A bit more on that form...the guarantor has to sign stating: that they agree to compensate the landlord for any loss incurred as a result of the tenant failing to comply with any obligation in the tenancy agreement blah blah blah help
Usually you'd only be asked to provide a guarantor if you failed the credit check. Have they done a credit check on you and did you fail? If you did fail then, yes, you would need a guarantor but the guarantor would have to pass the credit check too or they would be no use.
Having a guarantor isn't compulsory but most LLs will ask for one if you have a poor credit history. Putting up a larger deposit MAY get round it but not always.
Age etc has nothing to do with it, it simply comes down to whether youre a good risk creditwise. I think I would ask to see the result of their credit check on you first and if it looks ok then ask why you need to provide a guarantor.
I must admit that personally I would never stand as a guarantor for anyone, not even family. You are literally liable for everything. But as a LL guarantors are great!
Thankyou SO much to cassa333, In a pickle (wonderful) and Twenty20..very pleased to have so much information. We have 100% credit record and no CCJ`s..were with Experian; either of us. We are going to try another agent and then another and then if all else fails, offer a much larger than normal deposit as was suggested...thank you all again, much obliged. If you think of any thing else, please let us know!! VERY grateful, Kitchenmares
YES!!! said to the estate agent that we were unwilling to find a guarantor. I did offer two months rent, cash up front and then they contacted the landlord who accepted this and is putting it in writing that he is waiving the guarantor form. We have a tenancy from the 7th of November. p.s. but we/you are still subject to a full credit check with rentshield. Thankyou to everyone who contributed to this question and definately gave us the `edge`!!!! From two very happy Cornish folk!