You’ve started your housing search and chances are you’re getting close to choosing your dream apartment…until you see something about a guarantor. But what is a guarantor and do you need one for off-campus housing near UMD?
At Rambler, we often hear questions like, “Do I need a guarantor to sign a lease?” We’ve helped hundreds of students navigate the confusing world of student housing and for that reason, we’ve written this comprehensive guide answering some of our most frequently asked questions about guarantors, including:
Read Next: How to Sign a Lease: A Step-by-Step Guide for UMD Students
What is a Guarantor?
When you sign a lease, you enter a contract with the property’s landlord. To make sure you’ll be able to pay your rent each month, they may look at your qualifications, like your income or credit score, to decide whether or not they will accept your lease.
In Maryland, landlords would usually require you to show that you make 3x the amount of rent. For a student apartment costing $1,000 per month, that would require proof of $3,000 per month income. For most UMD students, that amount isn’t practical.
Because most students won’t be making this amount of income on their own, it’s typical for student housing complexes to ask students to provide a guarantor to sign the lease. A guarantor is someone who co-signs for you and is responsible for any rent payments that you don’t or cannot make. While the requirements vary based on the property management, most landlords require your guarantor to show they make 3x your monthly rent and have a good credit score.
What Will My Guarantor Be Responsible For?
By signing your lease,the guarantor is taking on the liability of the entire rental rate for the entire duration of your lease, plus any damages. If you do not pay your rent or refuse to pay for certain damages, your guarantor will be responsible. For example, if your apartment costs $1,000 per month for a 12-month lease, your guarantor will be responsible for all $12,000 plus any damages or fees.
If you sign an individual lease, you and your guarantor will only be held responsible for your bed space. If you choose to sign a traditional lease, then the guarantors will be jointly responsible as well. In this scenario, all roommates and their guarantors will be liable for the entire price of the entire space.
Do I Need a Guarantor?
The short answer: yes.
Most off-campus housing near the University of Maryland is designed with students in mind. For this reason, they are more likely to require guarantors to meet the income requirements needed to qualify for a lease. Unless you meet the income requirements and credit score yourself, it’s highly likely you’ll need a guarantor.
Guarantors are extremely important to the student housing process so it’s important to understand their role. When you choose your guarantor, whether it be a parent or guardian, family member or close friend, they are responsible for you and your lease financially.
Read Next: 5 Reasons to Lease Early at Student Apartments
The leasing process can come with a lot of unfamiliar terms, and requirements like guarantors can feel confusing at first. Understanding what a guarantor is and what they’re responsible for can help you feel more prepared as you finalize your student housing plans in College Park.
If you have questions about guarantors or want to learn more about your leasing options, reach out to our leasing team. Reach out to us to get the clarity you need as you continue your housing search.
Allison
Allison is a Property Marketing Intern for Rambler College Park. She's a student at the University of Maryland, majoring in Marketing and Management. Her favorite drink to order is a vanilla iced latte!
Published On: March 25, 2026
Last Updated On: May 6, 2026