- A professional guarantor and a family guarantor both do the same job, but they're designed for very different situations.
- While a family guarantor is usually free to use, they must meet strict eligibility criteria and take on legal responsibility for your tenancy.
- If you're looking for a professional guarantor, Rentmigo can help. Simply sign up and we can have your rent guaranteed within a few hours.
A professional guarantor and a family guarantor both do the same job in providing a landlord with financial security for your tenancy, but they're designed for very different situations.
A family guarantor is usually a parent or close relative who agrees to cover your rent if you can't pay it. A professional guarantor is a company that provides the same reassurance to your landlord for a one-off fee.
So, which option is better? The answer, of course, depends on your situation.
If you have a family member who qualifies as a UK guarantor by your landlord's standards and is happy to take on the legal responsibility of your rent for you, that can be a great option.
But if you don't have someone who fits the bill, or you'd rather not ask family to take on that financial risk, a professional guarantor service like Rentmigo could be the ideal option.
In this guide, we'll explain the differences, the pros and cons of each, and when one option may make more sense than the other.
If you're ready to rent without asking family or friends to become your guarantor, you can get started with Rentmigo today.
What is the difference between a professional guarantor and a family guarantor?
The biggest difference is who takes on the legal responsibility if rent isn't paid.
With a family guarantor, that responsibility sits with someone you know, usually a parent, sibling or close relative.
With a professional guarantor, a specialist company takes on that role instead.
From a landlord's perspective, both are designed to provide reassurance that the rent will continue to be paid if you are suddenly unable to pay during the tenancy. For them, it doesn't necessarily matter if that reassurance comes from a personal connection or a professional service.
For tenants, however, the experience can be very different.
Having a family guarantor relies on someone you know personally signing away legal and financial responsibility for your tenancy.
A professional guarantor removes that need altogether. Instead of asking someone you know to guarantee your rent, you apply online and, if approved, the guarantor company acts on your behalf.
If you're new to the concept, our guide on What is a Professional Rent Guarantor Service? explains how it works in more detail.
How often do landlords ask for a guarantor?
Being asked for a guarantor has become more common over the past few months, especially since the Renters' Rights Act came into play.
Historically, landlords were able to manage risk by asking some tenants to pay six or even twelve months' rent upfront. But now, under the Renters' Rights Act, that is no longer possible for most new private tenancies.
Instead, many landlords now ask for a guarantor instead.
You're especially likely to be asked for one if you:
- Are an international student
- Have recently moved to the UK
- Don't have UK credit history
- Are self-employed or freelance
- Have recently started a new job
- Are renting your first home
This doesn't necessarily mean landlords think you're a risky tenant. In fact, more often, it's just because they have less information to look at your financial history.
If you'd like to understand why this trend is growing, read our guide on Why More Landlords Are Asking for a Guarantor in 2026.
What are the benefits of using a family guarantor?
A family guarantor can be a great option if someone close to you meets your landlord's requirements and is comfortable taking on the responsibility.
One of the biggest advantages is cost. Unlike professional guarantor services, family members don't charge a fee. And for many tenants, that's naturally appealing.
Landlords are also very familiar with family guarantors, and many letting agents have used them for years as part of their standard referencing process.
If your parent or relative has a strong income, good UK credit history and meets the landlord's affordability requirements, the process can be pretty easy.
For some renters, it's the easiest option available.
What are the drawbacks of using a family guarantor?
Although family guarantors are free, it also means asking a family member to take on significant financial responsibility for you.
Many people don't realise just how serious being a guarantor can be. If rent isn't paid, the guarantor may become legally responsible for covering those costs.
That can put relationships under pressure, especially if they suddenly find it hard to cover the difference.
There are also practical things to take into consideration.
Many landlords expect guarantors to:
- Live in the UK
- Have excellent credit history
- Earn above a certain income threshold
- Sometimes own their own home
If your parents live overseas, are retired, don't own property or just don't meet the landlord's criteria, they may not be accepted.
Our guide Who Can Legally Be a Guarantor in the UK? explains this in more detail.
What are the benefits of using a professional guarantor?
Professional guarantor services are a great option for those who do not have a family member or friend to act as their guarantor.
Rather than relying on a friend or family member, you apply directly to a specialist company like Rentmigo. If approved, the company becomes your guarantor for the tenancy.
For many tenants, that makes the entire rental process much less stressful.
Professional guarantors are particularly useful if you:
- Don't have family in the UK
- Have recently relocated
- Are an international student
- Are an expat moving for work
- Work freelance or are self-employed
- Prefer not to involve family financially
Using a professional guarantor also keeps personal relationships separate from your finances. Instead of asking someone you know to take on legal responsibility, everything is handled professionally.
At Rentmigo, the application is fully online and takes just a few minutes to complete.
Are there any disadvantages to using a professional guarantor?
The main downside is that a professional guarantor service charges a fee for providing the guarantee. Unlike asking a family member, professional guarantors aren't free.
Most companies charge the equivalent of around three to five weeks' rent, although pricing varies between companies.
At Rentmigo, the fee is between two weeks and one month's share of the rent, depending on your application, and never more than one month's rent.
The fee is paid once and covers up to three years at the same property.
Which option is better for international students?
Professional guarantors are often the easiest option for international students because many don't have family members who meet UK guarantor requirements.
International students normally arrive in the UK without:
- UK credit history
- UK-based relatives
- Previous UK landlord references
Even when parents are financially secure overseas, many landlords still need guarantors to be based in the UK.
That's why professional guarantor services have become so popular with international students.
Instead of asking parents overseas to take on responsibility, students can apply online and move forward with their tenancy much more easily.
You may also find these guides useful:
- Do International Students Need a UK Guarantor?
- Rent Guarantor for International Students
- Renting in the UK as an International Student
Which option is better for professionals moving to the UK?
For expats and professionals moving to the UK, professional guarantors are often the fastest and easiest route to securing a tenancy.
Many people moving to the UK for work have excellent salaries but little or no UK financial history. And renting without a UK credit history can be incredibly difficult, as landlords have no basis for working out if you are financially responsible.
Because of this, landlords may ask for a guarantor, even when affordability isn't the issue.
Rather than delaying your move while trying to find someone who fits the bill, Rentmigo allows many professionals to continue with their application much more quickly.
If you're moving for work, our Rent Guarantor for Expat Workers page explains how we can help.
So, which option is right for you?
Both family guarantors and professional guarantors have their place, and the best option depends entirely on your circumstances.
If you have a family member who meets the landlord's requirements and is happy to act as your guarantor, that can be a perfectly good option. But for many tenants today, especially those coming to the UK from overseas, that's just not realistic.
Instead of asking loved ones to take on financial risk, you can secure your tenancy through a specialist rent guarantor company and move into your new home with confidence.
If you're ready to rent without relying on family or friends, check your eligibility with Rentmigo today and see how we can help you secure your next home.
