University of York Rent Guarantee Scheme

Our Rent Guarantee Scheme is open to UK students who are:

• care leavers
• estranged from parents
• experiencing exceptional circumstances (where there are no alternative UK guarantors available and where the student has explored all other options, including properties who do not require a guarantor).

Leaving your accommodation

You must inform Student Financial Support in writing if you leave your accommodation before the end of your tenancy.

Unless the landlord has agreed to you leaving and a suitable replacement tenant is found who takes over and meets your liability, you are likely to be liable for the rent for the full tenancy period. If the University is required to settle this on your behalf, the full amount will be added to your University account.

What does the scheme cover?

The Rent Guarantee Scheme covers rent only (without utility bills) up to a maximum of £180 per person per week. It is only applicable to Assured Shorthold Tenancies. Where students are in shared accommodation, the University will act as a guarantor for the named individual only.

In the event that the University is required to pay rent on your behalf, the amount will be added to your University account and should be repaid within four months.

Eligibility

The Rent Guarantee Scheme is open to care leavers, students estranged from their parents, and students experiencing exceptional circumstances (where there are no alternative UK guarantors available and where the student has explored all other options, including properties who do not require a guarantor).

It is only open to single continuing students who wish to rent shared accommodation. Students studying in their first year in 2025/26 at either undergraduate or postgraduate level are not eligible for the Rent Guarantee Scheme.

Criteria

Acceptance onto the scheme is subject to confirmation that you have:

• no existing debt to the University of York;
• good academic standing;
• sufficient financial backing to maintain rent payments;
• a satisfactory academic reference.

How to apply

As part of the application, you will need to submit the following documentation:

• Bank/building society statements for all accounts in your name for the most recent three month period.
• Proof of income for the 2024/25 academic year for all sources (eg funding confirmation letter), however, if you have information related to the 2025/26 academic year, please include this in place of 2024/25 information.
• Accommodation reference from your current landlord.
• A copy of the tenancy agreement for your 2025/26 accommodation, clearly showing the length of tenancy and rental cost per month/for full tenancy.

If your application is successful, you will be sent confirmation documentation that both you and your landlord/estate agent will be required to sign and return. Your guarantor contract is not valid if you do not return this.

Apply now