Your guarantor completes the same verification process you do—giving landlords complete confidence in both your application and your guarantor's financial backing.
Once you invite a guarantor, they'll create their own Clara account and complete their verification independently. Here's what they'll experience and what you need to know.
How the Process Works
Step 1: You invite your guarantor During your application, enter your guarantor's email address in the "Roommates & Guarantors" section.
Step 2: Your guarantor receives an invitation Clara sends them a professional email with instructions to create their Clara account and complete verification.
Step 3: Your guarantor completes their verification They work through the same process you did. It takes about 10-15 minutes with information ready.
Step 4: Both applications are linked Once your guarantor submits, the landlord sees both your application and your guarantor's verification linked together in their dashboard.
What Your Guarantor Will Need
Your guarantor provides the same information and verification as any applicant:
Identity Verification (2 minutes)
- Government-issued ID (driver's license, state ID, or passport)
- Live selfie for face matching
Income & Employment Verification (5-10 minutes)
- Payroll connection (recommended)
- Bank connection (for self-employed)
- Or document upload (pay stubs, W-2s)
Credit & Background Check (automatic)
- Social Security Number
- Current and previous addresses
- Authorization for TransUnion credit report and background check
How Long Does It Take?
For your guarantor: 10-15 minutes to complete verification if they have information ready
For you: Once your guarantor submits, both applications are immediately available to the landlord—no waiting.
Important: Your Guarantor Pays Their Own Fee
Your guarantor pays $49 for their comprehensive verification (credit report, background check, income verification, identity verification).
You pay $49 for your verification.
Each person pays for their own screening report—this ensures complete, verified information on both parties.
Privacy Protection: They Don't See Your Information
Your guarantor will NOT see:
- Your application details
- Your financial information
- Your credit or background reports
- Any of your personal information
They only complete their own verification through their separate Clara account. This protects your privacy while giving landlords the financial security they need.
What Happens After They Submit
You'll see:
- Confirmation that your guarantor completed their verification
- Your application status will update to show both applications are submitted
The landlord sees:
- Your complete application
- Your guarantor's complete verification
- Clear indication that you're linked together
Both applications stay connected throughout the review process, making it easy for landlords to see your full financial picture.
Common Questions from Renters
"What if my guarantor has questions during the process?" They can contact Clara support at support@rentwithclara.com anytime. You can also help them understand what's needed before they start.
"Can I see my guarantor's application after they submit?" No. Just as they can't see yours, you can't see their specific details. Only the landlord can view both complete applications.
"What if my guarantor makes a mistake?" They can contact support to correct information. If needed, they can submit a new application at no additional cost.
"Do I need to wait for my guarantor to finish before I submit?" No. You can submit your application first. Your guarantor's verification will be added once they complete and submit.
"Can one guarantor support me on multiple applications?" Yes! Once your guarantor completes verification, their profile stays active for 30 days. They can support you on multiple Clara applications without re-verifying or paying again—they just accept new guarantor invitations.
"What if the landlord requires a guarantor but I didn't add one initially?" You can submit a new application with your guarantor attached. Contact the landlord through Clara's messaging portal to let them know you're re-submitting with a guarantor.
Preparing Your Guarantor
Before you invite them, let them know:
- They'll need about 15 minutes to complete verification
- They'll pay a $49 fee for their screening report
- They won't see your personal information
- The process is secure and straightforward
- They can save and return if they need to gather information
Send them this article so they know exactly what to expect before they start.
Tips for Success
Choose a guarantor who:
- Has stable employment and income
- Has good credit history
- Is responsive and can complete verification promptly
- Understands their financial responsibility
Common guarantors: Parents, family members, close family friends
Ready to invite your guarantor? Add their email address in the "Roommates & Guarantors" section of your application.