Moving to Boston for university is an exciting milestone, but the local rental market can be a shock to the system. Between the “September 1st” rush and strict application requirements, many international students hit a major roadblock: The Co-signer (or Guarantor) requirement.
If you are an international student with no U.S. credit history, most Boston landlords will ask you for a co-signer before they allow you to sign a lease. Here is everything you need to know to secure your off-campus apartment.
What is a Co-signer?
In the world of Boston real estate, a co-signer (often used interchangeably with the term guarantor) is a person who signs your lease with you and agrees to be legally responsible for the rent if you cannot pay.
Think of them as your financial “safety net.” Because most students don’t have a full-time U.S. income or a local credit score, landlords use a co-signer to ensure they will never lose money on the apartment.
Why Do Boston Landlords Require Them?
Boston off-campus housing is a high-demand market. Landlords often receive multiple applications for a single unit near BU, NEU, or Harvard. To minimize risk, they require tenants to prove they earn 3x to 4x the monthly rent in income.
Since most international students are supported by savings, scholarships, or family, they don’t meet this “income-to-rent” ratio on paper. A co-signer bridges that gap.
The “U.S.-Based” Challenge
Here is the catch: Most Boston landlords require the co-signer to be a U.S. citizen or Permanent Resident.
This is a common hurdle for international students whose parents live abroad. Landlords prefer U.S.-based co-signers because it is easier for them to verify credit scores and, if necessary, take legal action in U.S. courts.
What if I Don’t Have a Co-signer in the U.S.?
Don’t panic. If your family is outside the U.S., you still have three main options to secure an apartment:
- Professional Guarantor Services: Companies like TheGuarantors or Jetty act as your co-signer for a fee (usually a percentage of the annual rent). Many modern Boston luxury buildings and managed apartments accept these services.
- Increased Security Deposits / Pre-payment: Some landlords may waive the co-signer requirement if you offer to pay a larger portion of the rent upfront (e.g., the last 2-3 months of the lease) or a higher security deposit. Note: Be careful here, as Massachusetts law has strict limits on what landlords can legally charge upfront.
- Proof of Substantial Liquid Assets: If you can show U.S. bank statements with enough funds to cover the entire year’s rent plus living expenses, some independent landlords may accept your I-20 and bank statements in lieu of a co-signer.
Common Documents Your Co-signer Will Need
If you do have a U.S.-based relative or friend willing to help, they will need to provide:
- A Completed Guarantor Form: Usually provided by the rental agency.
- Proof of Income: Recent pay stubs or a tax return (Form 1040).
- Credit Report: The landlord will run a hard or soft credit check.
- ID Verification: A copy of their U.S. Driver’s License or Passport.
Pro-Tip: In Boston, guarantor forms often need to be notarized. If your co-signer lives in another state, they will need to sign the document in front of a Notary Public and mail the original to your broker.
Summary Checklist for International Renters in Boston
- [ ] Check the requirements early: Ask the broker if the landlord accepts international co-signers or professional guarantor services.
- [ ] Prepare your I-20 and Visa: Have digital copies ready to upload with your application.
- [ ] Budget for the fee: If using a professional service, expect to pay roughly $800–$1,500 depending on your rent.
- [ ] Move fast: Boston apartments rent in hours, not days. Having your co-signer’s documents ready before you tour will give you a winning edge.
Navigating the Boston rental market as an international student can feel like a full-time job, but you don’t have to do it alone. Understanding the role of a co-signer is the first step toward securing your home away from home. Whether you have a U.S.-based contact or need to explore professional guarantor services, the key is to have your documentation ready before the best units disappear. At BostonOffCampusApartments.com, we specialize in helping students from around the globe find verified, high-quality housing near their campus.
Ready to start your Off-Campus Housing Search in Boston?
Browse our latest international student-friendly listings here or contact our team today for a free consultation on how to navigate the co-signer process for your specific university.
