Require a co-signer or guarantor - Just because your student renter is a first-time renter or doesn’t have a qualifying credit score, doesn’t mean they will be a bad tenant. For added protection though, if your student applicants did not meet your screening criteria, ask for a co-signer or guarantor who will be financially and legally obligated to pay rent and cover the cost of tenant caused property damage. Student co-signers are typically parents or family members with verifiable income and great credit.