Fair Housing Act (FHA): Federal law that prohibits discrimination in housing transactions based on protected characteristics including race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, and disability
Equal Credit Opportunity Act (ECOA): Federal law that ensures equal access to credit and prohibits discrimination in credit transactions, including requirements for co-signers
Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA): Federal law governing the collection, dissemination, and use of consumer credit information, relevant for credit checks of potential co-signers
State Landlord-Tenant Laws: State-specific regulations governing the relationship between landlords and tenants, including rights, responsibilities, and obligations of all parties
State Security Deposit Regulations: State laws governing the collection, handling, and return of security deposits, which may affect co-signer obligations
State Co-Signer Rights: State-specific laws defining the rights, obligations, and limitations of co-signers in rental agreements
State Contract Laws: General contract law principles and requirements specific to each state that govern the formation and enforcement of legal agreements
Statute of Frauds: Legal requirement that certain contracts, including those involving real estate, must be in writing and signed to be enforceable
Joint and Several Liability: Legal principle determining how responsibility is shared between primary tenants and co-signers for rent and other obligations
Municipal Housing Codes: Local regulations governing housing standards, occupancy, and rental property requirements that may affect the rental agreement
Local Rental Regulations: City or county-specific rules governing rental properties, including registration requirements and tenant protections
Payment Obligations: Specific terms defining financial responsibilities, payment schedules, and consequences of non-payment for both tenant and co-signer
Collection Procedures: Legal processes and requirements for collecting unpaid rent or damages from either the primary tenant or co-signer
Default Provisions: Terms specifying what constitutes default under the agreement and the consequences for both tenant and co-signer
Notice Requirements: Legal requirements for providing notice to all parties regarding important matters such as default, termination, or changes to the agreement
