guarantee documents?
Can a guarantor withdraw later?
Not simply because they change their mind. Whether and when liability ends depends on the agreement, tenancy changes and applicable law. A guarantor who is unsure should obtain independent legal advice before signing.
Alternatives if no guarantor is available
Ask whether the landlord accepts additional evidence, savings, a different property, a specialist guarantor service or another arrangement. Check costs and terms carefully. In England, landlords and agents must follow the rules on permitted payments and cannot require a tenant to enter an insurance or loan contract as a condition of the tenancy.
Frequently asked questions
Does a guarantor need to own a home?
Some providers require this and others do not. It is a commercial criterion, not a universal legal requirement.
Can a retired person be a guarantor?
Potentially. The provider may assess pension income, savings and other criteria.
Does passing the income test guarantee approval?
No. Credit, identity, residency and policy checks can still apply.
Sources and limitations
Shelter explains that a guarantor is a third party who agrees to meet tenancy obligations if the tenant cannot. See Shelter’s guarantor guidance and GOV.UK Tenant Fees Act guidance. This guide is general information, not legal advice.
Last reviewed: 19 July 2026
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Estimate the guarantor income requirement
Compare 36×, 40× and custom income multiples in our guide to how much income a rent guarantor may need.