The short definition
A cosigner, sometimes written co-signer, is a person who signs your lease with you and agrees to be legally responsible for the rent and other lease obligations if you do not pay them. The cosigner is usually a relative or close friend with stronger income or credit than the applicant.
The landlord's reasoning is simple: if the tenant cannot pay, there is a second person who can be asked to.
Cosigner versus co-applicant
These two terms get mixed up. A co-applicant, often a roommate or partner, applies with you, lives in the unit and is responsible for the lease as a tenant. A cosigner does not live there. They sign to back up the lease.
Both can be held responsible for the full rent, not just a share, depending on how the lease is written. Read the lease language before anyone signs.
Why landlords ask for one
A cosigner request usually follows an application that looks riskier than the landlord is comfortable with. Common reasons include:
- Low credit or limited credit history.
- Income that falls short of the property's requirement.
- A short or recent work history.
- Past rental problems, such as an eviction, a broken lease or an unpaid landlord balance.
What it asks of the person who signs
Cosigning is a serious commitment. If the tenant misses payments, the landlord may pursue the cosigner for what is owed, and unpaid amounts can affect the cosigner's own credit. Some leases keep the cosigner responsible through renewals or lease extensions, so it is worth asking how long the commitment lasts.
Many landlords also run their own screening on the cosigner and may ask for pay stubs, tax records or identification. Anyone asked to cosign should read the whole lease first and understand what they are agreeing to.
Alternatives to a cosigner
A cosigner is only one way to address a landlord's concern. Depending on the property, other options may include a larger security deposit, proof of higher income, prepaying some rent or simply a property that reviews applications individually.
If you do not have someone who can or will cosign, that is not the end of the road. Plenty of people in that spot get approved.
How Done Deal Cosign fits in
Done Deal Cosign helps Houston renters get approved at partner properties when credit, income or rental history has been getting in the way. We work with 121+ partner properties. A counselor reviews your situation and recommends properties where you have a real chance, and you choose from those. More than 10,000 Houstonians have been approved through us since 2014. If you are not pre-approved within 7 days, the Initial Fee is refunded.
Questions to ask any landlord
Before you agree to any arrangement, ask whether a cosigner is required or only suggested, whether there are accepted alternatives, what the application fee is and whether it is refundable, and how long a cosigner would stay on the lease. Get the answers in writing.
Frequently asked questions
What is a cosigner on an apartment lease?
A person who signs the lease with you and agrees to be responsible for the rent and lease obligations if you do not pay.
Is a cosigner the same as a roommate?
No. A roommate usually lives in the unit and is a tenant. A cosigner signs to back up the lease and does not live there.
Who can be a cosigner?
Usually a relative or close friend with stronger credit and income. Each property sets its own requirements.
What are the risks for a cosigner?
They can be asked to pay what the tenant owes, and missed payments can affect their credit.
Are there alternatives to having a cosigner?
Often yes, such as a larger deposit, proof of higher income or a property that reviews applications individually.
How long does approval take?
You complete the qualifying forms first. If you are not pre-approved within 7 days, the Initial Fee is refunded.
Can I speak with someone?
Yes. Call 713-992-3000 or visit 4600 Hwy 6 N #102, Houston. Bilingual staff are available.