Welcome to Ethical Letting🌱
At Joint Living, we want to make sure that when you rent with us, you do so with your eyes open. That’s why we’ve created our Ethical Lettings pages, a clear and simple guide to help you understand your commitments and responsibilities.
Our goal is to make renting fair, transparent, and stress-free, so you always feel informed and supported throughout your tenancy.
At Joint, we want to give you the best experience possible and this starts right now. We want to make sure you have all the information and resources to do so.
So before you join us, we have compiled the below information for you, highlighting some of the key commitments and considerations so you can make an informed decision.
That said, you must fully read the contract and guarantor agreements before you make a decision.
This information does not replace any part of your contracts.
Once you have signed your tenancy agreement it is legally binding for the full term of the tenancy, which is usually 12 months.
So its really important that you have all the information you need
What is a guarantor and why are they required
A guarantor is someone who agrees to pay a tenant’s rent if the tenant cannot do so for any reason
- Guarantors must be over 18 and a UK resident and earn £37,500 a year or above
- Joint Living will expect payment from a tenants guarantor if rent payment becomes 21 days overdue
- If a tenant cannot pay their rent for any reason a guarantor must have the financial means to pay the rent in full on the tenants behalf
- If the tenant and guarantor are unable to pay the rent for any reason, they are at risk of legal action being taken against them by the landlord
- If legal action is taken the guarantor may incur legal costs and also be expected to pay interest owed as detailed in the Tenancy Agreement
- Becoming a guarantor is a significant financial commitment. There are other ways of supporting a student if being a guarantor is not the right decision for you
What if i dont have a guarantor?
If you don’t have a guarantor — or if the guarantor you have does not meet the required criteria — it doesn’t mean you cannot rent. There are alternative options available, and we’re here to offer advice and support.
We work closely with Housing Hand, who support both UK and international students who do not have a guarantor. They provide a guarantor service at a reduced rate exclusively for Joint Living tenants. This service can be paid for either by the tenant themselves or by someone who wishes to act as their guarantor but either does not meet the criteria or does not want the long-term commitment. The cost associated with the service, is typically around 7% of annual rent however, Housing Hand partners with many universities which can reduce the cost to around 5%.
Housing Hand’s service also includes access to a virtual GP, as well as counselling support for mental health concerns. They partner with many universities to offer additional discounts, so make sure to check whether your university is already registered with them for further savings
International Student Guide
Feel Welcome. Feel Supported. Feel at Home.
Moving to a new country can be exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming. At Joint Living, we make your transition to the UK smooth, safe, and stress-free.
We provide more than just accommodation, we offer community, guidance, and real support from the moment you book with us.
Why International Students Love Living with Us

A Warm, Inclusive Welcome
From day one, you’re part of the Joint Living family.
We host welcome events, cultural meet ups, and property launch gatherings so you can settle in, learn about UK life, and meet other students just like you.
Meet Your Housemates Before You Arrive
You’ll be added to your house WhatsApp group before your tenancy starts.
This means you can introduce yourself, ask questions, and get comfortable with your new housemates before you even land in the UK.
Your Move-In & UK Arrival Guide
We meet you on move-in day to:
- Hand over your keys
- Show you around the property
- Introduce you to your new housemates
- Help you settle in quickly
All our rooms are fully furnished, you just need your bedding and basic kitchen items like pans, plates, and cutlery.
Arriving Prepared
We recommend arriving during our office hours (Mon–Fri, 9am–5pm) so you can collect your keys immediately.
If you arrive outside these times, you will need temporary accommodation until our team is available.
Life Admin: What You Need to Know
Setting Up a UK Bank Account
A UK bank account makes everyday life easier.
You’ll need it for:
- Paying rent and bills
- Mobile phone contracts
- Part-time job wages
- Online shopping
- Travel cards and subscriptions
We recommend opening a student account as soon as you arrive.
Register With a Local Doctor (GP) & Dentist
Registering with a GP early is essential.
This ensures you can access free NHS services and get medical help when needed.
Housing Hand also provides 24/7 online GP access as additional support.
Transport Information
Once you arrive, we recommend:
- Downloading local bus apps
- Checking city-specific travel routes
- Looking at student bus pass options
- Getting to know your area early
Brighton, Bristol, and Bath all have excellent public transport networks.