Any solutions for a 17 year old non-UK resident to gain a tenancy?

Tenant Discussion
1

Hi all,

I’m trying to assist a friend from Kuwait in looking for accommodation for his 17 year old daughter, who has enrolled at the University of Nottingham. They have been told by an agency that because the daughter isn’t 18 until December, she can’t be the main tenant on a tenancy. Father in turn hasn’t applied for a Visa for himself as he’s not intending to live here, but has been told that he can’t act as even a guarantor without a share code - but of course, can’t get one without a visa.

To add to the situation, the University of Nottingham have helped the daughter to acquire a share code and have insisted that she should be able to use it to get a tenancy. The agency have said this isn’t true and without a share code from a recognised adult, the rental can’t take a place. It’s quite annoying because the agency were filled in on the details beforehand, took a holding deposit from the family…and are only now saying this.

If anyone can please advise on what options they have here, if any, It would be very much appreciated. For the record, my friend has a very good job in Kuwait, earning around £200k per year, and is happy to pay 12 months rent upfront plus deposit.

Many thanks in advance,

2

Under 18 s cannot sign a tenancy agreement solely for themselves so no solution there

3

Thanks Colin. So the only solution would be dad needing to get a visa, in order to get a share code and go on the tenancy?

4

I had 2 x 17 year olds wanting to rent a place ( with a baby!) . Told mum they could not , by law. Long story ,short . They had to stay at home. So as I see it an adult has to rent ALONG with a younger person, Tricky job

5

Ouch. Really appreciate the info - thank you.

6

Best option for her would be to find a long term Airbnb that will cover the period until she’s 18. On £200k a year, that shouldn’t be an issue. She can use this time to settle into uni, get to know the city and where to rent, get herself on the mailing lists of a few agents and even view rentals to see what things are like. So, see her situation as a benefit because if she is to rent from the start, she’d be committing to something that is very much an unknown.

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