Payment and Guarantor Guide
1. What are the payment options?
2. Do I pay a deposit/bond?
3. When do I pay my rent?
4. Why do I need a Guarantor?
5. What is a Guarantor?
6. How do I cancel a booking?
What are the payment options?
For most room types and tenancy durations, we offer two payment options:
- Full contract payment: You pay for the full duration of the accommodation in one payment at the time of booking. Some of our locations will offer you the option of splitting the payment by making an advanced rent payment on booking, this is usually £200 which is deducted from the total payment which is due on the 1st August.
NB: If you book a room after the 1st August you will need to make the full payment at the time of booking. - Instalment plan: The full value of the contract is broken down into several payments spread throughout the duration of your tenancy. You will need to make an advanced rent payment when you book of £200 which is deducted from your second rent instalment.
Please note: To be eligible for an instalment plan you will need a Guarantor.
NB: If you book a room after the 1st August you will need to pay the advanced rent and first instalment payments at the time of booking – a full instalment breakdown is shown once you select book now and start the booking process.
Do I pay a deposit/bond?
We don’t take a deposit or charge you a bond when you book with Host. We take an initial rent payment; this is not a deposit it is a payment made on booking which forms part of your total rental amount.
When do I pay my rent?
The payment dates for each payment plan are clearly explained once you enter the booking process. If you select an instalment plan for the 2025/26 academic year on a 51/45/44/43 week tenancy your rent is due on the following dates:
- Advanced rent: on booking
- 1st instalment: 1st August 2025 (1st July for Point Campus, Dublin)
- 2nd instalment: 14th September 2025
- 3rd instalment: 15th January 2026
- 4th instalment: 12th April 2026
If you have already moved in or have booked with Host, you can see when your payments are due by logging into “My Account” on the Host Portal.
Why do I need a Guarantor?
When you rent a property in the UK, it’s common for landlords to ask for a rent guarantor. This is someone who we can call on if there is a problem with rent payments. For the majority of our properties the person needs to be a UK Guarantor, however in some properties we will accept a non-UK based person as a guarantor. Please contact our property teams directly to find out more. We currently accept international Guarantors at:
- Coventry: Gosford Gate | Sky Blue Point.
- Exeter: Northernhay House | The Northfield | Trust House.
- Leeds: Exchange Court.
What is a Guarantor?
A UK Guarantor is someone who agrees to pay your rent if you are unable to. We expect a UK Guarantor to:
- Be someone you know personally, living and working in the UK.
- Be between the ages of 18-75.
- Be in full-time employment, self-employed or receiving a private pension.
- Have a good credit history.
- Provide proof of income.
- Provide proof of residence (last 3 years).
This provides us with security, ensuring your rent will be paid on time and in full.
Where we accept international guarantors you will need to contact the property team directly to discuss the eligibility of a non-UK based individual.
Please note: By agreeing to be a guarantor, the person(s) is signing a legal document stating that they agree to pay the rent and guarantee the behaviour of the resident if they default. Any student who does not have a UK guarantor will be required to pay the full year’s rent upon application.
How do I cancel a booking?
If you cancel your contract before the contract begins, or you want to cancel and move out early, you will be subject to our cancellation terms and charges. You can find the Cancellation Policy for 2025/26 here.
Any questions?
Please get in touch with our on-site teams directly who will be more than happy to assist you.