When and Why U.S. Landlords Require a Rental Guarantor

Answer

Many renters wonder whether a landlord can ask for a guarantor. In the U.S., landlords often use guarantors to reduce risk when a prospective tenant has limited credit history, income below requirements, or other financial red flags. This FAQ entry explains when a guarantor may be requested, what criteria apply, and how the process works.

In general, a landlord may require a guarantor if the tenant:

• Has a credit score below the property’s minimum threshold (often 620–650).
• Earns income less than 2.5–3 times the monthly rent.
• Lacks a U.S. credit history (e.g., international students or recent graduates).
• Has prior evictions or a spotty rental record.

Guarantor criteria typically include:

• Strong credit profile: Score above 700 with no recent delinquencies.
• Sufficient income: Annual income at least 3–4 times the rent.
• U.S. residency or citizenship: Some landlords insist on a guarantor with legal status and U.S. credit.

When a guarantor is involved, the landlord will have the guarantor sign the lease or a separate guarantee agreement. This document makes the guarantor legally responsible for rent payments and damages if the tenant defaults. Landlords may also run a credit and background check on the guarantor, and charge an application fee just as they would for the tenant.

Some landlords accept alternatives to a traditional personal guarantor:

• Co-signer services: Companies that act as guarantor for a fee.
• Advance rent: Paying several months’ rent up front to mitigate risk.
• Higher security deposit: Deposits above the state limit (where allowed).

While landlords have broad discretion under state and local laws, they must comply with fair housing regulations and cannot discriminate against protected classes when requesting a guarantor. For more information on acceptable screening practices, see the HUD’s fair housing guidelines.

Before signing any lease or guarantee, it’s advisable to review documents carefully and, if needed, consult a licensed attorney or a local real estate professional to understand your obligations and rights under state law.