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Property management glossary
Leasing & residents

Co-signer

Also called: guarantor

Plain-English definition

A person who agrees to share financial responsibility for obligations under a lease.

What co-signer means in practice

A co-signer can strengthen an application when the applicant does not independently meet documented income or credit criteria. The agreement should clearly state the co-signer’s obligations and comply with fair-housing and local requirements.

Example

A student qualifies under the property’s written criteria after a parent signs a guaranty covering unpaid rent and lease charges.

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This glossary is educational and not legal, tax, lending, or accounting advice. Rules and terminology can vary by jurisdiction and professional context.