Renting one’s own apartment may be freeing. Perhaps it denotes newly acquired freedom or the start of an exciting new chapter. While you may choose to begin on your apartment leasing journey alone, there is no shame in getting by with a little support from your pals.
You may not qualify for your dream apartment (or even your plan B or C) on your own for a variety of reasons. Fortunately, cosigners can physically unlock doors for people previously refused residency. Therefore, do not give up on your apartment rental attempts just yet! According to John and Paul, there will be an answer; allow it to be.
HOW IS A COSIGNER DEFINED?
Cosigners sign the apartment lease alongside you, assuming all of the financial responsibilities associated with being a renter. Simply put, they provide an additional layer of protection for your property management, ensuring that appropriate funds are collected in one form or another. If rent is due on a monthly basis, you, your cosigner, or a combination of the two are required to pay the whole amount.
Cosigners can act as a roommate or provide help remotely. In any case, their name appears on the lease; they have a legal right to your space and are legally required to guarantee that your rent is paid in full. Cosigners also have considerable influence, as they are capable of completely taking over your lease.
HOW IS A COSIGNER DIFFERENT FROM A GUARANTOR?
Both the cosigner and guarantor have a stake in the transaction, and both may join you in court if the rent is not paid. Guarantors, like cosigners, seek to alleviate part of the tenant’s financial load. Both of their cards will be swiped if you fall behind on payments.
Cosigners, on the other hand, have rights and roommate privileges that guarantors do not. Guarantors are not permitted to dwell in the property, and they are notified only if you default on a payment and violate your leasing agreement. Ultimately, guarantors get nothing from this arrangement other than the satisfaction of assisting someone in need of new quarters —what saints!
WHO SHOULD YOU CONSIGN YOUR APARTMENT WITH?
The major reason you’re in this predicament is that, despite the fact that you may be ideal tenant material, your landlord has no idea who you are. Your best chance of securing a quality cosigner is to choose someone who has personal knowledge of your character, dependability, and consistency. This person might be a family member or a close friend.
Almost certainly, this individual will be subjected to the same comprehensive background check as you (which will include an intensive credit check). Ascertain that your prospective cosigner has a strong credit history and an outstanding financial track record. Otherwise, it may be time to go back to the drawing board.
Bear in mind that this person’s financial stability will be jeopardized if you fall behind on your rent payments, so ensure that your potential cosigner is both capable and ready to offer a help if necessary.
THE BENEFITS OF HAVING A COSIGNER
1. You can obtain approval even if you have bad or no credit.
Whether you’re a recovering shopaholic or are just beginning your credit-building path, landlords frequently view low credit scores or none at all as a red sign. While this does not always indicate you are an unsuitable renter at the moment, prior credit card errors or a complete absence of credit history might be deal breakers when it comes to apartment renting. Fortunately, by finding a cosigner with excellent credit, you may continue building your credit score from the comfort of your brand new (or newly discovered) apartment.
2. Apartments are available to first-time tenants.
Perhaps you’re fresh out of college or living alone for the first time. Whatever the circumstance, landlords may reject first-time tenants due to a lack of rental history or references to cite. If you acquire a cosigner, your landlord may feel more comfortable renting to an apartment newcomer. And there is some good news—you will only be a first-time renter once! Thus, after this initial rental, it will be a non-issue in the future.
3. Those with a history of eviction may be accepted.
If you’ve ever gotten an eviction notice and failed to reply, your public record may reflect an eviction history. However, do not panic! Whether you were evicted for lease breaches, nonpayment, or another cause, having a cosigner increases your chances of getting an apartment.
It’s critical that you’re candid with your cosigner, as they’re putting their reputation and money on the line for you. It’s prudent to inform your cosigner about prior evictions if they aren’t already aware. This enables the cosigner to make an informed choice before to signing on the dotted line.
4. They may entitle you to reside in a complex that you would not have qualified for otherwise.
While you were accepted for numerous cheap apartments, you may be able to spend more and had your heart set on a luxury complex in downtown. While you may not be authorized on your own, a cosigner may help you be approved. This may provide you with opportunities that you would not have had otherwise – no pun intended.
COSIGNERSHIP RISKS
It can strain or destroy relationships.Cosigners are frequently someone in your life that you admire or care about, such as a parent or close friend. If you are unable to pay rent or cover the cost of repairs, you will be putting a hole in your cosigner’s wallet. If they do not pay, both of you may face eviction. If rent is not paid, your cosigner’s credit may suffer as well.
Having said that, your cosigner’s commitment is no laughing matter. If you inflict financial hardships on a cosigner (even hardships they have legally committed to bear), your relationship may become uncomfortable or even ruined. This is a critical risk to consider when deciding someone to interview.
If you are unwilling to risk the connection or do not have a candidate in mind, you do have alternative possibilities. Cosigning services enable you to pay a one-time fee to be matched with a cosigner. If you are authorized for this service, it is critical to understand that you will be contractually liable to repay the firm if you seek the assistance of a cosigner. This is legal for a hand-picked cosigner only if you draft the agreement yourself.
PROPERTY MANAGERS ARE ENTITLED TO SELECT TENANTS WHO DO NOT REQUIRE A COSIGNER
While having a cosigner enhances your chances of getting your ideal home, it is not a certainty. While many landlords are quite content with a strong tenant-cosigner combination, others wish to avoid the scenario entirely. If the landlord believes that denying your application is in the best interests of their rental, they are within their rights to do so.