What is the difference between a guarantor and a joint tenant?
There is a world of difference. As a guarantor you are promising to pay if your sister defaults on the rent, or does not pay for any damage she causes. But it is your sister who remains legally liable, and the landlord has to chase her for the money and fail before he can turn to you. As a joint tenant you are equally liable with your sister. He could not bother chasing your sister for any money and come directly to you. You would also become liable for the council tax and possibly utility bills. It may also look strange on your credit record which could affect your credit rating. There is also an outside possibility that there could be all sorts of other effects and problems that you would have to straighten out in the future. In short – do not agree to be a tenant. If the landlord/agency are insisting on it then they are clearly either amateur or dodgy. Either way your sister should walk away now.
