Guaranty of Lease
A guaranty of lease is a promise by a third party to cover tenant obligations if the tenant defaults, reducing risk for landlords and lenders.

September 30, 2025
What is Guaranty of Lease?
A guaranty of lease is a contractual commitment made by a third party, often a parent company or individual, to fulfill a tenant’s lease obligations if the tenant defaults. The guarantor may be responsible for rent, maintenance, or other lease covenants. Guaranties may be limited by amount, duration, or specific conditions.
Why Guaranty of Lease Matters in Real Estate
Guaranties of lease matter in real estate because they reduce landlord risk and enhance the creditworthiness of lease agreements. They can help tenants secure desirable spaces and reassure lenders reviewing lease income streams. Negotiating the scope and release conditions of guaranties is critical to balancing protections and obligations.
Example of Guaranty of Lease in Action
A start-up retailer secures a lease in a prime shopping district by providing a parent company guaranty. The guaranty covers rent payments for the first three years, giving the landlord confidence to proceed.
Key Takeaways
- Guaranties of lease reduce landlord risk.
- They enhance tenant credibility in lease negotiations.
- Terms can limit guarantor liability.
- Often required for start-ups or small businesses.
- Important to lenders reviewing property cash flows.
Related Terms
- Guarantee Limit
- Security Deposit
- Credit Enhancement
- Assignment and Release
- Remedies

401-415 King Street West. (JLL)
Eric Lombardi at an event for Build Toronto, which is the first municipal project of Build Canada. Lombardi became chair of Build Toronto in September 2025.







Rendering of 9 Shortt Street/CreateTO, Montgomery Sisam
Rendering of 1631 Queen Street/CreateTO, SVN Architects & Planners, Two Row Architect
Rendering of 405 Sherbourne Street/Toronto Community Housing, Alison Brooks Architects, architectsAlliance


Hudson’s Bay vacated about as much space as Target did in 2015. (JLL)