Guarantor Issue

theblessedone

Hi All,

Myself and my partner are on the steps to renting our first property.

We've found a place and mentioned that we do have a dog living with us. As expected, we knew in some circumstances a larger deposit would be expected as was the case here. But alongside this, the agency also advised us that the landlord wants a guarantor in place, should the dog cause any damage to the property.

We visited the agency last night, along with our guarantor, to which my partner requested to view the guarantor agreement. Upon checking and confirming with the agency, the guarantor agreement is not just for pet damage to the property, but for everything financially related to the property.

We spent about half an hour arguing this with the agent, to which he kept replying "We can't amend the guarantor agreement".

I'm far from happy with the agency for this and I want it stipulated, that the only reason the landlord should contact the guarantor is for any damage we cannot pay, that has been caused by the pet (which we wouldn't allow to happen anyways!) not rent or anything else.

Can this be done?

Guest101

Well it can be, but the LL doesn't have to agree to it.


Basically sign or look elsewhere


- Consider this: the agent and LL would be asking why you would want rent excluded from the agreement - suggests you wont pay it.

theartfullodger

The tenant can insist on whatever terms they wish.

The Landlord/agent can insist on whatever terms they wish.

Unless BOTH can AGREE terms you ain't moving in. Neither party has to accept the other's requirement, but unless both do, no deal.

Perhaps not fair , but legal.

theblessedone

I completely understand that, but on the initial meeting with the agent, he stipulated the ONLY reason the LL wants a guarantor, is because of potential pet damage.

The upon the next meeting, we're stung with the 'Well, as we've introduced the element of a guarantor, we may as well include the usual clauses'. Which seems wrong.

Pixie5740

If you're going to pay your rent does it really matter?

theblessedone

What appears to us though, is the agent is applying the usual guarantor terms as he can't be bothered to amend their normal, bog standard guarantor template.

mrginge

theblessedone wrote: »

What appears to us though, is the agent is applying the usual guarantor terms as he can't be bothered to amend their normal, bog standard guarantor template.

A guarantor agreement is a legal document that can be invalidated quite easily by unintended amendments.

why would they want the hassle or risk of creating you a bespoke version?

Guest101

theblessedone wrote: »

What appears to us though, is the agent is applying the usual guarantor terms as he can't be bothered to amend their normal, bog standard guarantor template.

Maybe, but if you pay rent and cover damages it makes zero difference

eddddy

theblessedone wrote: »

What appears to us though, is the agent is applying the usual guarantor terms as he can't be bothered to amend their normal, bog standard guarantor template.

What are you hoping somebody here will tell you?

I guess people could sympathise with you - but TBH, that doesn't happen too much here - and it wouldn't make the agent change their mind about the guarantor agreement!

theartfullodger

Doesn't matter what we or you think:. What matters is what landlord/agent is prepared to agree to, and sadly you are already aware of that.

Cakeguts

I really really cannot see what your problem is. The landlord wanted a guarantor for any damage the dog might cause which you say it won't do anyway. The standard document also covers non payment of rent. You are going to pay all the rent aren't you so what is the problem because the guarantor according to you is never going to need to be called on?

All you have to do is to make sure that you are never behind with the rent but of course you wouldn't rent this house if you couldn't afford it would you?