Your Actual Exposure: $22,000

A $1,200/mo student lease doesn't create $1,200/mo in liability. It creates $22,000 in total exposure across rent, personal guaranty, restoration, and every other clause your landlord drafted to protect themselves — not you.

Where $22,000 Comes From

Remaining Rent$7,200
Parent Guaranty$7,200
Security Deposit$1,200
Damage Liability$3,000
Early Termination$2,400
Legal Fees$3,000
Total Exposure$22,000

What Most People Miss

The co-signer's exposure. Parents think they're helping their child get an apartment. They're actually personally guaranteeing all rent, all damages, and all legal fees for a property they can't control.

Key Risks in This Scenario

  • Parent co-signer is fully personally liable for all obligations — including damage by student's guests
  • Student housing leases often have joint-and-several liability among all roommates
  • Graduation, transfer, or leave of absence don't terminate the lease

How to Reduce Your Exposure

  • Read the guaranty scope — push to limit to unpaid rent only, not all lease obligations
  • Include a graduation/transfer exit provision if the student leaves school mid-lease

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a parent co-signer actually guarantee?
Typically everything: unpaid rent, lease damages, property damage claims, and attorney fees. The co-signer has the same liability as the tenant — without any right to occupy the space.
What happens if a student transfers schools mid-lease?
Transfer doesn't terminate the lease. The student and co-signer remain liable for all remaining rent. Some states have military clauses for early exit, but educational transfer has no equivalent protection.
Can a student sublease a college housing unit?
Some student housing operators permit it with approval. Many don't. Without an approved sublease, the student continues owing rent even if they're no longer living there.
What is the typical damage deposit for student housing?
Usually 1-2 months rent. But actual damage liability is often much higher — student housing frequently sees end-of-year damage claims well beyond the deposit amount.
Are co-signers notified if the lease enters default?
Under the guaranty terms, the landlord should send notice to the guarantor. In practice, co-signers often learn about default when a demand letter arrives. Check the guaranty for notification requirements.