Skip to main content

Co-Applicant, Co-Signer, or Occupant, what's the difference?

Three ways another person can be on your application. Here's how each role works and what they're screened for.

If you have someone applying or living with you, you'll add them in one of two sections: co applicants or Occupants. The difference is whether they live at the property, whether they're on the lease for rent, and what they're screened for. If they will not live in the unit but helping you to qualify they can be listed as a co signer.

Co-Applicant

Lives with you and helps pay the rent. Often a partner, spouse, or someone moving in with you. They'll be on the lease alongside you and equally responsible for rent.

Co-Applicants go through the full application and screening β€” identity, income, criminal, credit, and eviction. They get their own invitation by email.
​

Co-Signer

Does NOT live with you, but helps pay the rent if needed. Often a parent or relative who's backing your application financially without being on the lease at the unit.

Co-Signers go through the same full application and screening as Co-Applicants. They also get their own invitation by email.
​

Occupant

Lives with you but is NOT on the lease for rent. Often a child, dependent family member, or roommate who isn't financially responsible for rent.

Adult occupants (18+) go through a simplified application and a criminal-only screening β€” they don't go through credit or eviction checks, since they're not on the lease for rent. Minor occupants (under 18) are added by the primary applicant and don't get their own application.

Quick reference

Role

Lives at the property?

On the lease for rent?

Screened for

Co-Applicant

Yes

Yes

Criminal, credit, eviction

Co-Signer

No

Yes

Criminal, credit, eviction

Adult Occupant

Yes

No

Criminal only

Minor Occupant

Yes

No

None

Did this answer your question?