Guarantor Letter for Renting

A newcomer with a job offer and no Canadian credit file is often turned down by landlords who have no way to score them. A guarantor solves that, but only if the letter says something specific. A note saying 'I will help if needed' is worthless; a landlord wants to know what obligations are guaranteed, for how long, and whether the guarantor has the income to cover them. This template writes that clearly — which also protects the guarantor, because an open-ended promise is the version that goes badly.

What this template is for

A draft built around the details you need

Use this when a renter without Canadian credit history needs a parent, relative, or employer to guarantee the tenancy in writing.

A guarantee is a financial commitment that can be enforced against the guarantor. This template is not legal advice. A guarantor should understand the full exposure, and for large amounts should get independent advice before signing.

How to use it

  1. Have the guarantor complete it themselves. A guarantee signed by someone who did not read it is the one that gets disputed.
  2. State exactly what is guaranteed: rent only, or rent plus damages.
  3. Set an end date or a review point. Avoid guaranteeing renewals indefinitely.
  4. Attach the guarantor's income proof and have the signature witnessed.

A completed example

A parent guaranteeing rent only, for a fixed 12-month term, with income proof attached.

2026-08-06

Kestrel Residential Ltd.

Subject: Guarantee for Simran Sandhu at 2130 Danforth Avenue, Unit 6 Toronto, ON M4C 1K1

To whom it may concern,

I, Ranjit Sandhu, of 912 Wolseley Avenue Winnipeg, MB R3G 1E4, am the father of Simran Sandhu. I am providing this letter to guarantee their tenancy at 2130 Danforth Avenue, Unit 6 Toronto, ON M4C 1K1, with a lease beginning 2026-09-01 at a monthly rent of $1,850.

Scope of this guarantee: Rent only. This guarantee does not extend to any other obligation, unit, or tenant.

This guarantee ends on 2027-08-31. It does not automatically extend to a renewal, extension, or new lease unless I agree in writing at that time.

Income and supporting documents provided: 2025 CRA notice of assessment and two recent pay stubs, attached.

I understand that this is a financial commitment and that the landlord may seek payment from me if the tenant does not meet the obligations guaranteed above.

Guarantor signature: ______________________ Date: __________ Witness signature: ______________________ Date: __________

Ranjit Sandhu [email protected] 204-555-0119

Make your own

Fill in your details, then download a PDF or an editable Word file.

  • Guarantor full name is required.
  • Guarantor address is required.
  • Guarantor phone and email is required.
  • Relationship to the tenant is required.
  • Tenant name is required.
  • Landlord/property manager is required.
  • Rental address is required.
  • Monthly rent is required.
  • Lease start date is required.

Common questions

Do I need a guarantor if I have no Canadian credit history?

Often, yes — many landlords have no other way to assess a newcomer. Alternatives that sometimes work are an employment letter with a strong salary, several months of rent prepaid where the province allows it, or a landlord reference from your previous country.

Can a guarantor live outside Canada?

They can sign, but many landlords discount a foreign guarantor because enforcing against someone abroad is impractical. If your guarantor is overseas, expect to also offer an employment letter or additional deposit where it is legal.

What is the guarantor actually agreeing to?

Whatever the letter says, which is why the scope line matters. 'Rent only' limits exposure to unpaid rent. Adding damages and enforcement costs can extend it well beyond the annual rent, and a guarantee with no end date can survive into renewals.

Can a landlord in Ontario ask for last month's rent plus a deposit instead?

Ontario allows a rent deposit applied to the last rental period, but not a separate damage deposit. If a landlord asks for both, that is a sign to check the rules rather than to find a guarantor.

How this template is maintained

Last reviewed
Reviewed by
Thomas TremblayFounder and editor, Canooq

See also

Practical pathways

Continue with related Canadian tasks