Charities urge Labour to tackle ‘discriminatory’ PRS guarantor rules
1 year ago | 16 comments
Government claim blanket guarantor requirements could hinder tenants
9:37 AM, 11th February 2026, 3 months ago
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The government claim a guarantor can act as a barrier to renting for some tenants.
In answer to a written question, Housing Minister Matthew Pennycook says landlords and letting agents must consider a tenant’s individual circumstances and will monitor the use of guarantors.
According to the English Private Landlord survey, nearly a quarter (21%) of landlords asked for a guarantor.
Guarantor could act as a barrier to renting
Liberal Democrat MP Mike Martin asked the government: “What recent assessment has been made of the potential impact of guarantor requirements in the private rented sector on prospective tenants who can demonstrate affordability but do not have access to a suitable guarantor?”
In response, Mr Pennycook claimed there are options available to tenants who do not have a guarantor, but landlords and agents should consider individual circumstances.
He said: “The government recognises that blanket requirements for a guarantor could act as a barrier to renting for some tenants and expects landlords and agents to consider tenants’ individual circumstances when negotiating rental conditions.
“We are committed to monitoring the use of guarantors as part of our wider evaluation of the impact of our reforms on the private rented sector.
“Where a landlord or agent is not satisfied by the outcome of pre-tenancy checks, they may ask a prospective tenant to provide a guarantor. If this is not possible, then a tenant may choose to use a professional guarantor service as an alternative. Local authorities may offer guarantee schemes to help people on low incomes or at risk of homelessness.”
Last year, the government confirmed rental payment history would not be used as mandatory proof of affordability for tenancy agreements.
Mr Pennycook has also previously said there is no “one-size-fits-all approach for landlords” when determining whether a tenancy is suitable.
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Member Since April 2018 - Comments: 394
10:06 AM, 12th February 2026, About 3 months ago
Reply to the comment left by Jo Westlake at 11/02/2026 – 10:34
haven’t the “rules regarding a private guarantor changed so the length of guarantee is very limited.Also unless it’s raised as a deed it’s not worth the paper it’s written on.
Member Since April 2018 - Comments: 394
10:38 AM, 12th February 2026, About 3 months ago
Reply to the comment left by Abhishek Swarup at 11/02/2026 – 20:07
The wording from Pennycook is “may” so no requirement by law.
Member Since September 2018 - Comments: 3575 - Articles: 5
11:21 AM, 12th February 2026, About 3 months ago
“The government recognises that blanket requirements for a guarantor could act as a barrier to renting for some tenants and expects landlords and agents to consider tenants’ individual circumstances when negotiating rental conditions”
LL – I don’t impost a blanket guarantor policy, but your lack of personal rental history/credit history/CCJ means you are deemed a higher risk. As a result in this case we would require a guarantor.
T – I don’t have a personal guarantor.
LL. Sorry I cant let to you.
Done.
No blanket policy applied. Box ticked – Pennycook happy. Tenant still homeless.
Member Since January 2015 - Comments: 1469 - Articles: 1
3:06 PM, 14th February 2026, About 3 months ago
Reply to the comment left by David at 11/02/2026 – 12:59
A Guarantor’s guarantee should last the lifetime of the tenancy (fixed term and Periodic) AND should be written in the Tenancy Agreement as well as on the Guarantors Agreement.
Surely every Guarantors Agreement and Tenancy Agreement is drafted this way??????
Member Since January 2015 - Comments: 1469 - Articles: 1
3:08 PM, 14th February 2026, About 3 months ago
Reply to the comment left by David at 12/02/2026 – 10:06
A Deed is any document starting with
THIS DEED etc etc
and signed and witnessed by 2 witnesses.
ALL Guarantor Agreements should be written this way
Member Since October 2024 - Comments: 206
7:08 PM, 28th April 2026, About 2 weeks ago
Reply to the comment left by Jo Westlake at 11/02/2026 – 10:34
Guarantors are an additional cost for the landlords. I have student tenants so I have to take guarantor references. Mostly, I take just guarantors references, especially if the students dont have a jobs. But credit check is needed for all students.
Going forward, I am not sure I shall have students in my properties, as they will certainly give notice and leave in 6 to 9 months. But some students in central London wish to stay after they finish their course and start working. So 4 months notice will be relevant.
Yes, you are right international students will have problem finding accomodation.
So government has totally ignored this. A blanket Act does not help at all. They are so keen on landlords giving 4 months notice to students and only if they have stated to the students at the start of the tenancy.
This is clearly not a level and fair ground for landlords and tenants. Tenants rights have increased on all aspects.
Government is counting on landlords to sell the properties to other landlords so merry-goround will continue.
Best to sell to the owner occupier. One tenant out of circulation but there are a lot of new young people and overseas people coming for rentals.