Editor's note: This brief was summarised by The Property AI Newsroom from a report by Property118. Read the original article for full details.

Guarantor Use Doubles as Renters Face Affordability Pressures

Guarantor reliance for tenants has doubled in the last 18 months, according to data reported by Property118. HomeLet figures show that the proportion of accepted rental applications requiring a guarantor has risen from around 9% in January 2025 to 18.4% in July 2026.

This means that almost one in five lets are now agreed with a guarantor in place. The increase comes as landlords seek greater financial security amid growing affordability pressures faced by renters.

For UK letting agents and inventory clerks, this trend highlights the importance of robust referencing processes and clear documentation when dealing with guarantors. The shift may also impact tenancy agreement procedures and the management of rental applications.