'Jointly and severally liable' - normal for student flat in the UK?

My daughter has found a flat to share with four of her friends next year at university (Glasgow/Scotland). As parents we are being asked to sign a legal document to act as gurantor for her (OK, that bit's fine), but also stating that we are 'Jointly and severally liable' for all rents/damages. In other words, if a flamate fails to pay the rent or leaves the flat within the year's tenancy, we have to stump up!

This seems a bit harsh. Is it normal? Is it even legal? Any thoughts or advice would be much appreciated.

Please note: this is UK only

Yes this happened to me when our flatmate stopped paying rent we were asked to pay their share, it is quite normal. However we requested our landlord pursue their individual guarantor first before asking us to stump up and it paid off in the end! There are always going to be risks when young people move in together for what is usually the first time but it normally works out and in the end you just have to trust that everyone is going to do their bit.

UK reply

Yes its is normal I am afraid, if one cant pay they can chase the rest.

It is a common practice for landlords, of student let properties, to add this clause into their tenancy agreements.

Providing that you have had time to peruse the contract, if you sign it , you agree to it, including all its pitfalls.

Students are notoriously prone to changes of circumstance, and if I were you, I would seriously consider whether I knew my off-springs mates, well enough, to make this undertaking.

Yes, they assume they are all mates and if one disappears leaving damages/debt they go after them all. It makes them responsible for and to each other.

Im afraid so, just cross your fingers that she gets through the year, without falling out with the others!