Why it matters
What Guarantor means for a landlord
A guarantor is only worth having if the paperwork is right and the guarantor is themselves referenced, an unsigned or vaguely-worded guarantee is often unenforceable at the exact moment you need it. On a joint tenancy, be clear whether the guarantor covers the whole rent or only their tenant’s share, because "joint and several" wording is what lets you recover the full arrears from one solvent guarantor. With possession now slower and Section 21 gone, a strong guarantor is one of the few remaining ways to de-risk a marginal applicant instead of simply declining them.
Worked example
How it plays out
Lily, a student in Nottingham, has her father as guarantor. The written guarantee, signed by him, says he covers the rent and other sums due under the tenancy, including once it continues from month to month. When Lily falls two months behind, the landlord writes to both of them and her father pays.
Common mistakes
Where landlords go wrong
- 01Using a guarantee that the guarantor has not signed properly.
- 02Not checking the guarantor can afford it.
- 03Assuming a guarantee covers the whole rent on a joint tenancy when it names only one tenant’s share.
- 04Charging a fee for checking the guarantor, which the Tenant Fees Act prohibits.
What to do
A short checklist
- Use a written guarantee signed by the guarantor.
- Check the guarantor’s ability to pay.
- Tell the guarantor in writing as soon as arrears start.
Sources
Checked against these sources on 16 September 2026. A guide to the rules in England, not legal advice: for a dispute or a possession claim, speak to a solicitor.
