Legal Question in Real Estate Law in Pennsylvania

Do I need to provide a co-signer if I want to sign a one year lease to rent a home? I can afford the lease and would NOT want to include family members for privacy reasons. I have excellent credit, could I ask my bank if they provide that service? Or should I try to sign the lease with no co-signer and negotiate something else in lease?


Asked on 5/08/16, 4:56 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys

Miriam Jacobson Retired from practice of law

If the landlord is requiring a co-signer, then you'll need to provide one. Banks do not "co-sign" anything, but if you have excellent credit, and the landlord isn't satisfied with only your signature, you might offer a bank's Letter of Credit. That sounds very unusual for a one year rental with good credit, though. Consult a local lawyer if the landlord is insisting.

THIS RESPONSE IS NOT LEGAL ADVICE, SINCE I DO NOT HAVE ALL OF THE INFORMATION THAT WOULD BE REQUIRED, AND I DO NOT HAVE A REPRESENTATION AGREEMENT WITH YOU.

* If the answers to your question confirm that you have a valid issue or worthwhile claim, your next step should almost always be to establish a dialog with a lawyer who can provide specific advice to you. Contact a lawyer in your county or township.

* Another reason for contacting a lawyer is that it is often impossible to give a good answer in the Internet Q&A format without having more information. The unique circumstances of your situation and things that you may not have thought to mention in your question may completely change the answer. If you want to be sure that you have a complete answer to your question and an understanding of what that answer means, establish a connection with a lawyer who practices in the area of your concern.

Read more
Answered on 5/08/16, 8:36 pm


Related Questions & Answers

More Real Estate and Real Property questions and answers in Pennsylvania