Contents insurance for tenants
Your landlord's insurance covers the building, not your belongings. That's what contents insurance is for.
It covers your things against theft, fire, flood and water damage, and if you add the cover, it usually protects things you take out with you too. Many policies also include tenant's liability cover for accidental damage to your landlord's furniture, fixtures and fittings, which could otherwise come out of your deposit.
Add up what it would really cost to replace everything you own, so you're not underinsured. It soon adds up. Check the excess, any single-item limits, and whether bikes, laptops and phones are covered.
It's your choice whether to take out insurance and who to buy it from. Under the Tenant Fees Act 2019, a landlord or agent can't make you pay for insurance, or take out a contract for a service, as a condition of your tenancy.
Moving in soon?Deposits, paperwork and the inventoryWhat you'll pay before you get the keys, and how to protect your deposit from day one.→
Rent guarantors
A guarantor agrees to pay your rent, or the cost of damage, if you can't. Landlords often ask for one when your income doesn't quite meet their requirements.
Who can be a guarantor
Usually a parent, close relative or friend who lives in the UK. The landlord or agent will check their income and credit history, and some want a homeowner.
What they're signing up to
A guarantor signs a written, legally binding agreement, and you should both get a copy of it and of the tenancy agreement. It's worth reading properly. In a joint tenancy, unless the agreement limits it, a guarantor could be asked to cover the whole rent if another tenant doesn't pay. How long the guarantee lasts depends on the wording, which matters more now that tenancies roll on. For agreements signed since 1 May 2026, a guarantor isn't responsible for unpaid rent after the tenant's death.
Applying for a home?How referencing worksWhat the checks look at, the holding deposit, and the fees you can't be charged.→
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Our new partnership
Need a guarantor to secure your rental?
SoleMove has teamed up with RentGuarantor, a professional guarantor service. If you don't have a parent, relative or friend in the UK who can back your tenancy, RentGuarantor can be your guarantor instead, so you can still secure the home you want with us.
Who it's for
- Students, both UK and international
- People who are new to the UK
- Employed and self-employed people
- People on benefits, and pensioners
How it works
- Get a free quote. Tell RentGuarantor the rent and a little about yourself on their website.
- Apply online. It takes about 15 minutes, with a credit check, proof of income and the property details. Most people get a decision within 4 hours.
- Sign and pay. If you're approved, you sign the agreement online and pay the yearly fee. RentGuarantor then sends the guarantee to us and your landlord.
What it costs
There's a one-off £20 application fee, then a yearly fee based on your rent, which you'll see in your personal quote. You pay the first year up front, and from the second year you can pay monthly by direct debit. Read the terms before you pay, because RentGuarantor doesn't give refunds once the agreement is in place.
Using RentGuarantor is your choice. You're welcome to use your own guarantor instead, and we'll never make taking out a paid service a condition of your tenancy.
Other options
Not everyone has someone who can do it, and that's fine. There are other ways to go.
Other rent guarantor companies will act as your guarantor for a fee, so compare costs and terms before you sign. Some councils and charities run rent guarantee schemes, particularly for people on a low income, and some universities and colleges offer guarantor support for students. Whatever your situation, tell us early and we'll explain what the landlord is looking for.
Landlords and agents can't ask for more than one month's rent in advance any more, so paying months up front is no longer a way round needing a guarantor.
This page is general information for tenants in England, last reviewed on 1 October 2026 against GOV.UK and Shelter guidance. It isn't legal or financial advice.
