Guarantor Information.

happyandcontented

Youngest off spring is just about to sign up for 3rd year accomodation (the last of three to go to University) and as usual we are standing guarantor.

We have just got the email link to upload the information and I have concerns about the detail required and the uploading of it.

They want: copy of passport and driving license, utility bill, copies of the last two months bank statements, full employment details inc NI no and proof of incomefor the last two years.

We have never provided some much detail before and I am a bit wary.

Is this the norm now?

TheGardener

I don't know what the norm is - but before I gave so much personal information I would be checking out the agent very carefully and speaking to them to ask how they will store my data, who will have access to my data, how long they will store my data and why they need so much data.
Are you sure its not a 'one of the following' lists rather than all of?

Odd time of year to be doing student accommodation ? Is it a mid term move?

happyandcontented

No, it is for Sept 17, this is quite usual from past experience as the best places go quickly.

Yes, those were my thoughts too.

No, not one of .....there are separate boxes for each item requested.

agrinnall

Sounds like as well as confirming that you are credit worthy it's also a slightly over the top way of determining right of residency in the UK - I'm not sure whether that actually applies to guarantors as well as tenants, but the agency/LL may have a blanket policy.

TheGardener

The residency thing is probably a part of it - I read something the other day about the difficulties of being a student guarantor if you are not a UK citizen.
Get a written data protection policy/statement from the agent and check them out thoroughly before handing over the data.

We are constantly told to protect ourselves from fraud and ensure financial and personal details are secure - and in the next breath told we have to give everything to random organisations who request it, from from the college admin team apprentice to high street estate agents. Call me old fashioned but...
Would a larger up front deposit help?

FutureGirl

My guarantor for my flat had to provide all of this. It was to ensure that they could actually afford the rent if I was to default on it (which I didn't). They also needed the passport for ID purposes because, if your child did default on the rent, they would eventually come to you for the money, and will need your full details if going via the courts. So it's just to protect themselves.

TheGardener

That the info may be required is one issue - that we are handing so much personal data to strangers without checking what they are going to do with it is another. These days the "you pay - we say" culture is frustrating and the risks should not be underestimated.
Larger up front deposits seem to be the only way to avoid it.