Secure Rental Approval With a Co-Signer or Guarantor

Cost Savings

Checklist Tasks

• Verify co-signer’s credit and debt-to-income ratio meet landlord criteria.
• Request employer confirmation of co-signer income for lease stability.
• Review lease for co-signer liability clauses and clarify responsibilities.
• Check if co-signer must live in-state for legal enforceability.
• Obtain notarized signatures from all parties to prevent disputes.
• Ask landlord if guarantor services are accepted as an alternative.
• Find out if landlord will make a hard credit inquiry on the co-signer.
• Clarify whether co-signer is liable for lease renewals or initial term only.
• Request copies of all signed co-signer agreements for both parties.
• Discuss with co-signer how rent issues will be communicated to avoid surprises.
• Ensure co-signer understands eviction and credit risks if tenant defaults.
• Ask landlord about process for removing a co-signer if finances improve.