No UK guarantor? Meet RentBuddy.
RentBuddy stands behind your tenancy so you can secure the home you want, one simple annual fee, no monthly costs, and no cost to your landlord.
Why choose RentBuddy?
- Opens the door to more tenants
For applicants without a UK guarantor, including those new to the UK, students and people in work.
- Free for landlords and agents
The tenant covers the fee. Landlords and agents pay nothing.
- Rent protected
If rent is missed, RentBuddy pays the landlord, then works with the tenant to repay.
- Built on LetRef referencing
Tenants are approved through the same thorough LetRef reference.
- Guarantor service
- RentBuddy stands as guarantor for approved tenants on their rent obligations.
- Cost for tenants
- Based on one month’s rent, minimum £250 + VAT, paid in full. Renewed annually.
- Cover
- Up to 36 months, with no upper rent limit.
- Decisions
- Within 24 hours, so the application keeps moving.
- Eligibility
- Residential tenancies in England. In work or studying, with no rent arrears in the last 6 months.
Subject to RentBuddy’s full terms and conditions.
Backed on
both sides.
Your guarantee is active. No UK guarantor needed.
No guarantor? No problem. Complete your referencing and request RentBuddy, and we'll back your tenancy with a reliable guarantee.
1 Port Way. £1,500 a month backed, at no cost to you.
A dependable guarantee protecting rent payments, backed by LetRef's source-verified referencing.
How it works.
- ReferencingIdentity verifiedReferences checkedEligible · passed1Get referenced
Complete referencing with LetRef and pass the eligibility checks.
- Annual paymentPaidNo subscriptions · no surprisesPayment confirmed2Pay annually
One simple annual fee when approved. Renew each year to stay covered, for up to 3 years. No monthly costs, no surprises.
- Guarantee activeLandlord pays nothing3You're covered
Your landlord pays nothing; RentBuddy provides the guarantee.
- If rent is missedRentBuddyPaysLandlordPaidThen we work with you to repay, fairly.4If rent is missed
RentBuddy pays your landlord, then works with you to repay, fairly and transparently.
Decisions within 24 hours, so your application keeps moving.
Stop losing good applicants at the guarantor stage.
RentBuddy is backed by the same source-verified referencing as everything else at LetRef: if we approved the tenant, we'll stand behind them. Rent protected, nothing to pay.
earned on referrals
We'll act as guarantor for 1, Port Way. £0 cost to your landlord.
A UK guarantor is required, request RentBuddy to continue.
Renewable for up to 3 years.
Frequently asked questions.
What is RentBuddy and how does it work?
RentBuddy acts as a guarantee for your tenancy. If you ever fall behind on rent, we step in and work with you and your landlord to handle unpaid rent, subject to the terms of your agreement. You're still responsible for paying your rent, but RentBuddy gives you peace of mind knowing you have support if needed.
What is a guarantor?
A guarantor is someone who agrees to step in and support your rent if you cannot pay. RentBuddy acts as your guarantor, so you don't need to rely on family or friends.
Do I need RentBuddy if I'm a permitted occupier?
A tenant is the person responsible for rent and named on the tenancy agreement. A permitted occupier lives in the property but isn't legally responsible for rent. Only tenants can take out RentBuddy.
Who can use RentBuddy?
RentBuddy is available for residential tenants in England who meet our eligibility criteria, those in work or studying, with no rent arrears in the last 6 months.
Can I have a RentBuddy guarantee alongside another guarantor?
No, RentBuddy can't be used if you already have another guarantor.
Can someone else pay for my RentBuddy guarantee on my behalf?
Yes. A third party, such as a family member or friend, can pay for your RentBuddy guarantee on your behalf, instead of standing as a guarantor themselves.
Can I apply if I've been in rent arrears before?
We may decline applications if there have been rent arrears in the 6 months before applying.
Can I apply if I'm new to the UK?
Absolutely! RentBuddy welcomes international tenants. You'll just need the right immigration documents, a share code or settled/pre-settled status.
Can I still apply if I have poor credit?
Yes, we look at your overall circumstances, not just your credit score.
How do I apply for RentBuddy?
It's easy! Just let us know during or after your referencing process. You'll get an agreement to sign and pay the fee, and then you're all set.
Can RentBuddy cover multiple tenants in a joint tenancy?
Yes. Each tenant needs to apply and be approved individually. Only approved tenants are covered.
How long does the RentBuddy guarantee last?
Coverage lasts for up to 36 months, as long as all terms are met and an active RentBuddy is in place.
When does coverage start?
Cover begins from the start date confirmed in your schedule, once payment has been made and eligibility checks are completed. RentBuddy can be arranged up to 30 days after the tenancy start date, but cover will not apply to any arrears, breaches, or circumstances that arose before the cover start date.
Are there any rent limits for coverage?
No. There’s no upper rent limit for RentBuddy cover. You can always contact us to discuss anything else.
Can RentBuddy guarantee commercial properties?
No, RentBuddy is for residential properties only.
What happens if my tenancy ends early?
Coverage ends automatically when the tenancy ends, whether by mutual agreement, surrender, or eviction.
Does RentBuddy need to be named in my tenancy agreement?
No, RentBuddy does not need to be named in your tenancy agreement. The guarantee works alongside your tenancy agreement without changing it.
What are the fees?
Our initial fee is based on one month's rent share, subject to a minimum of £250 + VAT. Payment must be made in full; instalments are not available. An annual renewal fee applies each year to continue the Guarantee for each subsequent twelve (12) month period during the Term.
How do I pay for my rent guarantee?
You can pay easily online via card through RentBuddy's tenant portal.
Can I cancel the guarantee?
You have a 14-day statutory cooling-off period before the tenancy starts. Once the tenancy begins, fees are non-refundable.
Can I transfer or assign my RentBuddy guarantee?
No, the guarantee is personal to you and can't be transferred to someone else or another property.
What if I can't pay rent temporarily due to financial hardship?
Let RentBuddy know immediately. We can work with you and your landlord to set up repayment plans. Keep in mind that coverage doesn't excuse deliberate non-payment or tenancy breaches.
What is my responsibility if RentBuddy makes a payment to my landlord?
You're always responsible for repaying any rent or costs that RentBuddy covers on your behalf.
What if my circumstances change during the tenancy?
Let us know if anything changes that could affect your contract, eligibility, or ability to pay rent, for example moving home, employment changes, or tenancy structure changes.
How does RentBuddy interact with my landlord or letting agent?
We deal directly with your landlord or their authorised agent for claims and arrears.
Does RentBuddy affect my credit score?
No. Your credit check happens as part of the referencing process and leaves a soft footprint on your credit file, which only you can see. RentBuddy itself doesn't do extra searches.
How are payments made under RentBuddy?
Payments due under the guarantee go to your landlord in line with the terms, which may include rent arrears and authorised legal costs. You remain responsible for the rent and any awarded costs.
How does RentBuddy handle personal data?
We process personal data in line with UK GDPR. Data may be shared with referencing providers, fraud prevention agencies, legal partners, debt recovery partners, and payment processors for administering your guarantee and recovering payments if needed.
Clearing cache and cookies
If the site isn't working right, try clearing your browser's cache and cookies, or use a different browser.
I can't find my answer here, what can I do?
Just contact us at rentbuddy@letref.co.uk and we'll help you straight away.
"Without your help, it would have been difficult. I fully recommend."
"The move went smoothly and stress-free, and we didn't need to find a guarantor."
"Without this, the landlord would have refused the tenant, all parties are very happy."