- Yes, a guarantor normally needs a good credit score, as landlords want reassurance that they could cover the rent if needed.
- Most guarantors must be financially stable, UK-based, and able to pass referencing and credit checks.
- If your guarantor is declined due to a poor credit score, a professional rent guarantor service like Rentmigo can be a great alternative to help you secure a property.
In almost all cases, a UK guarantor needs a good credit score to be accepted, because landlords want to know they are financially reliable enough to cover the rent if something goes wrong.
If you’ve been asked to provide a guarantor while renting in the UK, one of the first questions that comes up is: “Does my guarantor need a good credit score?”
The short answer is almost always yes.
A guarantor is not just someone willing to support you, they are taking on a legal financial responsibility to cover your rent if you can't pay it.
That means landlords and letting agents want assurance that the guarantor is financially stable and capable of stepping in if rent payments are missed.
For many tenants, this is where things become difficult.
You may know someone who is happy to help. But if they do not meet the landlord’s credit or affordability criteria, they may still be rejected.
This is one of the reasons professional rent guarantor services like Rentmigo are becoming increasingly popular.
If you don’t have someone with strong enough credit to act as your guarantor, Rentmigo may be able to help.
Why does a guarantor’s credit score matter?
A guarantor's credit score matters because landlords are looking for guarantors to reduce financial risk.
If a tenant cannot pay rent, the guarantor becomes legally responsible for covering it. Because of this, landlords want to know the guarantor is financially secure.
Assessing a credit history helps them understand whether someone:
- Pays bills on time
- Manages debt responsibly
- Has a stable financial background
- Is likely to meet financial commitments
- Has any serious credit problems
In simple terms, a guarantor with strong credit gives landlords confidence.
A guarantor with poor credit creates uncertainty.
What credit score does a guarantor need?
There is no single universal credit score landlords use. Different landlords and letting agents have different standards.
But generally, a guarantor should have:
- A strong or good credit history
- No recent missed payments
- No County Court Judgments (CCJs)
- No recent defaults
- No Individual Voluntary Arrangements (IVAs)
- A stable financial profile
The cleaner the credit history, the better.
Landlords are not necessarily looking for perfection, but they do want reassurance that the guarantor is financially responsible.
What else do landlords check besides credit?
Credit is important, but it is not the only thing landlords look at. A guarantor usually also needs to show financial stability.
This often includes:
Stable income
Landlords want proof that the guarantor earns enough to cover the rent if needed.
In many cases, guarantors may need to earn around 30-40 times the monthly rent annually.
For example:
- Rent: £1,200 per month
- Expected guarantor income: roughly £36,000-£48,000 per year
UK residency
Most landlords prefer guarantors who live in the UK.
This makes referencing easier and gives landlords reassurance that agreements are enforceable if they have to go to court.
Age requirements
Many guarantors must be:
- Over 21
- Under 75
This can vary slightly between landlords.
Financial independence
A guarantor usually cannot be financially linked to the tenant.
For example, landlords may reject someone who:
- Shares a joint bank account
- Shares debt with the tenant
- Is financially dependent on the tenant
Why do landlords prefer guarantors with good credit?
From a landlord’s perspective, a guarantor is there as a backup plan. They want to know that if something goes wrong, the guarantor can realistically step in.
Good credit suggests that someone:
- Has a history of managing money well
- Pays on time
- Is less likely to default themselves
- Is financially organised
That reassurance can make landlords much more comfortable approving a tenancy.
Can a guarantor have bad credit?
In some situations, yes, but it becomes much harder. A guarantor with bad credit is more likely to be rejected.
This is because landlords may worry that the guarantor would struggle financially if asked to cover the rent.
Bad credit may include:
- CCJs
- Defaults
- Bankruptcy history
- Missed loan payments
- High debt levels
- Poor affordability
Some landlords may still consider a guarantor with minor credit issues, particularly if they now have strong income and stable finances. But generally, stronger credit means a stronger application.
What happens if your guarantor fails the credit check?
If your guarantor fails a credit check, you will need to find another option.
What a lot of people don't realise, is that this is actually a lot more common than you'd expect. After all, you may have found someone willing to help, but they might fail referencing because of income or credit issues.
When this happens, landlords may:
- Ask for another guarantor
- Ask for several months of rent upfront
- Ask for proof of savings
- Decline the application entirely
This can feel incredibly frustrating.
Especially when you are ready to move forward with a property.
If you find yourself in a position where your guarantor has been rejected, Rentmigo can help. Simply apply online today and once you pass our affordability checks, we'll act as your guarantor.
Who usually struggles to find a guarantor with good credit?
Some tenants, particularly those who are new to the UK might struggle to find a guarantor with good credit.
Some groups commonly affected include:
International students
International students may have parents overseas who are financially secure but not accepted due to needing to be a UK resident.
Expats moving to the UK
Expats moving to the UK may not know anyone locally who meets guarantor requirements.
Freelancers and contractors
Freelancers may know people willing to help, but they may not have traditional income structures.
Young renters
Friends or family may not yet have strong enough financial history to qualify.
Tenants without a UK support network
This is especially common for those moving to the UK on their own.
Does being a guarantor affect their credit score?
Potentially, yes. When someone becomes a guarantor, lenders or referencing providers may run a credit check.
Often this is a soft search, meaning it does not damage their score. However, things change if payments are missed. If the tenant falls behind and the guarantor becomes responsible, this can affect the guarantor’s credit profile.
This is why many people are hesitant to act as guarantors, it is a serious responsibility.
What should someone think about before becoming a guarantor?
Being a guarantor is not just signing paperwork, it means legally agreeing to cover rent if needed.
Before saying yes, someone should ask themselves:
- Could I realistically afford this rent if needed?
- Do I trust this person financially?
- Am I comfortable taking on legal responsibility?
- Would this affect my own mortgage or borrowing ability?
- Do I fully understand the tenancy agreement?
Many people underestimate how significant the role can be, but it's important that you take it seriously.
What can you do if your guarantor doesn’t have good credit?
If your guarantor is rejected, it does not mean renting is impossible.
You still have options.
1. Use a professional rent guarantor service
For many tenants, this is the easiest alternative.
Rentmigo acts as a guarantor for tenants who do not have someone suitable available. Instead of relying on a friend or family member to pass strict credit checks, you apply directly through Rentmigo.
If approved, Rentmigo steps in as your guarantor.
This can be particularly useful for:
- International students
- Expats
- Professionals new to the UK
- Freelancers
- Tenants without strong guarantor options
Check your eligibility with Rentmigo and see if you qualify.
See our guide around: How quickly you can get approved for a professional rent guarantor.
2. Pay rent upfront
Some landlords may accept several months of rent upfront instead of a guarantor. This can help reassure them financially.
But it is not always realistic, especially in expensive cities where rent can be over £1000 a month.
3. Strengthen your financial application
You may also improve your chances by showing:
- Savings
- Stable income
- Employment contracts
- Strong landlord references
- Bank statements
This can sometimes help make the landlord see you as a more financially trustworthy tenant.
How Rentmigo can help
Rentmigo exists for tenants who can afford the rent but struggle to find a guarantor.
That includes people whose guarantor:
- Has poor credit
- Does not live in the UK
- Does not meet affordability checks
- Is unwilling to take on the legal responsibility
Instead of relying on personal connections, Rentmigo provides a professional option designed around modern renting.
That means fewer delays, fewer rejected applications, and a smoother path to securing a home.
If you do not have someone with good enough credit to act as your guarantor, Rentmigo could help you move forward.
