Co-Signer for Apartment Lease Form: Free Template for Landlords

Co-signers can give landlords the peace of mind they need when approving tenants who may not have a solid credit score, be able to prove a stable income, or have no renting history, for example, they’re students. In order to make sure that the co-signer can be held legally responsible, you need to ensure that you are including all of the necessary information in the co-signer form and/or within the lease agreement.

Difference between a guarantor and a cosigner

The two terms, tenant guarantor and co-signer, are often used interchangeably, yet there are a few differences between them.

In short, guarantors are responsible for paying the rent in the event that the tenant is unable to do so.

On the other hand, a cosigner is responsible for paying the rent (or part of the rent) immediately. Co-signers also have more rights under the lease and can live in the rental property with the tenant, if they wish to do so.

Who needs a co-signer?

There are a number of circumstances in which a landlord may request that a prospective tenant has a co-signer. Including but not limited to:

• Prospective tenants with poor credit score
• People with unstable income
• Those with no prior rental history or landlord references

Who can be a co-signer?

As well as being someone who can financially support the tenant, the co-signer should also be someone trustworthy and reliable. A co-signer could be a parent, family member, or friend but is ultimately someone with a steady income who can accept financial responsibility for the rent and other relevant expenses.

If the tenant is not able to rely on family or friends to be a co-signer, third-party guarantor services can be utilized. Nonetheless, it is important to note that these come at a premium.

Benefits of having a co-signer for a landlord

• Relying on two different income sources (from two different people) so the risk of late/unpaid rent is reduced
• Gives you peace of mind that financial obligations will be met

Drawbacks of having a co-signer for a landlord

• Extra screening needed for the cosigner: proof of income, credit check, background check
• If the tenant is using a third-party service, they will be paying high fees which could put an increased financial strain on them

Despite there being a little extra work involved when dealing with a co-signer, it does mean that you can confidently rent to tenants who show promise but may slightly miss the mark. Choosing to rent to a tenant with a co-signer may allow you to fill a vacancy more quickly, enabling you to sustain your rental income.

Alternatives to co-signers and guarantors

There are alternatives to using co-signers but these are also not completely risk-free. Some alternatives are:

• Charging a higher security deposit (check your local and state laws for maximum amounts)
• Require the first and last month’s rent upfront
• More time spent running the tenant screening process to find the perfect tenant

What is the cosigner responsible for?

In addition to being financially responsible for the rent, the cosigner may also be responsible for the following:

• Security deposit
• Cleaning fees
• Damages caused by pets or service animals
• Damages caused by tenants
• Late rent fees

As well as ensuring that the above financial obligations are clearly identified in the lease or cosigner addendum, there are various identification requirements that also need to be included.

What information needs to be included in a co-signer addendum?

• Name of landlord
• Name of tenants
• Name of co-signer
• Date the lease was signed
• Rental property address
• Co-signer’s driver’s license
• Co-signer’s contact information

Whether or not the co-signer may live in the leased premises with the tenant should also be noted, as should the party responsible for attorney fees and court costs incurred, should any legal proceedings arise out of the agreement.

Below, we have provided a free template for a co-signer addendum. This can be edited as necessary and then signed by all parties involved.

Co-signer lease form: free template

This agreement is made on [Date: XX/XX/XXXX] between Landlord, [Landlord Name], and Tenant(s), [Tenant Name], and is understood to be included and recognized as an Agreement to modify the Lease between Landlord and Tenant(s) dated [XX/XX/XXXX] and which refers to the Leased Premises:

Leased Premises Description

The Leased Premises is located at: [Property street address, city, state, ZIP code]

Co-Signer(s) Identification Details

Co-Signer Name: [Co-Signer Name]

Co-Signer Address: [Property street address, city, state, ZIP code]

Driver's License Number: [XXXXXX], Issuing State: [State]

Telephone Number: [XXXXXXXXX]

The Co-Signer has read the Lease referenced above and agrees to accept full responsibility for the fulfillment of all Terms and Conditions of the Lease Agreement, including, but not limited to, the payment of rent, late fees, damages assessed and incurred by Tenant(s), and any necessary cleaning charges. Co-Signer understands that Co-Signer will be responsible for these financial obligations set forth in the Lease.

The Co-Signer Agreement will remain in force throughout any extensions or modifications of the lease terms and will terminate upon completion of the lease term or with the written consent of changes from Landlord. If any issues arise that result in the eviction of Tenant(s), Co-Signer will be held equally responsible with the Tenant(s) for any unpaid rent, utility charges, damages assessed, and necessary cleaning charges until the Leased Premises is re-rented.

The Co-Signer [will/will not] reside in the Leased Premises.

Co-Signer understands that this Agreement is contingent upon a satisfactory credit check. Co-Signer gives approval to the Landlord to verify their credit history.

Signatures

Co-signer Name (Print): [Print Co-signer’s name]

Co-signer Signature: [Co-signer’s signature]

Date: [XX/XX/XXXX]

Landlord Name: [Print Landlord name]

Landlord Signature: [Landlord signature]

Date: [XX/XX/XX]

Final words

At the end of the day, it is within your right as a landlord to choose the tenant you want to live in your rental property (as long as your selection criteria are not discriminatory in any way). Nonetheless, if you are wanting to fill a vacancy quickly, it might be worth it to accept a tenant-co-signer duo, rather than let your rental remain empty any longer. With two incomes to rely on, you may find that the occurrence of late or missed rent payments may even be bypassed altogether.

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Disclaimer

“We hope you found this blog interesting! However, do note that the information in this article does not constitute advice. This blog is for general informational and educational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for competent legal and/or other advice from a licensed professional.”