Why renters look for an alternative
Many apartment communities ask applicants with an eviction, a broken lease, low credit or thin credit to add a cosigner or pay extra. Not everyone has a family member who can or will sign. Some services exist to fill that gap, and they do not all work the same way.
We are one of those options, so we have a stake in this. We have tried to keep this page factual and fair. We do not make claims about other companies' prices or approval rates, because those change and we cannot verify them.
The main kinds of services
Services such as Leap, TheGuarantors and Insurent are often described as lease-backing or guarantor services. In general, they back a lease for a fee, and many work through agreements with property managers, so whether a given service is accepted depends on the property. OneApp is different: it is an application platform used by some apartment communities rather than a service that backs a lease.
Done Deal Cosign works differently again. We are a Houston-based service that has helped renters since 2014, with more than 10,000 approved. We work with 121+ partner properties across Greater Houston, and a counselor recommends the partner properties that fit your situation. You choose your apartment from those partners.
Names mentioned on this page belong to their owners. We are not affiliated with them, and the descriptions above are general. Check each company's own site for current details.
Questions to ask any service
Whichever route you take, get clear answers before you pay anything.
- Is the service accepted at the specific apartment community I want?
- What exactly do I pay, when, and what is refundable?
- What happens if I am not approved?
- What does the service do if I miss a payment or end my lease early?
- How long does a decision take?
- Can I speak with a real person?
How Done Deal Cosign works
You tell us about your rental and credit history. A counselor reviews your case and recommends partner properties where applicants with an eviction, a broken lease, an unpaid landlord balance or credit challenges are considered. Some partner properties consider criminal records on a case-by-case basis.
We charge an Initial Fee and a Lease Assurance Fee, and the amounts depend on your rental history and the partner property's rates. We explain them before you commit. If you are not pre-approved within 7 days, the Initial Fee is refunded. Our general guideline is two or fewer rental issues, reviewed case by case.
Which option fits you
If you already know the exact apartment you want, start by asking that property which services it accepts. If you are still looking and your history makes approval uncertain, a service with a network of partner properties can save time. In either case, compare in writing, and do not rely on a single quote.
If you would like to talk through your situation, call 713-992-3000 or visit 4600 Hwy 6 N #102, Houston. We have bilingual staff.
Frequently asked questions
Is Done Deal Cosign the same as Leap, TheGuarantors or Insurent?
No. We are a separate company, and we are not affiliated with them. We work with 121+ partner properties in Greater Houston, and a counselor recommends the ones that fit your situation.
Which service is cheaper?
We cannot speak to other companies' pricing. Costs depend on the service, the property and your history, so get each quote in writing and compare.
Will every apartment accept these services?
No. Acceptance varies by property. Always ask the apartment community which services it takes before you pay.
What does Done Deal Cosign charge?
An Initial Fee and a Lease Assurance Fee, based on your rental history and the partner property's rates. We explain them before you commit.
Is there a refund if I am not approved?
Yes. If you are not pre-approved within 7 days, the Initial Fee is refunded.
Can I use more than one service?
You can compare several. Use only the one the property you choose accepts.
Do you speak Spanish?
Yes. We have bilingual staff. Ask for a Spanish-speaking counselor.