If I'm a guarantor on a joint student tenancy, am I liable for the other students' rent?Beta*

Possibly, so read the guarantee before you sign. On a joint tenancy every tenant is liable for the whole rent. Many guarantee forms make the guarantor liable for everything owed under the tenancy, not just their own student's share. That means a parent could be asked to pay if a housemate drops out or stops paying. You can ask for the guarantee to be limited to your student's share of the rent, written as a fixed amount, before you sign. If the landlord refuses, think about whether to go ahead. If you've already signed, check the exact wording. Shelter or the students' union advice centre can tell you how far it reaches.

Sources: Shelter: guarantorsShelter: joint tenancies