A coalition of activist groups has formally written to Housing Secretary and Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner, arguing that the current guarantor rules are unfair and put tenants at a disadvantage.
They claim that these rules enable landlords to discriminate against certain renters. Shelter, one of the groups involved, has found that one in three renters asked to provide a guarantor struggles to do so. As a result, many tenants may be excluded from securing a rental property.
The coalition, which includes 28 organisations such as Acorn, Generation Rent, and Shelter, is calling for changes to the Renters Rights Bill. They want the government to prevent landlords from demanding guarantors when a tenant’s income is sufficient to cover rent or when landlords already have insurance against non-payment. Additionally, they are pushing for a cap on guarantor liability, limiting it to six months’ rent.
The letter argues that landlords may exploit their ability to request guarantors, even when there is little risk of tenants failing to pay rent. Activist groups warn that without reform, landlords could continue using guarantor requirements to discriminate against certain renters.
In an interview with the Independent, Generation Rent’s deputy chief executive, Dan Wilson Craw, highlighted the challenges tenants face. He explained that even if renters can afford the rent, landlords may still demand multiple months’ rent upfront or require a homeowner guarantor—especially for those who are self-employed or on benefits. While the government’s decision to limit rent in advance is a positive step, he warned that excessive guarantor demands could still be used as a loophole for discrimination. He urged the government to take further action, stating: “If you can afford the rent, there should be no need for a guarantor.”
Previously, a Labour backbencher attempted to introduce a similar amendment to the Renters Rights Bill in the House of Commons. Although junior housing minister Matthew Pennycook acknowledged that there was a “strong case” for reform, he also recognised the challenges. He admitted: “I appreciate fully that obtaining a guarantor can be difficult for some prospective tenants, and I understand the reasoning behind his amendment.”
Junior housing minister Matthew Pennycook acknowledged the challenges many tenants face when asked to provide a guarantor. While he recognised the difficulties this requirement can create for some prospective renters, he also pointed out that guarantors can serve a useful purpose in certain situations. According to Pennycook, requiring a guarantor can provide landlords with the confidence they need to rent their properties to individuals who might otherwise struggle to access private accommodation. For example, tenants with lower incomes, limited rental histories, or those without stable employment might benefit from this arrangement, as it can reassure landlords about the tenant’s ability to meet their financial obligations.
A spokesperson for the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government reiterated the government’s position on the issue, stating that there are no current plans to restrict the use of guarantors. However, they emphasised that landlords should not use guarantor requirements as a means of discriminating against prospective tenants. Instead, each case should be considered individually, ensuring that decisions are made fairly and do not disadvantage renters who may otherwise be fully capable of paying rent. The spokesperson acknowledged concerns raised by campaigners and advocacy groups but maintained that guarantors remain a legitimate and widely accepted practice in the private rental sector.
The spokesperson also pointed to the proposed Renters’ Rights Bill as an important step in making the rental market fairer and more transparent. The bill seeks to address some of the most pressing issues facing tenants, including the demand for excessive upfront rent payments. By preventing landlords from asking for large sums in advance, the government aims to ease financial pressure on renters, particularly those with limited savings or irregular incomes.
In addition to tackling upfront rent payments, the bill introduces further protections for tenants. One of the most significant reforms is the abolition of Section 21 ‘no-fault’ evictions, which currently allow landlords to remove tenants without providing a reason. This change is expected to improve housing security for many renters and prevent sudden evictions that can leave tenants struggling to find alternative accommodation. The bill also strengthens tenants’ rights by empowering them to challenge unfair rent increases, ensuring that landlords cannot impose excessive rent hikes without justification. Furthermore, the proposed reforms seek to end the practice of rental bidding wars, where prospective tenants are pressured to outbid each other to secure a property.
While the government maintains that the use of guarantors will remain legal, campaigners argue that excessive reliance on them creates unnecessary barriers for tenants. Housing activists continue to push for further reforms, calling on policymakers to ensure that the rental market is fair, accessible, and free from discrimination.
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