Lettings technology platform, Goodlord, has launched a professional guarantor service aimed at helping landlords manage risk while enabling tenants without a UK guarantor to secure a tenancy.
The company says the product is the first scheme to offer tenants up to three years of cover through a single payment. It is designed for renters who struggle to provide a traditional guarantor, including international students, professionals relocating from overseas, and those without family or friends able to act in that role.
The launch comes ahead of new rules under the Renters’ Rights Act that will prevent tenants from paying more than one month’s rent in advance to secure a property. Industry commentators have warned that the change could make it harder for non-traditional tenants to enter the rental market.
Goodlord positions its guarantor service as a way to address this gap. The product gives tenants a verified route into a tenancy, offers landlords additional financial protection, and allows letting agents to speed up referencing and move-in processes.
Recent research from the company underlines the scale of the issue. In its latest State of the Lettings Industry Report, 45% of agents reported an increase in tenants needing a guarantor, while 39% said guarantor checks were slowing down referencing and move-in timelines.
The new service applies to all tenants within a property, even if only one tenant requires a guarantor. Eligible tenants pay the equivalent of one month’s rent for the cover and complete the process directly through the Goodlord platform. Letting agents receive a share of the revenue, and the longer-term structure removes the need for frequent renewals.
Key features of the Goodlord Guarantor service include:
Cover for all tenants in a property for up to three years
A single payment equivalent to one month’s rent
Integration into the Goodlord Referencing platform
Revenue sharing for letting agents
The product was tested during a pilot in late 2025 with agencies including Aston Vaughan and MRKT Property Experts. Following feedback from landlords and tenants, Goodlord has now integrated the service fully into its referencing system and made it available to all customers.
“The Renters’ Rights Act will make it harder for tenants who don’t fit the traditional mould to secure properties, whether that’s international students or those with unconventional jobs,” said Oli Sherlock, managing director of insurance at Goodlord.
“Our Goodlord Guarantor service has been designed to not only step into this gap, but also go above and beyond current market provision to give landlords additional peace of mind. After the success of our pilot, we’re so pleased to make this service live to all of our customers.”
Feedback from pilot participants suggests the system fits naturally into existing workflows.
“Goodlord Guarantor is a great feature, and a brilliant way for us to extend our offering to tenants and landlords,” said James Tiller, director at MRKT Property Experts. “With it built into the system and referencing flow, it was the natural place to go, and it's incredibly easy to set up for everyone involved.”
