If you are renting in a new country, you will almost certainly meet the word “guarantor.” It is one of the most common reasons an otherwise qualified applicant gets turned down. Here is exactly what it means, when you need one, and how to handle it when you do not have one.
The definition
A rental guarantor (also called a garant, avalista or co-signer depending on the country) is a person or company that legally promises to pay your rent and cover damages if you default. They sign the lease alongside you. If you pay as agreed, the guarantor never does anything; they are the landlord’s fallback.
Why landlords want one
When you are new to a country you have no local credit record, no rental history the landlord can check, and sometimes income paid from abroad that is hard to verify. A guarantor removes that uncertainty: even if something goes wrong, the landlord knows the rent is covered. The guarantor is the landlord’s insurance policy.
Do you actually need one?
It depends on the market and your profile:
- Often required: France and Japan, where a guarantor (or a guarantor company) is close to universal.
- Frequently requested: Spain and Italy, especially from foreigners or the self-employed.
- Less common but helpful: Germany and the Netherlands, where proof of income and a credit report usually carry more weight.
Who can be a guarantor?
Traditionally a guarantor is a resident of the country — often a parent, relative or employer — with provable income, usually several times the rent. That is precisely the problem for newcomers: your family and employer are abroad, and most landlords want someone local.
💡 If you do not have a local guarantor, a guarantor service can act as one for you. Movely vouches for you to the landlord so a missing co-signer does not cost you the apartment.
What to do if you do not have one
- Offer several months’ rent in advance, or a larger deposit where the law allows.
- Present strong, documented income and savings.
- Use a guarantor service that formally co-signs.
- Raise it proactively with the landlord rather than waiting to be asked.
A word of caution
Being a guarantor is a serious legal commitment — if you ever agree to guarantee someone else, understand that you can be pursued for the full rent and damages. Read what you sign, and make sure any guarantee is capped and time-limited where possible.
Frequently asked questions
What does a rental guarantor actually do?
They legally promise to pay your rent and cover damages if you default, by co-signing the lease. If you pay normally, they never have to act — they are the landlord’s fallback.
Do I need a guarantor to rent abroad?
It depends on the country. France and Japan almost always require one; Spain and Italy often ask foreigners for one; Germany and the Netherlands lean more on income and credit checks.
What if I do not have a local guarantor?
You can offer advance rent or a larger deposit, show strong income, or use a guarantor service that co-signs on your behalf so the landlord still gets the security they need.
No local guarantor? Movely can act as your guarantor so it never costs you the apartment.
See if you qualify →