What Is a Co-Applicant for an Apartment? [2025]

Co-applicants sign an apartment lease with the primary renter with the purpose of boosting an application to secure a lease. For some renters, finding and renting an apartment may be out of reach due to poor credit, bankruptcy, or other issues related to their credit history or income.

That’s where a co-applicant steps in to help a renter qualify. In this guide, we’ll explain what a co-applicant is, how they differ from co-signers and guarantors, and the pros and cons of applying with one.

What Is a Co-Applicant?

A co-applicant is an individual who signs the rental/lease agreement with the primary renter. Alongside the main renter, they are promising to pay the rent on time each month until the lease ends.

Co-applicants can help you if you have limited finances, poor credit, a less-than-ideal rental history, or a lower income. By signing the lease together, you are agreeing to be equally responsible for the apartment's fees and rent. Traditionally, there is a primary applicant and a secondary co-applicant; however, both co-applicants also have the same rights to live in the rental unit as the primary applicant.

Both the primary and co-applicant will require approval from the landlord. During the application period, the landlord requests apartment applications that include information from both individuals, including their rental history, personal details, and employment history.

Is There a Difference Between a Co-Applicant, a Co-Signer, and a Guarantor?

Co-applicant, co-signer, and guarantor are often used interchangeably during the rental application process. In reality, they are distinct roles, and there are differences between the three.

Understanding these differences can help you ask for the right type of support when signing a lease, especially in situations where you need help to secure a lease, but don’t want to live with that person.

1. Co-Applicant

Co-applicants are considered a “joint applicant” and may or may not live at the rental unit. There are two main types of co-applicants: a co-applicant who plans to be a roommate and live with the main renter, or a co-applicant who is a friend or family member helping the renter secure an apartment.

Signing a lease with a co-applicant makes it easier to secure a lease, as the landlord considers both applicants' rental history, income, credit history, and other factors. Co-applicants agree to pay the rent and other fees if the main renter fails to.

2. Co-Signer

Co-signers are third-party individuals who sign a lease with an applicant, but they typically don’t live at the rental property. While they are similar to a co-applicant, and technically can live at the property and access it completely, they typically don’t. Instead, a co-signer is usually a friend or family member who helps the main tenant secure the lease.

It’s common to see co-signers for young tenants or those just starting out, as they may not have a credit history or a stable income. Co-signers are considered an “insurance policy” for the main renter, as they guarantee payment of the rent if the tenant fails to do so.

3. Guarantor

A guarantor is an individual who signs the lease as a third-party “guarantor”. They aren’t given access to live in the rental unit or access it at their leisure. The guarantor is simply a person who financially agrees to ensure the rent is paid each month.

What Are the Benefits of Getting an Apartment With Co-Applicants?

There are three main benefits for a renter to sign a lease with a co-applicant, including having someone to split costs, improving your apartment application, and having built-in financial support in emergencies.

1. Improves the Chances of Your Application Being Accepted

If your rental application is a little lackluster, having a co-applicant can make a huge difference. Poor credit, lack of rental history, or a low monthly income can all affect your ability to get approved by a landlord. A co-applicant can help enhance your application and improve your chances, particularly if they have excellent credit, a strong employment history, and a stable income.

Submitting a rental application with a co-applicant who appears great on paper (and ideally is great in real life) may make the difference between securing your dream apartment and being rejected.

2. They Are Your Emergency Fallback

You never know what’s going to happen, and if you have a co-applicant, they’re agreeing to help you pay rent and fees if you can’t. Knowing that there is someone who has your back in stressful situations can take some of the pressure off

3. Can Be Someone to Help Pay Rent & Lower Costs

If your co-signer lives with you (hey, roomie), then you’re likely both paying rent. That’s a 50% savings on your housing costs and is a huge money saver.

Also, co-applicants with high credit scores can help you save money by encouraging the landlord to reduce certain fees, such as the security deposit.

What Are the Drawbacks of Leasing an Apartment With a Co-Applicant?

Signing with a co-applicant is a legally binding document, and it doesn’t always end well. Consider every possible outcome when signing legal documents with friends or family, including the downsides.

Drawbacks to signing with a co-applicant can include them skipping out on paying bills, having complete access to the property, and potential damage to the relationship.

1. Missed or Late Payments May Affect Both Applicants

If your co-applicant is living with you and paying half the rent, missed payments from them will also damage your credit score. Missed payments will also impact their credit score.

2. Co-Applicants Have the Same Legal Rights to the Apartment

Co-applicants can access the rental property at any time, even if your original agreement wasn’t to live together. Both parties (the main renter and co-applicant) are responsible for ensuring the rent is paid on time each month, and are responsible for repayment.

3. It May Affect Your Relationship

Signing legal documents with friends, family, or partners can be challenging, especially when the relationship may evolve over time. Your relationship with a co-applicant may be damaged due to apartment or payment-related issues, and you should understand what could happen after signing this legal document.

Final Thoughts

Co-applicants can be a huge blessing for hopeful renters who need help securing a lease. Before signing a lease with a co-applicant, though, you should consider how it will affect your relationship, discuss legal rights to the apartment, and whether they’ll live with you, and how you’re both responsible for any missed or late payments.

FAQs About Co-Applicants

Does co-applicant mean roommate?

No, a co-applicant and roommate aren’t the same term. A co-applicant doesn’t have to live with you, and instead, they may just be helping you get a lease.

Is the cosigner the primary applicant?

No, the cosigner is the secondary applicant, while he main applicant is the primary tenant who wants to secure an apartment lease.

Does being a co-signer affect your credit?

Being a cosigner may affect your credit score if the applicant doesn’t make their payments on time or misses payments. Cosigners are responsible for making payments if the primary applicant is unable to do so.

What is the risk of a co-applicant?

A co-applicant is signing up and agreeing to the risk that the main applicant may not pay the rent or fees on time or miss a payment. They are agreeing to make those payments on behalf of the main applicant.

Does my co-applicant need to live with me?

No, a co-applicant doesn’t need to live with you, but they may live with you if those are the living arrangements you’ve agreed to.

What are the requirements for a co-applicant?

To support an individual applying for an apartment, a co-applicant should have a stable income, a strong employment history, a positive rental history, and a good credit score.