Understand if a landlord can ask you for a guarantor

A guarantor is a person who promises the landlord that they will pay your rent if you stop paying for any reason. They are sometimes called a “co-signer” because they sign the too. A guarantor is often a parent, family member, or close friend.

A landlord can ask for a guarantor if you have bad references, a bad credit history, or a history of not paying your rent.

They cannot ask you for a guarantor for a reason that discriminates against you. For example, a landlord can’t ask for a guarantor just because

  • you’re a single parent
  • you’re new to Canada
  • you are getting social assistance
  • you have a
  • you are young (as long as you are at least 18, or at least 16 and on your own)
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