Guarantor agreement (deed of guarantee)
A deed of guarantee where a third party promises to cover a tenant's rent and obligations, written for periodic tenancies under the Renters' Rights Act 2025.
Tenancy agreements · Updated 8 October 2026
Overview
A guarantor agreement is a separate promise by a third party, often a parent, to pay rent and other sums if the tenant does not. Because it is a promise for someone else's debt it must be in writing and signed by the guarantor, and is best signed as a deed.
Why it matters
A badly drafted guarantee can be unenforceable, for example if it only covers a fixed term that no longer exists after the Renters' Rights Act 2025 moved tenancies in England to periodic.
Legal requirements
- Must be in writing and signed by the guarantor (Statute of Frauds 1677 in England and Wales).
- The guarantor should receive the tenancy terms before signing.
- Guarantor demands count towards the permitted payments rules in the Tenant Fees Act 2019 only as allowed by law.
Common mistakes
- Not giving the guarantor a copy of the tenancy agreement before they sign.
- Limiting the guarantee to a fixed term.
- No cap or no clear description of what is covered.
- Not witnessing the signature when signing as a deed.
Practical guidance
- Cap liability at a clear figure, for example 12 months rent, to make it fairer and easier to enforce.
- Reference the guarantor's own checks in your file.
- Sign electronically in RentDocs.co.uk and store the guarantee with the tenancy agreement.
The guarantor agreement (deed of guarantee) is available inside RentDocs
Tenancy agreements are generated for you from your own property and tenant details, so the clauses, dates and schedules are always right for that let. We don't publish the document text, because a copied agreement with the wrong clauses is one of the most expensive mistakes a landlord can make.
- Built from your property, tenant and rent details automatically
- Renters' Rights Act 2025 wording, with England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland variants
- All statutory schedules attached and served in one click
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- PDF and Word download, stored against the property forever
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Frequently asked questions
Does a guarantee end when a fixed term ends?
Only if it is drafted that way. A well drafted guarantee covers the whole tenancy including any periodic period, which matters now tenancies in England are periodic.
Can a guarantor sign electronically?
Yes, an electronic signature is generally valid, though a deed should still be witnessed.
This template is general information for UK landlords and letting agents, not legal advice. Rules differ across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland — check your local requirements or take advice before relying on it.