“I have written out a lease for an incoming tenant. She will be guaranteed by a family member. From my research, it looks like there should be a separate GUARANTOR AGREEMENT. But my question is this: Does the lease that the TENANT signs need to mention that there is a Guarantor Agreement, and, if so, where and with what language?”

 - From TheRealDBCooper on Reddit

What a treat to chat with the real D.B. Cooper - we hope this message finds you in good spirits! 

To answer your question, include both the tenant and the financially responsible party within your co-signer or guarantor agreement. Then add a snippet to your lease agreement (typically in the Additional Terms/Provisions section) to outline any other agreements and addendums you are including to supplement your lease agreement - not just the Co-Signer/Guarantor Agreement, but any additional terms like Property Rules & Regulations, Drug-Free Housing Addendum, and Animal Agreement, as applicable.

Keep in mind that both a guarantor and a co-signer are a person or third party who jointly signs a lease with your tenant to guarantee the monthly rent payment. However, a co-signer has more rights under the lease than a guarantor and is entitled to live in the rental as a tenant. A guarantor is financially responsible for a rental but is not authorized to live in the rental unit. Learn more about guarantors and co-signers with our free articles.

Remember, you should always check your state & local landlord-tenant laws or speak to a real estate attorney before the agreements are signed to ensure the proper language and process are used.