What they’re signing up to
If the tenant doesn’t pay the rent, they are immediately liable. In some cases (check your standard tenancy agreement), they might also be liable for outstanding property damage.
In the case of a shared property, guarantors are jointly and severally liable. Each will be referenced on the whole rental amount. If this doesn’t work for your guarantors, we can arrange that they’re only liable for a share.
How long you keep their details
We keep their details for 15 months. All the information they need is included in our privacy policy document.
The applicant will see this on the website before they apply but we can provide copies if you need more.
After 15 months the information will be deleted and destroyed in line with GDPR and Data Protection regulations.
What information they need to provide
Exactly the same information as a tenant would: current and previous address for three years. Occupancy details. Bank and income details. Personal, landlord (if applicable) and employee references.
As with tenants, the process works best if they tell all third parties to expect an email and ask that they respond as quickly as possible.
Why they can’t have adverse credit
Someone with adverse credit won’t be accepted as a guarantor. If they’re not meeting their own bills it suggests that they won’t be able to meet someone else’s on top. The whole idea of a guarantor is they remove some of the risk out of using a particular tenant. The presence of adverse credit would go against that.
Why they need to live in the UK
If they’re not living in the UK it can be difficult to arrange immediate payment if the rent isn’t paid.
If they live in the UK on a visa or residence permit, it is still possible to be a guarantor but only if they can live here indefinitely. If there are any restrictions, such as a limited stay, they won’t be able to guarantee the rent.
How we work out affordability
If a guarantor owns property, their income needs to be approximately 30 times the monthly rent payment they’re guaranteeing.
If they’re renting themselves, their income needs to be approximately 30 times their rent plus the rent they want to guarantee.
Whether they can be self-employed
They can. We just need an accountant reference. They must be registered with the ACCA or ICAEW. Or we can accept a copy of the last submitted tax return and the corresponding overview.
What else to prospective guarantors ask you? Email your questions to info@keysafe.com.
