Updated October 2026
In short: Yes. Parents can help in three main ways: act as guarantor on their child's tenancy, become the tenant themselves with their child living there, or buy a property and let it to them. Being guarantor is the most common and usually the simplest, because the child builds their own rental history while the landlord has security.
| Option | How it works | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent as guarantor | Child is the tenant; parent guarantees rent and damages | Child builds a rental record; standard for students and first jobs | Parent liable if rent goes unpaid; check the guarantee's limits |
| Parent as tenant | Parent signs; child lives there as permitted occupier | Helps where the child can't pass referencing at all | Parent has full legal responsibility; child has fewer rights |
| Joint tenancy | Parent and child both named tenants | Shared responsibility | Parent is jointly liable for the whole rent |
| Parent buys and lets to child | Parent becomes the landlord | Asset growth; control over the home | Stamp duty surcharge, landlord obligations, tax on rent |
Paying rent up front
Since 1 May 2026, landlords in England can't require more than one month's rent in advance. Paying six or twelve months up front to get around a failed reference is no longer an option, which makes a guarantor, or a guarantor service, more important than before.
What landlords will usually ask a guarantor for
- ID and proof of address
- Proof of income (often a multiple of the annual rent) or savings
- UK residence; many landlords require a UK-based guarantor
- Credit check consent
- A signed deed of guarantee
If you buy a home for your child
You'll pay the higher rates of stamp duty if you already own a home. You'll also be a landlord, with the same safety, deposit and licensing duties as any other. If you charge market rent, the income is taxable. Some families choose a guarantor mortgage or a joint mortgage instead, and it's worth speaking to a mortgage adviser.
How Fraser Bond helps families
- Finding student and first-job rentals that accept parental guarantors
- Clear guarantor agreements with sensible limits
- Buying a property for your child, and managing it if you'd rather not deal with the tenancy
- Advice on the right ownership structure
Frequently asked questions
Can my parents be my guarantor if they live abroad?
Some landlords accept overseas guarantors, but many require a UK-based one. A guarantor company can help.
Is my parent liable for my housemates' rent?
On a joint tenancy, a guarantee can cover the whole rent unless it's limited to your share. Ask for a capped guarantee.
Can I rent if I'm under 18?
Under-18s can't hold a legal tenancy in England, so a parent or other adult usually holds it on trust.
Helping your son or daughter find a home?
We'll help you choose the right route and find the right property.
Speak to our teamRelated guides
- Can a partner live with you without being on the tenancy?
- Letting someone live in your house rent-free
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