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CO-SIGNERS

THE LAW

 

There is nothing in the law to stop a landlord from asking for someone to co-sign the lease. Anyone who signs the lease with you will be responsible for damages, unpaid rent, and all obligations under the lease regardless of whether the co-signer lives in the unit or not. A landlord does not have to ask for a co-signer, but they can choose to. There are no restrictions on how old a person has to be to sign a lease. A landlord is legally allowed to rent to anyone without a co-signer if they choose. A landlord can refuse to rent to someone if they do not have a co-signer.

 

REALITY

 

Many landlords will not rent to some people unless they have a co-signer, especially if the person is young, a single parent, or the landlord has some reason to think that they are unreliable. Landlords sometimes say that it is required by law to ask for a co-signer if a person is under a certain age. This is not true. Not having a co-signer can make finding a place to rent very difficult.

 

THINGS TO TRY

 

 If you present yourself as extremely reliable, the landlord might feel more comfortable renting to you without a co-signer

Tell the landlord that you would like to have a co-signer, but you do not know anyone that is available to be a co-signer for you right now.  

Give the landlord names and telephone numbers of people who will say that they know you and that you are a reliable person. Give the landlord a telephone number for a previous landlord who can say that you always paid your rent and were never a problem. If you do not have a previous landlord, be creative!  

You may want to show the landlord bank statements, pay stubs, or a benefit stub to show that you have enough income to afford the rent (but only if this will help you).  

The information on this site contains general legal information only and is not intended to serve as a replacement for professional or other legal advice.  Further, this guide only applies to Residential Tenancies in Nova Scotia. 
Last updated: November 19, 2006.