A guarantor can strengthen your application and help you secure your ideal home, even when your situation is perfectly normal.
Adding a guarantor isn't about having something "wrong" with your application. It's a common, strategic move that many renters use to meet landlord requirements and stand out as qualified candidates.
What Is a Guarantor?
A guarantor (sometimes called a co-signer) is someone who agrees to be financially responsible for your rent if you're unable to pay. On Clara, your guarantor completes their own verification, including credit, background, employment, and income checks, giving landlords confidence in your application.
Important privacy protection: Your guarantor will NOT see your application details or any of your personal information. They only complete their own verification through their separate Clara account.
Common Situations Where Guarantors Help
Many renters add guarantors in completely normal situations. You might benefit from a guarantor if you're:
Starting a new job. You have an offer letter but can't verify income through pay stubs yet. A guarantor bridges the gap while you're in transition.
A student or recent graduate. You're in school or just finished, so you don't have extensive income history. Parents or family members commonly serve as guarantors for students.
Self-employed or freelance. Your income varies month-to-month, or you're building your business. A guarantor provides the steady income verification landlords look for.
Building credit history. You're new to credit or haven't had time to establish a strong credit score yet. A guarantor with established credit strengthens your application.
Relocating for work. You're moving to a new city and want to make your application as competitive as possible in an unfamiliar market.
Below the income threshold. Landlords have specific income requirements for their properties. If you don't quite meet them, a guarantor's income can be combined with yours to qualify.
Who Can Be Your Guarantor?
Anyone can serve as your guarantor — there are no restrictions. Common choices include parents or family members, close family friends, and mentors or professional contacts.
Your guarantor will need to complete the same verification process you do, so choose someone with stable employment, reliable income, and good credit who's willing to support your application.
How to Add a Guarantor on Clara
During your application: When you reach the "Roommates & Guarantors" step, simply enter your guarantor's email address. They'll receive an invitation to create their own Clara account and complete their verification.
Tip: Inviting your guarantor during your initial application is the easiest path. If you submit without one and decide to add a guarantor later, you'll need to resubmit (more on that below).
Timeline: Your guarantor's verification process takes about 10-15 minutes. Once they complete and submit their information, the landlord will see both your application and your guarantor's application linked together.
Should You Add a Guarantor Proactively?
Add one proactively if:
- You know you don't meet the landlord's stated income requirements
- You're in one of the common situations listed above
- You're applying in a competitive market and want the strongest possible application
- A landlord has specifically asked for guarantor information in their listing
Wait to add one if:
- You meet all stated requirements comfortably
- The landlord hasn't mentioned guarantor requirements
- You're unsure — you can always add one later if the landlord requests it
When in doubt, having a guarantor makes your application stronger, not weaker.
What If I Already Submitted Without a Guarantor?
Two situations come up after submission:
You realized you should have invited a guarantor.
No problem. You can submit a new application with your guarantor attached on step one. Your Renter Passport is already complete and paid for, so there's no additional fee for you — your existing verification carries over. Your guarantor will pay their own $49 to complete their verification.
The landlord requested a guarantor after reviewing your application.
Same process. Submit a new application, invite your guarantor on step one, and you're set. The landlord will communicate this request to you directly. Again, no additional fee for you — only your guarantor pays.
Either way, the resubmit is quick because your Renter Passport stays active for 30 days.
Can One Guarantor Support Multiple Applications?
Yes. If you're applying to several properties, your guarantor only needs to complete verification once. Their verified profile stays active for 30 days and can be attached to multiple applications — just like your own Clara profile.
Questions About Guarantors?
"Will adding a guarantor hurt my chances?"
No. Guarantors strengthen applications and show landlords you're taking responsibility seriously. It's a common, professional approach to meeting requirements.
"What if my guarantor doesn't live nearby?"
That's fine. There are no location restrictions for guarantors.
"Does my guarantor pay the application fee?"
Yes. Your guarantor pays their own $49 fee to Clara, which covers their complete verification (credit, background, income, and identity). Each person on an application pays for their own screening — your $49 covers you, and your guarantor's $49 covers them.
"Can I have more than one guarantor?"
Contact the landlord directly to discuss if multiple guarantors would be appropriate for your situation.
Ready to invite your guarantor? Add them during the "Roommates & Guarantors" step of your Clara application.