In British Columbia, many tenants—especially students, newcomers, or those with limited credit or rental history—are often asked by landlords to provide a guarantor when applying for a new rental home. Understanding your legal rights, responsibilities, and the correct process when applying with a guarantor can help you secure your ideal rental and avoid problems down the road.

What Is a Guarantor and Why Might You Need One?

A guarantor is someone who agrees to pay your rent or cover any financial obligations you can’t fulfill under the rental agreement. Landlords in BC sometimes request a guarantor if:

• You have limited or no rental history
• Your income doesn’t meet their criteria
• You’re a student or recent immigrant
• Your credit check shows missed payments or other issues

A guarantor must usually be a Canadian resident with a stable income or good credit history.

Legal Rights and Protections in British Columbia

As a tenant, it is important to understand both your rights and the obligations of a guarantor under BC’s Residential Tenancy Act^[1]. A landlord cannot demand unreasonable requirements from potential tenants. If a guarantor is required, the expectations for their responsibility must be clearly outlined in the rental agreement.

For a comprehensive list of tenant rights in BC, visit Tenant Rights in British Columbia.

Applying for a Rental with a Guarantor: Step-by-Step

Successfully securing a rental with a guarantor involves a few key steps:

• Application: Complete the rental application, indicating that you will provide a guarantor if requested.
• Guarantor Details: Your proposed guarantor will typically need to provide proof of identity, employment/income information, and may be subject to a credit check.
• Signing the Agreement: The guarantor may be required to sign the rental agreement or a separate guarantor form, making them legally responsible for missed rent or damages.

Landlords must disclose exactly what the guarantor is responsible for (for example: all rent, damages beyond the security deposit, or both), and this should be specified in the lease.

Relevant Government Forms and Their Use

• Residential Tenancy Agreement (RTB-1): Used to establish the rental arrangement. If a guarantor is involved, their details and obligations should be clearly added to the agreement. View/download the RTB-1 form here. Example: Sarah, a student, adds her mother as a guarantor on the RTB-1, and both sign sections on financial liability.
• Additional Guarantor Agreement (not standardized): Some landlords provide their own form. Always read carefully and seek clarification if anything is unclear before signing. You are not legally obliged to sign any separate form beyond what’s required by the Residential Tenancy Act.

Guarantor vs. Co-signer: What’s the Difference?

While these terms are sometimes used interchangeably, a guarantor typically agrees to pay only if you default, and is not entitled to live in the home. A co-signer, on the other hand, may have equal legal and financial responsibility from the start and may also have a right to occupy the property.

Key Tenant Protections

The BC Residential Tenancy Branch ensures that landlords and tenants—including those applying with guarantors—follow provincial law. Guarantors do not have the same rights as tenants but have legal obligations for the amounts specified in your agreement.

Always ensure the answers to key questions such as how deposits are handled, how rent is paid, and what happens if you break the lease are clarified in advance. Our article Understanding Rental Deposits: What Tenants Need to Know can help you understand your deposit rights when a guarantor is involved.

After You Move In

Once the rental agreement is signed, both you and your guarantor should keep copies for your records. Know your ongoing responsibilities—see What Tenants Need to Know After Signing the Rental Agreement for more information.

Common Issues and How to Handle Them

If your application is denied despite providing a suitable guarantor, landlords must not discriminate based on prohibited grounds such as family status or income source. If you feel you’ve been unfairly treated, you can contact the Residential Tenancy Branch.

For ongoing support, Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme with verified listings and tools to help you navigate your rental search securely.

1. Do I always need a guarantor if my income is low?
   Not necessarily. While landlords can request a guarantor, it is not mandatory by law. However, if you don’t meet certain requirements, it can help secure a rental.
2. Can my landlord ask for a guarantor after I move in?
   Generally, no. A landlord can only require a guarantor at the start of the tenancy, unless you agree to changes in writing later on.
3. What happens if my guarantor wants to stop being responsible?
   Your guarantor’s obligation typically lasts until the end of your lease unless the landlord agrees in writing to release them. Clarify these terms before signing.
4. Do guarantors have their own rights under the Residential Tenancy Act?
   Guarantors have financial obligations but do not have the same rights as tenants—such as access to the home or right to notice for entry.
5. Where can I get help understanding my rights about guarantors?
   Contact the Residential Tenancy Branch, legal clinics, or tenant advocacy organizations in BC.

Key Takeaways for Tenants

• Applying with a guarantor can often help secure a rental, especially if you lack local credit or rental history.
• Ensure all guarantor-related responsibilities are in writing and understood by all parties.
• Use official forms and contact the Residential Tenancy Branch for questions or disputes.

With the right information, you can protect yourself and your guarantor from misunderstandings and move confidently into your new BC rental home.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Residential Tenancy Branch (Official BC tenancy tribunal): For all forms, dispute resolution, questions about rights, and tenancy complaints
• TRAC - Tenant Resource & Advisory Centre: Free legal information and advocacy for BC tenants
• BC Tenant Information: Government guidance on deposits, applications, disputes, and more
• For a full overview of legal protections: Tenant Rights in British Columbia

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1. Residential Tenancy Act, British Columbia — BC Residential Tenancy Act (complete text)
2. BC Residential Tenancy Branch — Official government resource for landlords and tenants
3. Residential Tenancy Agreement (RTB-1) Form — Download from BC government

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