"By combining Tenant Guarantor with our No Deposit offer, we're making the move-in journey simpler and more affordable for renters, while giving BTR operators a consistent process that supports a great resident experience at scale"
- Gary Wright - flatfair
Deposit alternative provider flatfair has launched its Tenant Guarantor product across 1,000 build-to-rent units in partnership with residential landlord Heimstaden.
The service, which goes live in January, combines flatfair's guarantor offering with its existing No Deposit product. Heimstaden will roll out both services across three sites.
Many tenants struggle to secure homes when landlords require guarantors, particularly international renters, graduates and those relocating without UK-based family or friends who can act as guarantors. Flatfair designed the product to remove this barrier while giving operators a standardised onboarding process.
Guarantors are already widely used in the rental market. Around one in five renters have been asked to provide a guarantor, according to survey data, while 21% of landlords required one for their most recent letting.
Flatfair will provide approval within 48 hours once tenants submit the required information, speeding up decision-making during the application process.
"Moving home is still too often defined by upfront cost and admin friction," said Gary Wright, chief executive of flatfair. "By combining Tenant Guarantor with our No Deposit offer, we're making the move-in journey simpler and more affordable for renters, while giving BTR operators a consistent process that supports a great resident experience at scale."
The company estimates its No Deposit option reduces upfront move-in costs by more than 70% through a one-off fee with no hidden charges or renewal payments. Flatfair notes that "deposit alternative" consistently ranks among tenants' top search criteria when looking for rental properties.
The launch comes as the sector prepares for the Renters' Rights Act. Phase 1 of the reforms begins on 1 May 2026, including the abolition of Section 21 evictions and a shift from fixed-term assured shorthold tenancies to open-ended periodic tenancies.
"As the market adapts, onboarding processes that are both resident-friendly and operationally robust are likely to become increasingly important," Wright added. "Helping operators manage risk and maintain consistent standards while ensuring renters are not locked out by administrative barriers."
