Students Renting in the UK: Beware of Guarantor Scams

2026-02-05

As we look ahead to the 2026 academic year, there has been a significant rise in international students renting accommodation in London. While demand for student housing continues to grow, important legal changes are coming that will affect how students rent property in the UK, and they also increase the risk of guarantor-related scams.

Understanding these changes is essential for students planning to rent safely and avoid financial risk.

Major Changes to UK Renting Laws from 1 May 2026

From 1 May 2026, the new Tenant Rights Bill will come into force across England. Under this legislation, landlords and letting agents will no longer be allowed to ask tenants to pay more than one month’s rent in advance.

In the past, many international students secured UK accommodation by paying six or twelve months’ rent upfront, especially if they lacked:

A UK credit history
UK employment or income
A UK-based guarantor

Once the new law is implemented, paying large sums of rent in advance will no longer be permitted. Like all tenants in the UK, students will be required to pay rent monthly, making guarantor arrangements far more important when renting.

Why Guarantors Will Be Essential for Students Renting in the UK

For most students, particularly international students renting in London, meeting standard affordability checks can be difficult. As a result, UK landlords will increasingly require a UK-based guarantor to support the tenancy.

Reputable guarantor companies already operate within the student rental market. These regulated guarantor services typically charge a fee equivalent to four to five weeks’ rent. In return, they:

Guarantee the rent to the landlord or letting agent
Cover unpaid rent if the student cannot meet their obligations
Provide legally binding contracts and accountability

Using a recognised guarantor is becoming a standard requirement for students renting property in the UK.

The Rising Risk of Guarantor Scams Targeting Students

Unfortunately, as demand increases, so does the risk of guarantor scams — particularly those targeting students unfamiliar with UK rental regulations.

In the UK, almost anyone with residency and employment can technically act as a guarantor. This has led to the emergence of informal or unregulated guarantor services, which often involve risky practices such as:

Asking students to transfer six or twelve months’ rent to the guarantor, claiming they will forward it to the landlord or agent
Charging below-market fees (for example, two to three weeks’ rent) to appear more attractive than established guarantor companies

While these offers may seem appealing, they present serious risks. If an individual guarantor or unregulated service disappears, becomes uncontactable, or fails to meet their obligations, the student remains fully liable for the rent. This can quickly lead to:

Rent arrears
Legal action
Damage to future rental prospects
Significant financial loss

Advice for Students Renting Safely in the UK

If you are a student currently renting, or planning to rent, accommodation in the UK, it is vital to take a cautious and informed approach:

Always use a reputable, regulated guarantor agency
Never transfer large sums of rent to a guarantor directly
Avoid informal guarantor arrangements without clear contracts and regulation
Be cautious of offers that seem “too good to be true”

The upcoming changes to UK renting laws are designed to protect tenants, but they also require students to be more vigilant when arranging accommodation.

Renting in London as a Student: Get Professional Advice

Choosing the right guarantor is just as important as choosing the right property. If you are unsure about guarantor options or need guidance on renting safely in London, speaking with a professional, regulated letting agent can help you avoid unnecessary risk and ensure a smooth start to your tenancy.