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What Is a Guarantor Agreement?

Kathy Heydasch
Kathy Heydasch

When a creditor decides to loan money or property to another person or entity, a guarantor agreement may be required to ensure the debt is paid. A guarantor agreement binds another party to the debtor’s contract. That party is now responsible for the debt in case the debtor does not pay. This is often required when the debtor does not have sufficient capital reserves to cover the debt, when the debtor has a low credit score, or when the debtor does not have any collateral to offer in its place.

A person that wishes to lease a property or take a loan for an amount of money will have to sign a lease or contract obligating them for the terms included in the contract. For example, a person wishing to rent an apartment has to sign a lease for typically one year. If the lessee defaults on the loan or decides to move out early, a guarantor agreement allows another party to be responsible for the debt of the first party.

A guarantor agreements binds the guarantor to pay for a loan if the primary buyer fails to make payments.
A guarantor agreements binds the guarantor to pay for a loan if the primary buyer fails to make payments.

Most companies that offer credit will need more than just a basic signed loan agreement. They will require a credit check. This is to find out the credit history of the debtor or lessee. If the credit score is low, that means the person wishing to acquire the money or property is a high risk for credit. The higher the risk, the more the likelihood is that a guarantor agreement will be required.

Lenders may require a guarantor agreement, which examines the credit history of a debtor.
Lenders may require a guarantor agreement, which examines the credit history of a debtor.

A typical guarantor agreement will contain all the same basic information as an original credit agreement, such as name, address, social security number, etc. There may even be a credit check on the guarantor to make sure that he or she has enough money or property to cover the loan amount for the length of the contract. A guarantor will probably have to submit to this background check in order for the contract to be finalized.

Most minors and people without credit history will need a guarantor, also called a co-signer, before acquiring their first car, home or apartment. In many cases, this is a parent, but it can be any third party wishing to accept responsibility for the debt.

A guarantor agreement may cover more than just the cost of the loan or lease. The contract could have penalties or fees associated with late payments or non-payments. It is best to read the contract carefully before signing to know exactly what the guarantor agreement stipulates.

Discussion Comments

letshearit

@popcorn - There are lots of free lease agreements for landlords available online and you can always add a guarantor clause into the contract. Just make sure it is legal first in your area, as you wouldn't want to get hit with some sort of age discrimination clause.

I know that the lease laws are different from area to area, so you have to make sure your rental lease is actually legally binding. I would take it to a property lawyer for a checkup just to make sure you aren't making any mistakes.

popcorn

Are there any lease agreements for landlords that come with a guarantor clause?

My family and I are considering renting out our basement apartment to students and would like their parents to sign the rental agreement as well. We have noticed that other people in the neighborhood have had trouble with some of the students breaking tenancy contracts and just leaving. We'd like to at least have some legal ground to stand on when it comes to collecting rent due.

drtroubles

If you are presented with a guarantor agreement in regards to a rental lease agreement on a property, make sure that you understand what you are getting into. My mother signed for my roommate so that she could live with me and my roommate ended up moving out early due to a disagreement.

A guarantor agreement basically let her off the hook for paying the rest of the cash for the apartment and made us liable for everything. While her leaving was a really big blow to me, I think that we should have known better than to sign on her behalf. Why would anyone pay for something they weren't really responsible for legally? I mean, she gave us notice, but it still ended badly.

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    • A guarantor agreements binds the guarantor to pay for a loan if the primary buyer fails to make payments.
      By: goodluz
      A guarantor agreements binds the guarantor to pay for a loan if the primary buyer fails to make payments.
    • Lenders may require a guarantor agreement, which examines the credit history of a debtor.
      By: karam miri
      Lenders may require a guarantor agreement, which examines the credit history of a debtor.