As a Texas A&M student preparing to sign a lease for off-campus housing, it’s common to have questions about guarantors. Two of the most frequent are, “What is a guarantor?” and “Do I need one to rent an apartment in College Station?”
Because most students do not meet income or credit requirements on their own, guarantors play a major role in the leasing process. Understanding how they work and what they are responsible for can help you feel more confident before you sign.
In this guide, we explain what a guarantor is, what they are financially responsible for and whether Texas A&M students typically need one when leasing off-campus housing.
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What is a guarantor?
Entering into a lease means you’re agreeing to pay rent each month for the full term of the contract. To make sure renters can meet that commitment, landlords check income and credit history before approving an applicant.
To be qualified, a landlord typically requires the monthly income to be around three times as much as the monthly rent, which is likely an unattainable standard that college students simply cannot meet on their own.
That’s where a guarantor comes in.
A guarantor is a parent, guardian or trusted adult who co-signs your lease and legally agrees to pay any rent or fees you cannot. They are essentially the financial backup for the entire lease term.
What will my guarantor be responsible for?
As previously stated, a guarantor is responsible for any rent the student does not or cannot pay. They have agreed to take on the liability of the rental rate for the entire duration of the lease, including any damages. This means that if you miss a rent payment, pay late or owe charges for damages, the guarantor is obligated to cover those amounts.
For example, if you sign a 12-month lease agreeing to pay a rental rate of $1,000 per month, your guarantor will be held accountable for the entire sum of $12,000, plus any additional fees or damages.
Student housing properties typically offer individual leases. This means you and your roommates would sign separate leases and need separate guarantors. The benefit of this is that you and your guarantor are not accountable for your roommates’ leases, only your bed space and the common areas.
Read Next: A Texas A&M Student’s Guide to Renter’s Insurance
On the other hand, traditional apartments often use joint leases. This holds all roommates and guarantor(s) responsible for the entire rental price of the apartment as a whole. This is one reason many students prefer purpose-built student housing, where financial responsibility is clearly separated.
Do I need a guarantor?
For most students at Texas A&M, the answer is yes. Income requirements for apartments in College Station usually expect either steady full-time earnings or strong credit history. Because students typically do not meet those criteria on their own, almost all first-time renters use a guarantor.
To prove your guarantor meets income requirements, guarantors will need to provide the leasing office with bank statements or pay stubs. You and your guarantor will also likely have to provide your Social Security numbers so the landlord can run a credit check.
For many Texas A&M students, having a guarantor is a normal and necessary part of renting off-campus housing. Knowing what a guarantor does, what they are responsible for and why apartments require one can help you avoid surprises and move forward with confidence.
If you have questions about guarantors or are starting your search for student housing near campus, reach out to the leasing team at The Jay. We’re happy to help you understand your options and find the right fit for the year.
Audrey
Audrey is a Property Marketing Intern for The Jay. She's a senior at Texas A&M University, majoring in Communications. Her favorite drink to order is an iced matcha latte with lavender syrup!
Published On: May 29, 2026
Last Updated On: May 27, 2026