As a co-signer am I responsible for damages?

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As a co-signer am I responsible for damages?

I am being sued because I tried to co-sign for a friend for a place she was renting. I am pretty sure I got denied but my friend’s kitchen caught on fire and they said it was a possible skillet fire. They say they weren’t even cooking when the fire happened. Anyway, now I just got served because the place is sueing me for $5000 in damages. I thought that co-signing was for rent only anyways.

Asked on June 14, 2012 under Real Estate Law, Washington

Answers:

M.T.G., Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney

Answered 11 years ago | Contributor

What you are referring to is guaranteeing a lease - meaning that you are a guarantor on only what you agree to be such as the rent.  Co-signing a lease means that you are subject to what ever liability the tenant exposes you to or is subject to themselves.  Damage to an apartment is one of those liabilities. If you think that you were not accepted as a co-signor I think you may be wrong given the circumstances.  I would speak with an attorney as soon as you can.  Good luck.


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