University of St Andrews Rent Guarantor Scheme - Information for letting agents and landlords
Updated on: 23 June 2026
The University of St Andrews may act as a rent guarantor for eligible students, covering their share of rent (up to a set monthly limit) for a defined period, subject to specific terms and conditions.
Under this scheme, applicants apply to the University of St Andrews through the dedicated application form. When an applicant meets all the eligibility requirements, the University may act as a guarantor for students who wish to rent private accommodation but do not have a UK-based rent guarantor. In such cases, a formal letter will be issued to the relevant landlord or letting agent confirming that the University will act as guarantor in accordance with the scheme.
What does the guarantee cover?
The University of St Andrews will act as a guarantor for rent for eligible students only for a period of up to 12 months, depending on programme dates. For students who have successfully applied to the scheme, the University will send a letter to the relevant landlord or letting agent confirming the amount and period of the guarantee.
- The current limit is £1,200 per calendar month.
- The guarantee covers rent only and does not cover bills or damages.
- For shared or multiple tenancies, the scheme covers only the individual applicant’s share of the rent.
- For ‘joint and several’ liability contracts, all named tenants must be eligible and have successfully applied to the scheme.
The University will not complete guarantor forms or sign tenancy agreements on behalf of students. It will only issue a formal letter confirming that it will act as guarantor within the framework outlined above and in the University’s Student Rent Guarantor Scheme Policy.
Landlords and letting agents should first seek payment from the student or students before notifying the Scholarships Team at scholarshipsandfunding@st-andrews.ac.uk.
Please note that where rent is in arrears for one month, the landlord or letting agents should first seek payment from the student or students before notifying the Scholarships Team in writing.