Can a co-signer be removed from a lease?

Asked by: Maureen Bode  |  Last update: December 8, 2025
Score: 4.6/5 (49 votes)

A leaseholder cannot take a co-signer off a current lease agreement. However, when it comes time for renewal, you can re-submit an application with your current financial documents to show your property that a co-signer won't be necessary for your next lease term.

How do I remove someone from a lease after a breakup?

If your ex and the landlord both agree, then you can amend the lease to remove him. but both would have to agree. Otherwise, there is no way to remove someone from a written contract sorry to say. At least until that lease ends.

How long does a co-signer stay on a lease?

A co-signer typically stays on a lease for the entire duration of the lease term, which is usually one year for most residential leases. However, the specific duration can vary depending on the terms of the lease agreement and the policies of the landlord or property management company.

Can a cosigner take their name off a lease?

If a co-signer wants to leave a lease they need the agreement of the landlord. It has little to nothing to do with what the tenant does. Without the agreement of the landlord getting off the lease (for anyone, tenant or co-signer) simply isn't an option.

What happens if you break up with someone you share a lease with?

Decide who will cover the cost of any potential early lease termination fees. If you both decide to leave, split the cost equally. If you both plan to move out of the apartment and you have to break the lease, you'll likely lose the security deposit. If you both paid half, then there's no problem.

How To Get Removed As A Co-Signer On An Auto Or Mortgage Loan

22 related questions found

Can you legally take someone off a lease?

To request the removal of a name from your lease, the remaining tenant(s) and the departing co-tenant should send a certified letter to the landlord. The landlord should always check that the person whose name is being removed wants to be taken off.

How to break up with someone you live with and can't move out?

How to Break Up With Someone You Live With in 7 Practical Steps
  1. Step 1: Initiate the breakup conversation.
  2. Step 2: Discuss living arrangements.
  3. Step 3: Separate finances and belongings.
  4. Step 4: Update your renters insurance policy.
  5. Step 5: Sort out co-parenting shared pets.
  6. Step 6: Lean on support systems and self-care.

How do I remove a co-signer from a lease?

Cosigner Release: Review your lease terms and see if there's a co-signer release clause. If there is and you fit the qualifications, contact your lender to begin the release process. Sell the Car: Sell your car and pay off the entire loan. Now you can be the solo signer on your next vehicle for life in Lexington!

Can a cosigner leave a lease early?

Remember that co-signing a lease is legally binding and may be difficult to get out of unless the tenant signs a new lease on their own, so you should feel confident about your choice before you sign.

Can I remove my name from a joint lease?

Yes, it is generally possible for one person to terminate a joint lease, but the process can vary depending on the terms of the lease agreement and local laws.

Can you kick out a cosigner?

Removing a co-borrower or cosigner from a mortgage is possible but difficult, and your lender may insist that you pay off the mortgage in full or refinance the house by taking out a new loan solely in your name.

Can you cancel a cosigner agreement?

To get a co-signer release you will first need to contact your lender. After contacting them, you can request the release — if the lender offers it. This is just paperwork that removes the co-signer from the loan and places you, the primary borrower, as the sole borrower on the loan.

How do I remove the guarantor from my lease?

Without a written modification of the lease agreement, signed by all parties, you cannot be released as guarantor, until the lease term expires. For the next eleven months, you remain responsible for rent and any other fees due per the lease agreement, if the tenant defaults.

How do I let someone take over my lease?

Here's how to smoothly transfer your apartment lease:
  1. Talk to your landlord. ...
  2. Start early and make a plan. ...
  3. Promote your rental unit. ...
  4. Advertise key features of your rental. ...
  5. Coordinate showings of the property. ...
  6. Choosing potential candidates. ...
  7. Provide details and information. ...
  8. Handle the lease transfer.

What happens if one roommate wants to break the lease?

The unauthorized departure of a roommate gives the landlord the option of ending the tenancy altogether—even if the remaining cotenants can still pay the rent. That's because even one roommate's leaving early violates the lease: All cotenants named in the lease agreed to stay in the rental for a certain amount of time.

How do I get my girlfriend off my lease?

Using Legal Methods
  1. Check your lease agreement. If you are the sole tenant on the lease and you are not married, you have the right to make the decision. ...
  2. Give her a request in writing. ...
  3. Take legal steps if you fear for your safety. ...
  4. Go to the police.

How do I remove someone from my apartment lease?

That would require all parties to agree to amend that lease to remove her from the contract. If she does not agree, or the landlord will not agree, then there's no way to amend that contract to remove her. It would require the consent of all parties who signed the original lease to change it.

How soon can I remove a cosigner?

You can often remove a cosigner at any point during the loan period. Your loan paperwork might dictate specific terms, though. For example, some lenders require 24 months of on-time payments from the primary borrower before they'll consider releasing the cosigner.

What rights does a cosigner have on an apartment?

A cosigner is a person who signs your apartment lease and shares responsibility for rental payments. The cosigner agrees to pay your rent if you can't, and they have equal rights to your apartment, unlike a guarantor. A cosigner is treated exactly the same as a cotenant in many ways.

How long does a cosigner stay on a lease?

How Long Does A Cosigner Stay On A Lease? A cosigner remains responsible for the lease's terms for its entire duration. The obligation typically ends when the lease is renewed or a new lease is signed without the cosigner's involvement.

Can someone back out of a signed lease?

You can't. Leases generally aren't covered by cooling-off or buyer's remorse laws. According to legal experts at Nolo.com, those laws protect people who succumbed to high-pressure sales tactics for goods and services, not those who voluntarily agreed to rent a property.

How can I legally remove myself as a cosigner?

Your best option to get your name off a large cosigned loan is to have the person who's using the money refinance the loan without your name on the new loan. Another option is to help the borrower improve their credit history. You can ask the person using the money to make extra payments to pay off the loan faster.

How do you get rid of someone who won't move out?

If they won’t, you can file a report against them for trespassing. If they still won't leave you can call the police. However in some states, a guest can be considered a tenant depending on length of stay and whether they're paying even minimal money.

How to leave a partner with no money?

Here are some helpful tips to get you started:
  1. Open your own bank account. If you previously had a joint account, open a new one in your name. ...
  2. Make a budget. ...
  3. Sell and return unneeded items. ...
  4. Address debts. ...
  5. Start your emergency fund. ...
  6. Check for unclaimed money. ...
  7. Seek professional advice.

How do you detach from someone you have to live with?

What are a few ways to do this?
  1. Limit communication. Reduce the frequency and depth of your interactions with the person. ...
  2. Focus on yourself. Shift your attention inward and prioritize your own needs and well-being. ...
  3. Create distance. ...
  4. Challenge idealization. ...
  5. Seek support.