The University of Bath's rent guarantor scheme is being introduced for applications in September 2026 (Date to be confirmed). This is in place to assist students in obtaining accommodation that would otherwise be inaccessible due to the inability to secure a UK-based rent guarantor.

The scheme is run by the ResLife Team.

Student eligibility criteria

For us to consider acting as your rent guarantor, you must be:

• be a continuing full time registered University of Bath undergraduate student.
• be a non-UK resident (usually this means that your home residence is outside the UK).

We will also consider applications from :

• Home UK undergraduate students in receipt of a Gold, Bath or accommodation bursary
• Students supported by the Student Retention and Success team

The guarantor scheme is only applicable whilst you are a registered student at the University of Bath,

if you are an incoming first-year undergraduate or postgraduate student, you are not eligible.

You must also:

• Have previously lived in University accommodation.
• The Accommodation Team must be able to provide a reference covering both finance and conduct.
• Not have any outstanding debt (tuition or accommodation fees).

We may also ask for evidence for affordability checks.

Property eligibility criteria

For the property to be eligible for the University to be a guarantor it must:

• Be located within 12 miles of the University.
• Advertised on Student pad or an approved Local Bath letting agent.
• Not be a Purpose Built Student Accommodation (PBSA).
• Have a current gas safety certificate, electrical safety certificate, and HMO licence (if applicable).
• Be no more than £800.00 per calendar month for the individual student proportion of rent.

We can guarantee a student for a maximum of 12 months from the tenancy commencement date. If a guarantor is required for future academic years a new application must be made.

What the guarantee covers

The guarantee provided by the University covers rent exclusively, excluding bills and damages, up to a maximum of £800 per calendar month. The University commits to covering rent for a duration of up to 12 months, contingent upon your study period.

Students are expected to pay rent directly to their landlord as per standard practice. If a student is unable to make rent payments, they must immediately notify the ResLife Team, providing an explanation for the non-payment, the outstanding amount, and the due date.

Landlords are also required to inform the ResLife team if rent is in arrears. The University expects landlords to request rent payment from students as per their usual processes before seeking payment from 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 account. The student will then be required to settle this debt within an agreed-upon timeframe.

Other things you are responsible for

• If your application is successful, you need to pay a £75 administration fee to us.
• Get your accommodation contract checked before you sign it. The ResLife Support team offer contract checking support.
• You (the tenant) and the landlord or agent must sign the tenancy agreement. The University will not co-sign or act on behalf of you in the contract agreement.
• You must pay the rent as agreed in your contract.

What to do if you are not eligible for the University guarantor scheme

If you are not eligible for the scheme, there are other guarantor services available to you

Guarantor Scheme Application Form

The guarantor scheme will be operational in September 2026. Please check this page regularly for further updates.