Guarantor

What is a Rent Guarantor?

A rent guarantor, also known as a co-signer or a lease guarantor, is a person who agrees to pay the rent and/or any other associated costs if the tenant is unable to do so. This person is typically required by landlords when the tenant is unable to meet the financial requirements necessary to rent a property on their own, such as having a low income, poor credit history, or insufficient rental history.

The rent guarantor is legally bound to fulfill the financial obligations of the tenant if they default on their payments. This means that if the tenant fails to pay rent or any other associated costs, the landlord can legally pursue the rent guarantor for payment.

In most cases, a rent guarantor is a family member or close friend of the tenant, who has a strong financial history and is willing to vouch for the tenant's financial credibility. The rent guarantor is required to sign a legal contract, known as a lease guaranty, which outlines their responsibilities and obligations.

Having a rent guarantor can be helpful for tenants who would not otherwise qualify to rent a property on their own, as it provides landlords with the assurance that they will receive their rent payments even if the tenant is unable to pay. However, it is important for tenants to understand that if they default on their payments, the rent guarantor will be held financially responsible, which could damage their relationship.