How to Add a Co-Signer to a Lease

To add a co-signer to a lease, you’ll need approval from your landlord or property manager and a qualified co-signer who’s willing to take on legal and financial responsibility. Co-signers are often used when renters don’t meet income or credit requirements on their own. In today’s competitive rental market, having a cosigner can help you secure the home you want or keep your current place if circumstances change. Read on for a step-by-step guide on how to add a co-signer to your lease.

Check your state’s co-signing laws

Before you apply with a co-signer, it’s important to understand how your state treats co-signers on rental agreements. While most landlords allow co-signers, it's a good idea to check whether any state or local regulations affect co-signers, and ask your landlord how they handle co-signed leases. 

In most cases, your landlord will require the co-signer to submit an application and be named in the lease agreement or a co-signer addendum. That makes the arrangement legally binding — and protects both the landlord and the co-signer if anything goes wrong.

Your local housing department or a renters’ rights organization can help clarify the laws in your area. You can also ask the landlord directly how they handle co-signed leases.

If you're trying to add a co-signer to an existing lease, the process may be different and could require a formal lease amendment or re-application.

Choose a financially qualified co-signer

Co-signers typically need to meet the landlord’s income and or credit standards since they’ll also be legally responsible for rent  payments. This person should have verifiable finances and be ready to support your lease obligations.

This step is often the most emotional. Asking someone to co-sign your lease means asking them to trust you — and take a financial risk for you. That’s a big deal. Be open and honest with your potential co-signer about why you need their support and how you plan to manage rent moving forward. You may even consider writing out a short agreement between the two of you that outlines expectations — not legally binding, but helpful for peace of mind.

Good co-signer candidates might include:

• A parent or family member
• A close friend with strong credit
• A professional guarantor service

It is not uncommon for landlords to require your co-signer to earn three times the monthly rent or more, and pass a credit check. Make sure they’re comfortable sharing financial details and understand the legal responsibility involved in a co-sign lease agreement.

Talk to your landlord or property manager

Once you’ve chosen your co-signer, reach out to your landlord or leasing office to ask what’s required to include them on the lease. Landlords may have their own screening process or paperwork that both you and your co-signer need to complete.

Common co-signer requirements

Landlords want reassurance that a co-signer can step in if needed — that means they’ll be looking for strong financial credentials. While the exact approval requirements vary, here are a few things most landlords request :

• Steady income: Many landlords set an income requirement, such as requiring  the co-signer to make at least three times the monthly rent.
• Good credit: A strong credit score (often 700+) can signal reliability.
• Clean background check: Landlords may review legal and financial records before approval.
  

If your co-signer is unsure whether they qualify, they can ask the landlord in advance what’s needed — or submit a rental application with you.

Here’s what to clarify in that conversation:

• Do you accept co-signers on a lease agreement?
• What financial documentation is required?
• Are there fees for processing or amending the lease?
  

Landlords are not obligated to approve a co-signer, so approach the conversation respectfully and be prepared to explain your situation.

Submit a rental application for your co-signer

Your co-signer will usually need to complete a rental application, even if you’ve already been approved. This gives your landlord the opportunity to verify their credit history, income, and employment.

It’s understandable to feel a little nervous asking someone else to hand over their private financial documents, but remember: this is a standard part of the rental application process. The application step is where your co-signer demonstrates they can support you on the rental responsibility if needed, and it's also where the landlord gains peace of mind.

Make sure your co-signer knows what to expect. You might even help them gather their documents or review the application together. Taking that initiative can show both your co-signer and your landlord that you're proactive and trustworthy.

Common co-signer documents include:

• Photo ID
• Social Security number
• Recent pay stubs or W-2s
• Credit or background check consent

Some landlords may allow co-signers to apply digitally. Be sure to check if there’s a separate application fee, which can vary by landlord or property management company.

You may also want to review your own application to ensure it still reflects your current income, employment, and credit details. If you are looking to strengthen your credit history, consider reporting your on-time rent payments to the credit bureaus for free through Zillow Rent Reporting.

Review the updated lease agreement

Once your co-signer is approved, you’ll receive a revised lease or addendum to review. This updated document should outline the co-signer’s legal responsibilities and confirm any additional changes to the lease terms.

Seeing your co-signer’s name officially listed on the lease can feel like a relief but it’s also the last chance to make sure everything is accurate. Take your time reviewing the updated lease agreement together. If anything seems unclear, don’t hesitate to ask your landlord for clarification before signing the lease. A co-sign lease agreement is legally binding for everyone involved.

You can also contact a real estate attorney to help review the lease with you. It’s important that you and your co-signer both feel confident before signing.

Check that the lease clearly states:

• The co-signer’s full legal name and role
• Any shared or individual financial responsibilities
• Effective date of the lease update

Sign the lease with your co-signer

When all parties agree to the terms, both you and your co-signer will sign the new lease or lease addendum. This step officially adds them to the rental contract.

Signing the updated lease is an important milestone because it makes the agreement official and confirms that your co-signer is legally backing your rental. This step formalizes your financial commitment and your co-signer’s trust in you.

In most cases, both the renter and co-signer will need to sign the specific landlord form, which may include: 

• The new lease agreement
• The lease modification form
• The co-signer/guarantor agreement

Once signed, ask your landlord to provide you with a copy for your records, if not already provided. After signing, be sure to keep your co-signer in the loop throughout your lease term. If your financial situation changes or you plan to move, communicate early so they’re not surprised by unexpected obligations.

What happens if your co-signer wants to be removed?

Removing a co-signer mid-lease usually requires another formal lease change and your landlord’s approval. This may involve reapplying or showing proof of financial independence. Start this conversation early if you expect your co-signer to be temporary.

Adding a co-signer to your lease can feel like a big step, but it’s a common and practical solution when you need help qualifying. With the right preparation and communication, you can navigate the process smoothly and move forward with confidence.