In an effort to modernize the rental approval process for workforce renters in North Carolina, Cosign has launched its innovative third-party guarantor platform in High Point. This timely initiative seeks to address the challenges faced by qualified but underrepresented renters in the region, particularly those who often struggle with traditional screening criteria.
High Point, located at the core of the Greensboro-High Point Metropolitan Statistical Area, is an economic powerhouse in North Carolina, situated conveniently between Charlotte and Chapel Hill. However, the area has seen a rise in rental vacancies, with the current rate hitting 9.5%, a stark increase from the previous low of 7.9% recorded in 2025. Even as asking rents have climbed slightly by 0.5% over the past year, the pressing nature of rental demand juxtaposed with elevated vacancies has prompted property managers to explore more effective methods of approving renters.
Traditional renter approval standards that rely heavily on credit scores often disqualify promising candidates, particularly those in the gig economy, recent newcomers, and young professionals whose earnings may not be adequately reflected in their credit reports. Cosign's platform mitigates this issue by serving as a financial safety net for property owners while broadening the rental market for tenants who may otherwise be declined approval.
Cosign's co-founder and CEO, Zach Schofel, emphasized the transformative potential of the platform. 'We're not saying that the renters are the problem; it's that the tools for evaluating them have not evolved with the changing demographics and employment types of the workforce. Cosign allows properties to confidently approve applicants who have the means to pay but may not meet outdated credit standards.' This represents a notable shift in rental screening processes.
Lisa Bisher, the director of property management at Apartment Dynamics, echoed this sentiment. 'In our current landscape, the challenge lies not in attracting applicants, but in finding those who meet our qualification standards. Cosign has added significant value by allowing us to accept more applicants who fall short on credit alone. Not only have we improved occupancy rates, but our leasing team is now able to dedicate more time to customer service rather than navigating screening hurdles.'
The platform facilitates a data-driven approach to migrant approval that looks beyond conventional qualifiers, using a dynamic risk model that assesses payment behavior and recency. Since its inception, Cosign has made its services available across over 400,000 rental units nationwide, joining the marketplace in North Carolina as part of its expansion into the southeastern region.
With High Point's robust workforce and palpable demand for housing, Cosign is confident that its approach will facilitate a more inclusive rental landscape. The company aims to redefine the parameters of tenant approval, enabling property owners to connect with a broader range of potential renters. As the rental market continues to evolve, innovations like Cosign contribute to a more accessible and equitable housing ecosystem.
For additional information and updates, visit
www.rentwithcosign.com and follow them on social media at @rentwithcosign. Cosign's mission as a real estate technology company focuses on bridging gaps between qualified renters and landlords, using intelligent underwriting methods that go beyond mere credit scores to evaluate applicants’ potential. As they pave the way for future rental standards, Cosign is not only helping to fill vacancies but fundamentally changing the way society views and engages with the rental market.