FAQs | Glasgow Caledonian University

Different types of accommodation

Ways to remain safe when looking for property

Specific Information

It is common to be asked for a guarantor if you are a student. Guarantors act as a security blanket for renters as well as landlords in case there is substantial damage to a property or if rent is missed. Usually, landlords/estate agents will ask for a UK-based guarantor (check out how to check if you meet guarantor requirements

What is a UK based guarantor? - A guarantor agrees to pay your rent if you don't pay it. They sign an agreement which confirms their responsibilities and when they have to pay.

Who can be a guarantor? - Guarantors are usually a relative or close friend of the tenant, but they don't have to be.Guarantors usually need a good credit history and income or savings above a certain amount.

What is required from a guarantor?

Proof of residency
Proof of income
3 months most recent bank statements
Proof of identity (i.e. valid in date passport)
National insurance number
Bank details, including branch name and account number
Agree to pay the rent if the tenant cannot
In some cases, agree to pay for any damage caused by the tenant, if the tenant cannot.

International Guarantors

What is an international guarantor? - A guarantor agrees to pay your rent if you don't pay it. They sign an agreement which confirms their responsibilities and when they have to pay.

Who can be a guarantor? - Guarantors are usually a relative or close friend of the tenant, but they don't have to be.Guarantors usually need a good credit history and income or savings above a certain amount.

What is required from a guarantor?

Proof of address
Proof of income
Proof of identity
Agree to pay the rent if the tenant cannot
In some cases, agree to pay for any damage caused by the tenant, if the tenant cannot.

* Please keep in mind some landlords will not accept an international guarantor.

If you do not have a UK based guarantor, and the agency or landlord does not accept international guarantors, you can offer to pay 3-6 months rent up front.

The University cannot stand as a guarantor.

Please note that it is legal for landlords to ask for up to 6 months’ rent up front even if you have a UK guarantor. However, it is illegal for landlords or letting agents to charge holding fees for a property. Holding fees are a cost or charge for landlords/letting agents to “hold” a property for you whilst you get your documentation in order.

If you need help with this please check out the following links.

Problems with illegal fees and deposits - Citizens Advice Scotland

Get help with renting costs - Citizens Advice

Rent Guarantor Schemes

You can make use of a private rent guarantor scheme such as Guarantor Service | Housing Hand - Rent Guarantor Providers. Private rent guarantor services as not vetted by GCU and students must use them at their own discretion.

Name	Distance by train	Distance by bus
Airdrie	30 mins QS
Baillieston	14 mins QS	14 mins
Cardonald		31 mins
Carluke	48 mins GLC	53 mins
Clydebank	15 mins QS
Coatbridge	23 mins QS
		27 mins
Drumchapel	18 mins QS	32 mins
Dumbarton	26 mins QS
East Kilbride	30 mins GLC	53 mins
Falkirk	22 mins GLC
Gourock	41 mins GLC	1 hour 10 mins
Greenock	34 mins GLC	1 hour 6 mins
Hamilton	24 mins Argyle St	25 mins
Johnstone	14 mins GLC
Kilmarnock	40 mins GLC	45 mins
Kilsyth		45 mins
Kilwinning	36 mins GLC
Lanark	56 mins GLC
Largs	60 mins GLC
Lenzie	09 mins QS	18 mins
Milngavie	24 mins QS
Motherwell	27 mins GLC	26 mins
Neilston	29 mins GLC	1 hour
Paisley	10 mins GLC	47 mins
Saltcoats	43 mins GLC
Shotts	34 mins QS
Troon	39 mins GLC
Uddingston	13 mins GLC	39 mins
Wishaw	40 mins GLC	43 mins