What is a guarantor for an apartment?

A guarantor for an apartment is someone who agrees to be responsible for the rent and other lease obligations if the primary tenant is unable to fulfill them. This person is generally required to have a strong credit history and steady income to serve as a backup for the tenant. The guarantor must sign a legal agreement with the landlord or property management company, agreeing to take over the lease payments if the tenant defaults. Guarantors are commonly used by landlords as a way to minimize their risk when renting to tenants with less-than-ideal credit or rental history. It's important for potential guarantors to carefully consider the financial implications of agreeing to this responsibility before signing any agreements.