Parents of students 'could be liable' for damage caused by people they don't know

An expert is urging parents to check the small print09:53, 05 Sep 2026Parents of students are being warned that they could be liable for damage caused by people they don't even know.‌Those agreeing to act as guarantors for teenagers moving into student houses are being warned to read the small print carefully, as they could potentially become liable for unpaid rent or damage caused by other tenants. The Renters' Rights Act, which came into effect earlier this year, stops an agent or landlord from asking for rent to be paid in advance, potentially meaning more parents, relatives and friends will be asked to act as guarantors for residential tenancies.‌With thousands of university students relying on a guarantor, many families may assume they are only taking financial responsibility for thei