You’re getting ready to sign a lease for a Michigan off-campus apartment and you’re told you’ll need a guarantor, but you’re not exactly sure what that means or why it’s required.
At Rambler Ann Arbor, we understand that navigating the guarantor requirements can be difficult. That’s why, in this article, you’ll learn what a guarantor is, what they’re responsible for, why most Michigan students need one and how the approval process works.
What Is a Guarantor?
A guarantor is a parent, guardian or trusted adult who legally agrees to take financial responsibility for your lease. When you sign a contract with a landlord, you’re committing to paying rent every month for the full length of your signed lease. Landlords need to know that you can honor that commitment.
Most apartments require renters to meet certain income or credit requirements. A common standard is that your monthly income must be about three times the cost of rent. This is a standard that most full-time students simply can’t meet on their own.
And that is where a guarantor comes in. In co-signing your lease, they are agreeing to cover any of the rent or fees that you are not able to, including any damages or fees that are mentioned in your lease. For the entirety of your lease, they act as a sort of financial backup, as they are legally accountable.
For most Michigan off-campus housing, including Rambler, individual leases are utilized. This means that your guarantor is only responsible for your portion of the apartment, meaning your bed space and shared areas. If one of your roommates were to cause damage to their bed space, your guarantor would not be responsible for that damage.
Read Next: A UMich Student’s Guide to Renter’s Insurance
Do Michigan Students Need a Guarantor for Apartments?
For almost all students, the answer is yes.
Since most college students are not able to work full-time or do not have established credit, landlords will require students to have guarantors to ensure the lease is financially secure.
To qualify as a guarantor, your co-signer will need to provide:
- Proof of income (like pay stubs or bank statements)
- A Social Security number in order to conduct a credit check
- A signed agreement accepting financial responsibility
As long as your guarantor meets the screening requirements, you will be approved for the lease despite not meeting the income or credit requirements on your own.
How Does the Guarantor Approval Process Work?
While every apartment property has their own approval process, the steps are usually similar:
- You complete your rental application form, which will include basic information, your student status and preferred floor plan.
- Your guarantor fills out their portion, including proof of income, contact information, their social number and consent for a credit check.
- The apartment property will review both applications to verify income, credit and the identity of you and your guarantor.
- You receive your approval and lease, which you and your guarantor will both sign.
- Your spot in the apartment will be officially secured after signatures are received.
Read Next: How to Sign a Lease: A Step-by-Step Guide for Michigan Students
Understanding what a guarantor is and why most students need one makes the leasing process way less stressful. Your guarantor is simply the person who helps you meet financial requirements so you can secure the Michigan off-campus housing you want.
If you still have questions about how guarantors work or what the approval process looks like, feel free to contact the Rambler Ann Arbor leasing team. They can walk you through your application, explain what your guarantor needs to provide and help you feel prepared before you sign.
Alexis
Alexis is a Property Marketing Intern for Rambler Ann Arbor. She's a sophomore at the University of Michigan, majoring in Communication and Media Studies. Her favorite drink to order is a Blueberry Dream matcha!
Published On: March 23, 2026
Last Updated On: May 6, 2026
