Two students looking at a laptop

Housing Hand

Two students looking at a laptop

Rent Guarantor Scheme

University of Birmingham has partnered with Housing Hand to support students that need a UK Guarantor.

When you rent in the private sector, most accommodation providers, including landlords and letting agents, will ask you to provide a guarantor. A guarantor is essentially someone who agrees to pay your rent or damages if you cannot make a payment. Having a rent guarantor in place is a reliable and widely accepted way to increase your options when renting in the UK.

We understand that it can be difficult to find a guarantor, especially for international students, as many accommodation providers require them to be UK-based. In shared houses, students are likely to be asked for one guarantor for each individual. Your agent/landlord should let you know about the guarantor requirements before you sign the contract.

To alleviate the stress of finding a guarantor, the University of Birmingham has partnered with Housing Hand. Housing Hand can act as a UK guarantor for a fee that is calculated according to your rent amount. To find out more about the service and to apply, visit the dedicated University link on the Housing Hand website.

  • Health and Wellbeing Service

    Renting somewhere new means adjusting to a lot at once. New surroundings, new routines, and sometimes a healthcare system you're not familiar with. That's why we've partnered with HealthHero, in association with Gallagher UK, to give every guarantor customer access to professional health and wellbeing support, at no extra cost. Whether you need to speak to a doctor at 2am, want confidential mental health support, or need a bit of guidance on a legal or financial matter, it's all included. You can access the service from your phone, tablet or laptop, wherever you are.

How does it work?

  1. Sign up with Housing Hand
    Once you’ve signed up with Housing Hand’s guarantor service, you’ll be provided with access to the GP and wellbeing support platform.
  2. Set up your account
    Log in to your Housing Hand portal, where you’ll find a link and password to get started.
  3. Access support whenever you need it
    Book a same-day appointment or get on-demand from a GP or mental health professional in minutes