Frequently Asked Questions
Clear answers for your rental journey
Explore guidance about eligibility, applications, costs, approval, and support from Hestia Guarantor.
01
About Hestia and Eligibility
Understand how rent guarantors work, who Hestia supports, and whether our service is right for you.
What is a rent guarantor?
A rent guarantor gives a landlord or letting agent extra reassurance that rent and tenancy obligations will be covered if the tenant cannot pay.
Why might I need a guarantor?
Many landlords ask students and international renters for a guarantor because they may not yet have UK income, UK credit history, or a long rental record.
Who is Hestia Guarantor for?
Hestia is designed for Chinese international students who want to rent in England but do not have a suitable UK-based guarantor.
Can I use Hestia if my parents live in China?
Yes. Hestia is designed for students whose parents or financial supporters are based overseas.
Do I need a co-signer?
No. Hestia does not require a co-signer. We may ask about your funding source or parental support, but they do not need to act as a UK co-signer.
Who can apply?
International students studying in England who do not have a UK-based guarantor or established UK credit history can apply.
Where does Hestia provide its service?
Hestia supports international students renting throughout England, including London, Manchester, Birmingham, Leeds, Bristol, and other locations.
Can postgraduate students apply?
Yes. We welcome applications from undergraduate, postgraduate, exchange, and research students.
02
Applications, Costs and Tenancies
Find out what to prepare, when you can apply, how pricing works, and what the guarantee means for your tenancy.
Can I apply before finding a property?
Yes. You can begin your application before choosing accommodation. Add the property and tenancy details once they become available.
What documents and information do I need?
You will typically need a passport or ID document, a university offer, CAS or enrolment letter, your course and university details, your current address and contact information, and any available tenancy details. A right-to-rent share code can be added if you already have one.
What if I do not have all my documents yet?
You can still start your application. If anything is missing, we will explain what needs to be added before the review can be completed.
How long does the application form take?
The online application usually takes around 10 minutes when you have your main personal and study information ready.
How much does the service cost?
The cost depends on your monthly rent and tenancy details. Use our quote calculator to receive an estimate before applying.
Can a guarantor help me avoid paying rent upfront?
In many cases, a guarantor may help reduce the amount of rent requested upfront. The final decision remains with the landlord or letting agent.
Am I still responsible for paying my rent?
Yes. You remain responsible for paying rent and following your tenancy agreement. A guarantor does not remove your responsibilities as the tenant.
03
Approval, Support and Privacy
Learn what happens after applying, how we communicate with you and your landlord, and how we support your information needs.
How long does the application review take?
We aim to review complete applications within 24 to 48 hours. Missing information or documents may extend the review time.
How will I know the status of my application?
We will email you when there is an update or if more information is required. You can also check your online account for the latest status.
Will my landlord or letting agent accept Hestia?
We can provide your landlord or letting agent with the information they need to review Hestia as your guarantor option. Final acceptance is their decision.
Can Hestia help me in Chinese?
Yes. Hestia supports Chinese students and families with guidance in both English and Chinese.
Is my personal information secure?
We take data protection seriously and handle personal information in accordance with applicable UK data protection laws. Please see our Privacy Policy for more information.
Ready to start your application?
Begin your Hestia application online in minutes and take the next step towards securing your UK rental home.