Information about the YourGuarantor Scheme for international and EU students seeking a UK guarantor for privately rented accommodation.
The University of Greenwich has partnered with YourGuarantor to help International and EU students who are facing the problem of finding a UK guarantor while renting in private sector accommodation.
Many private landlords and letting agents request that a third party acts as a guarantor for the rent before they will agree to let a property to a student. This will usually be a parent or a guardian who will be required to pay the rent on a student's behalf if they are not able to do so at any point during the tenancy, subject to any conditions.
This can be a particular problem for International and EU students as landlord will usually require a UK based guarantor. If you do not have anyone who can act as your guarantor in the UK, landlords and letting agents may ask you to pay more rent upfront (generally 6-12 months).
YourGuarantor might be able to help International and EU students who face this problem and more details about the eligibility to the scheme, what the scheme covers, how much it costs, how it works, what your responsibilities would be and how to apply are covered below.
Could you be eligible for the scheme?
The scheme is available to fully registered International and EU students only. Below are further eligibility criteria you will need to consider depending on your level of study.
Undergraduates
| Level of study? | Criteria to be met in order to be eligible | Rent allowance: up to £1,500 per month |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate Foundation Year students | Not eligible for YourGuarantor Scheme | |
| Undergraduate first year students | Must have completed a full-time Foundation programme at Greenwich/LBIC last academic year. First year students who have not studied in the UK before are not eligible for the scheme. | Your private rented tenancy can be for up to 12 months from the end date of your foundation year |
| Undergraduate second year and Undergraduate placement year students | Must have completed Year 1 (or Year 2 if doing placement year) of a full-time Undergraduate programme at Greenwich last academic year | Your private rented tenancy can be for up to 12 months from the end date of your first year (or second year if doing a placement) |
| Undergraduate Final Year students | Must have completed Year 2 (or placement year) of a full-time Undergraduate programme at Greenwich last academic year | Your private rented tenancy can be for up to 12 months ending no later than 31 August of the year you are due to graduate |
| Students completing one year at Greenwich as part of an Exchange/Study Abroad programme | Must be studying at Greenwich for one year as part of a multi-year non-uk degree course | Your private rented tenancy must be between enrolment and UK course finish date |
Postgraduate (Taught and Research)
| Level of study? | Criteria to be met in order to be eligible | Tenancy allowance |
|---|---|---|
| Postgraduate first year students doing a 1 year course | None | Your private rented tenancy can be for up to 12 months from the end date of your previous course at Greenwich or from the day you enrol at Greenwich. The end date of your tenancy can be no later than the end of the month following the month of your graduation |
| Postgraduate first year students doing a course of more than 1 year | None | Your private rented tenancy can be for up to 12 months from the end date of your previous course or from the day you enrol at Greenwich. |
| Postgraduate Returning students | None | Your private rented tenancy can be for up to 12 months from the date your previous academic year finished |
| Postgraduate Final Year students | None | Your private rented tenancy can be for up to 12 months ending no later than the end date of your course (If your course is taught / research) or the end of the month following the month of your graduation |
Additional information and advice
How to apply
Before applying make sure you have read and understood all the information on this page, including the frequently asked questions below.
To apply you will need to visit the YourGuarantor webpage and register as a student and complete their application. The application will guide you through step by step
Greenwich Students' Union
If you need advice before, during or after you're in private accommodation you can contact the Advice Team within the Students' Union in person, on the phone or by email.
Information about this scheme is available on their webpages, www.greenwichsu.co.uk/advice/greyourguarantor/
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the scheme cover?
- The scheme covers rent arrears only.
- The guarantee is only applicable to Assured Shorthold Tenancies.
- YourGuarantor is able to guarantee rent per person up to a maximum of £1,500pcm.
- YourGuarantor reserves the right not to approve applications where YourGuarantor is aware that the property / landlord in question has a history of negative feedback.
How much does it cost?
- The guarantee will cost you 3.5% of the value of your tenancy / lease.
- You can estimate the cost using the calculator on the YourGuarantor website.
(Value of the lease = monthly rent x number of months of the lease). In shared accommodation this will equal the individual students' share of the value of the lease.
How does it work?
- The scheme will be administered by YourGuarantor
- Apply online at YourGuarantor.
- Applications will be subject to approval by YourGuarantor
- Confirmation of acceptance will be emailed to you.
- A certificate of the guarantee will be available online once you have paid the fee.
Your responsibilities
- You are not aware of any current circumstance that would prevent you from satisfying all your responsibilities, as set out in the proposed tenancy agreement.
- You understand that, although YourGuarantor will act as guarantor, you will remain liable for any losses, damages, expenses and/or costs that the landlord would normally be entitled to recover.
- You understand that any rent paid out on your behalf or additional costs incurred by YourGuarantor under any Guarantee they may provide on your behalf shall remain your responsibility until settled in full.
- You understand that YourGuarantor may, at their own discretion, appoint a third party to recover any losses on its behalf.
- You will notify YourGuarantor and landlord as soon as you become aware of any circumstance, or potential circumstance, which could affect your ability to satisfy your responsibilities under the proposed tenancy agreement.
- *You undertake to cooperate with YourGuarantor as required in order to minimise their liability under any guarantee that they provide on your behalf and understand that this may mean vacating the rental property if the rent is in arrears.
- You understand that by accepting the guarantee offered by YourGuarantor, you are confirming acceptance and understanding of the responsibilities set out in these commitments.