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Guarantor Agreement
I need a guarantor agreement for a tenant who is renting a residential property, ensuring the guarantor is liable for any unpaid rent or damages. The agreement should include a clause for a maximum liability amount and specify the duration of the guarantor's responsibility, which should align with the lease term.
What is a Guarantor Agreement?
A Guarantor Agreement is a legally binding contract where someone promises to pay another person's debts or fulfill their obligations if they fail to do so. In South Africa, these agreements commonly help people secure rental properties, business loans, or student financing when they don't qualify on their own merit.
Under South African contract law, guarantors must fully understand their responsibilities before signing, as they become liable for the full amount owed. The agreement typically includes specific payment terms, the guarantor's obligations, and conditions for ending the guarantee. Banks and property companies often require these agreements to reduce their lending risks.
When should you use a Guarantor Agreement?
Consider using a Guarantor Agreement when someone needs financial backing to secure a significant commitment but lacks sufficient credit history or financial strength on their own. This commonly occurs with first-time home rentals, business startups seeking loans, or students applying for educational funding in South Africa.
The agreement becomes especially valuable when dealing with major banks, property management companies, or educational institutions that require additional security. It offers a practical solution for young professionals, entrepreneurs, or anyone facing credit barriers while providing lenders and property owners with legally enforceable protection under South African law.
What are the different types of Guarantor Agreement?
- Lease Guaranty: Specifically for rental properties, covering tenant obligations and rent payments
- Personal Guarantee Agreement: Used for individual financial backing, often in business loans or credit applications
- Guarantor Indemnity Agreement: Provides broader protection by including indemnification against losses beyond the primary debt
- Tenancy Agreement With Guarantor: Combines lease terms and guarantor obligations in one comprehensive document
- Guarantor Contract: General-purpose agreement adaptable for various financial obligations and business contexts
Who should typically use a Guarantor Agreement?
- Primary Creditors: Banks, landlords, and financial institutions who require additional security for loans or leases
- Guarantors: Financially stable individuals or companies who pledge to cover the debts or obligations of others
- Principal Debtors: People seeking loans, leases, or credit who need backing from a guarantor
- Legal Practitioners: Attorneys who draft and review agreements to ensure compliance with South African contract law
- Property Agents: Real estate professionals who facilitate rental agreements requiring guarantors
- Financial Advisors: Professionals who guide clients on the implications and risks of guarantee arrangements
How do you write a Guarantor Agreement?
- Party Details: Collect full legal names, addresses, and contact information for the guarantor, debtor, and creditor
- Financial Scope: Define the exact amount or obligations being guaranteed, including any interest rates or payment terms
- Time Period: Specify when the guarantee starts and ends, or conditions that trigger termination
- Identity Verification: Gather copies of ID documents and proof of address for all parties
- Financial Status: Document the guarantor's financial position through bank statements or proof of income
- Compliance Check: Review South African consumer protection requirements and financial regulations
- Document Generation: Use our platform to create a legally compliant agreement that includes all essential elements
What should be included in a Guarantor Agreement?
- Party Identification: Full legal names, addresses, and registration details of guarantor, debtor, and creditor
- Guarantee Scope: Clear description of guaranteed obligations, including maximum liability amount
- Payment Terms: Specific conditions triggering guarantor's payment obligations and acceptable payment methods
- Duration Clause: Start date and termination conditions of the guarantee
- Enforcement Rights: Creditor's rights and remedies under South African law
- Jurisdiction: Statement confirming South African law governs the agreement
- Signatures: Dedicated spaces for all parties' signatures, with witness provisions
- Default Terms: Consequences of non-payment or breach by any party
What's the difference between a Guarantor Agreement and an Access Agreement?
A Guarantor Agreement differs significantly from an Indemnity Agreement in several key ways, though both involve financial responsibility. Let's explore the main differences to help you choose the right document for your situation.
- Timing of Liability: Guarantors step in only after the primary debtor defaults, while indemnifiers take direct, immediate responsibility for potential losses
- Scope of Protection: Guarantor Agreements typically cover specific debts or obligations, while Indemnity Agreements can protect against broader ranges of losses or damages
- Legal Defense Rights: Guarantors can use the same defenses as the primary debtor under South African law, while indemnifiers generally cannot
- Payment Structure: Guarantors promise to pay existing debts, while indemnifiers agree to compensate for future losses or damages
- Recovery Rights: Guarantors can usually seek reimbursement from the primary debtor, while indemnifiers typically cannot recover their payments
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