Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, whether his Department is taking steps to help ensure that (a) landlords and (b) letting agents are only able to require a guarantor when it is strictly necessary.

The Government wants everyone to have access to secure, safe and affordable housing. We continue to encourage private rented sector landlords and agents to assess the suitability of potential and existing tenants on an individual basis.

Landlords and letting agents are free to carry out referencing and affordability checks within the law before accepting a new tenant in order to ensure a sustainable tenancy for both parties. This may include setting a requirement for a guarantor.

Local authorities may offer guarantee schemes to help people on low incomes or at risk of homelessness. These schemes may allow the local authority to act as a guarantor and cover unpaid rent or damage up to a certain amount.