The most common example is a parent co-signing for their child's first apartment since the child has no rental history. Other examples include co-signing an apartment for a significant other who doesn't live with you or for an unemployed family member.
The Co-signer will remain responsible for the entire term of the lease, including any renewal and will not be released without written consent of the Landlord/Property Management Company. The Co-signer agrees to payment of rent and any monetary damages suffered by the Landlord/Property Management Company.
Joint tenancies In this situation, as a guarantor, you are likely to be responsible for whatever any of the joint tenants owe the landlord, not just what the tenant you are helping may owe. You may also be responsible for any damage caused by other tenants, not just the one you're wanting to help.
When you cosign a document, you sign it with another person. You and your business partner might cosign a lease for your new office space. You can use the verb cosign in two slightly different ways. First, if two (or more) people put their signatures on a form or letter, you can say they cosign it.
Typically, a Co-Signer Agreement includes information about the co-signer and their finances as well as rent payment obligations of the primary signer. One can be attached to your Lease or Rental Agreement to prove that a co-signer has agreed to assume financial responsibility if the tenant is unable to make payments.
Accepting a co=signer is a very risky propasition for a landlord as neither party really has a fiduciary relationship (the tenant isnt really responsible fort the premises and the payer lives elsewhere...). I woulsd advise any landlord not to accept a co-signer due to the risks.