Tenants without access to a personal guarantor are being left with fewer rental options despite alternatives that could help them secure a home, according to new research from LRG.
The Summer 2026 Lettings Report, based on responses from 717 landlords and 860 tenants across England and Wales, found that 51% of tenants would look for a cheaper property if they needed a guarantor but did not have a family member or friend who could help.
A further 16% would stop their property search altogether, while just 18% would consider using a professional guarantor service.
Awareness appears to be a significant barrier, with 74% of tenants saying they had never heard of professional guarantor services and only 2% having previously used one.
GUARANTORS GROW IN IMPORTANCE
More than a third of tenants surveyed, 37%, said they had needed a guarantor at some point, with 7% unable to find one.
The findings come as landlords place greater emphasis on affordability and referencing following changes under the Renters’ Rights Act which restrict the amount of rent that can be requested in advance.
More than half of landlords surveyed, 54%, said they were now more likely to request a guarantor where applicants did not comfortably meet standard affordability checks.
A further 28% had not changed their approach and 13% said they had always required a guarantor in those circumstances.
The findings reflect the English Housing Survey 2024-25, which found one in five private renters had been asked to provide a guarantor before moving into their current home.
ALTERNATIVE PROTECTION
Rent guarantee insurance is another potential option, with almost 37% of landlords surveyed already holding a policy and a further 19% considering one. However, 17% were unaware this type of protection existed.
Allison Thompson (main picture, inset), Chief Lettings Officer at Leaders, part of LRG, says: “Landlords need confidence that a tenancy is affordable and sustainable, particularly now that rent in advance is no longer available as an additional safeguard.
“At the same time, tenants who do not have family or friends able to act as a guarantor should not assume they have run out of options.
“Our research shows there is a real opportunity to make people more aware of professional guarantor services and rent guarantee insurance.
“By explaining those choices early, we can help landlords make informed decisions while giving more tenants a fair opportunity to find the right home.”
