Rent Guarantor Scheme

Rent Guarantor Scheme

The University of Glasgow's Rent Guarantor Scheme has been established to assist students in obtaining accommodation that would otherwise be inaccessible due to the inability to secure a UK-based Rent Guarantor.

Under this scheme, the University can serve as a Rent Guarantor for rent payments associated with Short Assured and Private Residential tenancies.

Please note that the university cannot sign any other paperwork or complete online letting agency agreements.

 

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Am I eligible for this scheme?

The Rent Guarantor Scheme is accessible to the following categories of students enrolled in a full degree programme:

  1. Overseas students.
  2. EU students.
  3. UK students who are care leavers.
  4. UK students who are estranged from their family.
  5. Students with refugee or asylum seeker status.

Applicants to the Rent Guarantor Scheme must meet the following criteria:

  1. Demonstrate adequate financial means to cover rent payments throughout the academic year.
  2. Have no outstanding debts to the University of Glasgow, such as missed tuition fee or accommodation payment installments.
  3. Maintain satisfactory academic progress and be on track to progress to the next academic year (applies to continuing students only).
  4. Demonstrate regular payments to their current accommodation provider (applies to continuing students with an existing tenancy).

In cases of shared or multiple tenancies, the scheme will support only the individual applicant's portion of the rent. Full support for multiple tenancies will only be provided if all tenants are eligible and invited to apply to the scheme individually.

Any guarantor application/agreement will be rendered void in the event of a suspension, withdrawal, or exclusion from studies. The scheme will not cover students who fail to register or occupy their accommodation.

If you have not yet found a property but can provide the aforementioned evidence, we can issue an email confirming, in principle, our willingness to act as a guarantor. Please note that the guarantor agreement will not be finalised until the property is found, and all required evidence is provided.

For independent private accommodation, the following documents are required:

  1. HMO licence (if applicable)
  2. Energy Performance Certificate
  3. Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR)
  4. Gas Safety Certificate

For purpose-built student accommodation, approval as an official supplier with the University of Glasgow is also necessary.

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What does the guarantee cover?

The guarantee provided by the University covers rent exclusively, excluding bills and damages, up to a maximum of £225 per week or £900 per calendar month. The University commits to covering rent for a duration of up to 12 months, contingent upon your study period. It's essential to note that the guarantee is applicable only during your term dates.

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How does this scheme work?

Students are expected to pay rent directly to their landlord or accommodation provider as per standard practice (not through a flatmate). If a student is unable to make rent payments, they must immediately notify the Financial Aid Team at reg.finaid@glasgow.ac.uk, providing an explanation for the non-payment, the outstanding amount, and the due date. Landlords are also required to inform the Financial Aid Team via email if rent is in arrears.

The University of Glasgow expects landlords to request rent payment from students before seeking payment from the University. Similarly, students are expected to promptly contact the University if they encounter difficulties in paying their rent.

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How do I repay rent to the University? 

If the University needs to cover rent on behalf of a student, the incurred debt will be added to the student's University of Glasgow account. The student will then be required to settle this debt within an agreed-upon timeframe. 

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How do I apply?

1. If you're eligible, please submit your completed Rent Guarantor Scheme Application Form via email.

2. In the same email, please also attach the following supporting documents:

For independent private accommodation:

  • HMO licence (if applicable)
  • Energy Performance Certificate
  • Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR)
  • Gas Safety Certificate

For Purpose-built student accommodation providers, provide a letter on an official company letterhead which includes:

  • Bank Sort Code
  • Bank Account Number
  • Bank Name
  • Branch Address
  • Email Address
  • VAT Registration Number
  • Company Registration Number
  • Company Registered Address
  • Number of Employees

3. Upon successful application, students are required to:

  • Sign and return a Rent Guarantee Agreement (Student).
  • Ensure the landlord or accommodation provider signs and returns a Rent Guarantee Agreement (Provider).
  • Provide a signed copy of the lease agreement.

Purpose-built student accommodation providers must also submit additional documentation to gain approved supplier status with the University of Glasgow.

Rent Guarantor Scheme Application Form

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How to Apply

 

Application procedure

Eligible students can submit a Rent Guarantor Scheme Application Form via email.

When applying, students will be required to submit the following supporting documents:

For independent private accommodation:

For Purpose Built Student Accommodation providers, a letter on an official company letterhead containing:

  • Bank Sort Code
  • Bank Account Number
  • Bank Name
  • Branch Address
  • E Mail Address
  • VAT Registration Number
  • Company Registration Number
  • Company Registered Address
  • Number of Employees

In the event of a successful application, students will be required to:

  • Sign and return a Rent Guarantee Agreeement (Student) 
  • Arrange for landlord or accommodation provider to sign and return Rent Guarantee Agreeement (Landlord)
  • Provide a signed copy of the lease agreement

Purpose Built Student Accommodation providers must also submit additional documentation to obtain approved supplier status with the University of Glasgow.