Getting it right
There are usually lots of different types of student accommodation available, and it can often feel overwhelming both for students and their parents. It is advisable to help your child search through the options available that is within their budget, whilst considering the distance to university lectures and the town centre. You should also ensure they don’t pay a deposit before reviewing a contract, and get a full inventory completed before they move in.
When it comes to living arrangements, everyone has different preferences so it’s worth talking with your son or daughter about what’s important to them. Getting accommodation right is important for more reasons than you might think. It can affect how students feel about their whole university experience, and can have an impact on their academic success.
Golding are experts in providing student housing and partner not only with students but their parents, to ensure their offspring receives the best possible value, service and health and safety standards every parent would expect for their child’s home away from home.
Acting as a Guarantor
Many private landlords require a third party to act as a guarantor for the rent payments, before they’ll agree to let a property to a student. It is important for anyone considering being a guarantor, or for a student who needs to ask someone to be a guarantor to fully understand what’s involved. Landlords will usually require a guarantor who lives in the UK, as it is easier for them to take legal action against a UK resident if necessary.
This may present a problem for you if you’re an international student or parent, so if you can’t get a UK- based guarantor, you may be asked to pay more rent in advance. Landlords may want to check that the guarantor is able to pay the rent in the same way that they’ve checked the student’s ability to pay, by carrying out a credit check.
If you are not able to fulfil the criteria speak to a member of our experienced team who may be able to assist with the best way to progress with an application.
What is the Guarantor liable for?
Depending on what the agreement says, in many cases, a guarantee agreement also extends to other conditions under the tenancy such as damage caused to the property. We strongly advise guarantors to check the tenancy agreement in detail, that way they can see exactly what obligations they are guaranteeing.
Guarantors of Tenants who live in Shared Accommodation
If the student shares accommodation with other tenants under one tenancy agreement, that is a joint tenancy and it is common for the guarantee to apply to all of the rent and not just their share. Therefore, we recommend reviewing the agreement carefully and asking one of our agents any questions if something is unclear.
As soon as the agreement is signed, the guarantor is bound by its terms and conditions. In representing certain landlords, it may be possible to negotiate for a variation to a guarantee agreement that would ensure the guarantor’s liability is confined to only rent payments, or any damage caused by your child.
If you have any questions concerning you son or daughter’s tenancy agreement or require further information or assurances call one of our expert letting agents on 0151 227 1199