What’s A Guarantor On A Lease? When Do You Need One? (2026)

What a Lease Guarantor Does

When someone becomes a guarantor, they’re agreeing to be a tenant’s backup plan. A guarantor steps in and pays rent if the tenant defaults.

If the tenant can’t pay for property damage or other fees related to their lease, the guarantor may be obligated to cover those, too.

Guarantor vs. Co-Signer on a Lease

The terms “guarantor” and “co-signer” are similar, but they differ in key ways:

• A guarantor doesn’t live in the rental, but a co-signer sometimes does.
• A guarantor pays if the tenant defaults, but a co-signer shares responsibility from the start.

Essentially, although both designations are legally binding, a guarantor only has secondary risk exposure.

When Landlords Require a Guarantor

During the tenant screening process, landlords look at your credit, income, rental history and ability to pay. If they have a few concerns but you look like a good candidate otherwise, they might ask you to find a guarantor.

These are a few situations where guarantors might be required:

• You don’t meet income requirements.
• You don’t meet credit score requirements.
• You’re a first-time renter with no landlord reference letter.

In some extremely competitive rental markets, landlords may require guarantors regardless of an applicant’s financial situation or credit score.

Who Can Act as Your Guarantor?

Most landlords will want to verify income and credit history before accepting someone as a guarantor. If you have family or close friends with good credit, asking them could be a helpful place to start.

Sometimes, a longtime employer or mentor may be willing to be a guarantor, too.

If you can’t find someone you know to be a guarantor, you might find a professional guarantor service. However, not all landlords accept these.

Guarantor Requirements and Documents

Requirements vary by landlord, but most guarantors need to show the following:

• Proof of income
• Proof of employment
• A government-issued photo ID

They will probably be required to authorize a background and/or credit check, too.

What to Know Before Signing as a Guarantor

Before agreeing to be a guarantor, find out the answers to the following:

• Does my responsibility continue if the lease rolls into a month-to-month tenancy?
• Can I be held responsible for property damage and other fees?
• How will I be notified if I must take over lease payments?

This isn’t a decision to make lightly. Serving as a guarantor can put your finances and credit at risk.

Alternatives if You Can't Get a Guarantor

If you’re having trouble finding a landlord to approve your application, a guarantor isn’t your only option. You might pay a larger security deposit, pay rent in advance or provide proof of steady income.

Don’t be afraid to ask a property manager if there’s another type of documentation they would accept. When you’re upfront about your limitations, many landlords will be more willing to work with you.