Answers to the questions tenants ask us most often — guarantors, referencing, deposits, repairs and rent arrears.
You might need a 'guarantor' so you can rent a place to live. A guarantor is someone who agrees to pay your rent if you don't pay it, for example a parent or close relative.
If you don't pay your landlord what you owe them, they can ask your guarantor to pay instead. If your guarantor doesn't pay, your landlord can take them to court.
Your landlord might want to check your guarantor is able to pay the rent in the same way they've checked your ability to pay. For example, by carrying out a credit check.
Standard referencing checks will be implemented such as: right to rent, proof of employment, credit checks, and affordability checks.
We register your deposit with the Tenancy Deposit Scheme (TDS). Once we have submitted your deposit, we will send you a certificate as proof.
The landlord is usually the person responsible for maintaining repairs. They will either take care of this directly, or do so via a letting agent. If it is a Let Only or Rent Collection Only arrangement, then you will need to talk to your landlord directly. If it is Fully Managed then the agent will help. However, if you do damage to the property you are expected to cover the cost.
We know that circumstances can change. Nevertheless, it is still your responsibility to ensure rent payments are being made. The most important thing is not to let arrears pile up until they are unmanageable. Speak to your landlord or letting agent at your earliest opportunity and see if you can reschedule your payments.