Co Signer

A co-signer is someone who signs your lease alongside you and agrees to pay your rent if you can’t — which means they’re putting their credit and finances on the line for your apartment.

When You Need One

Landlords typically require a co-signer when your credit score is below 620, your income doesn’t hit the 3x rent threshold, you have no rental history (common for recent graduates), or you have a prior eviction on your record. It’s essentially the landlord saying: “I don’t trust your finances enough, but I’ll rent to you if someone more established backs you up.”

What a Co-Signer Is Responsible For

Everything. If you skip rent, the landlord can pursue the co-signer for the full amount. If you break the lease early, the co-signer owes the penalties. If you cause $3,000 in damage beyond the security deposit, the co-signer is liable. A missed payment shows up on the co-signer’s credit report too.

This is why asking someone to co-sign isn’t a small favor. You’re asking them to take on real financial risk. Parents are the most common co-signers, but some landlords require the co-signer to live in the same state or earn 5-6x the monthly rent (not just 3x).

Alternatives to a Co-Signer

Offer a larger security deposit — some landlords accept 2-3 months instead of requiring a co-signer. Prepay several months of rent upfront. Use a guarantor service like Insurent or TheGuarantors, which charge 60-90% of one month’s rent as a fee. Or look for landlords who’ll accept a strong bank statement showing 6+ months of rent in savings.

If you’ve got thin credit rather than bad credit, ask the landlord to consider your full financial picture — steady employment, savings, and strong references can sometimes outweigh a low score. The tenant guide covers more strategies for getting approved with imperfect credit.