Guarantor Requirements
Many students need a co-signer to qualify for an off-campus lease. Here is what a guarantor is and when one is required.
A guarantor is someone, often a parent or guardian, who agrees in writing to cover your rent if you cannot. Landlords near campus commonly ask students without enough income or established credit to provide one. Requirements vary by community: some set an income multiple the guarantor must meet, and some accept a paid third-party guarantor service when a personal co-signer is not available.
A backstop on the lease
Signing as a guarantor means accepting legal responsibility for the rent if the tenant does not pay. It is a real financial commitment, not a formality, which is why landlords usually ask the guarantor to document income and sometimes credit.
A guarantor is not the same as a roommate or a co-tenant. The guarantor does not live in the unit; they stand behind the lease. On an individual lease, a guarantor typically backs only that student’s portion.
It depends on your file
Most full-time students have limited income and a short credit history, so a guarantor is frequently required by default. If you can show sufficient income or strong credit on your own, some communities will waive it.
When a personal guarantor is not an option, ask whether the community accepts a third-party guarantor service. These services charge a fee to act as the guarantor and are increasingly common at student communities. International students, who may not have a U.S.-based co-signer, often rely on them.
Ask up front: does this community require a guarantor, what income does the guarantor need to show, and is a guarantor service accepted? Getting those answers before you apply saves a scramble at signing. This is general information, not legal or financial advice.
Common questions, answered
Often, yes. Many landlords near campus require a guarantor for students who cannot document enough income or credit on their own. Requirements vary by community, so confirm before you apply. Some communities waive the requirement for applicants who meet an income or credit threshold independently.
Usually a parent, guardian, or another adult who can document sufficient income and credit. The guarantor agrees to cover rent if you cannot. They do not live in the unit. Each community sets its own income standard for guarantors.
Ask whether the community accepts a third-party guarantor service. These paid services act as your guarantor and are common at student communities, including for international students without a U.S.-based co-signer. Some communities also accept additional deposit or prepaid rent as an alternative.
Browse with confidence
Know the requirements before you tour. Then find your community.
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