Flexible Pathways for Approval
Our goal is to approve as many qualified applicants as possible. If you are close to qualifying but not quite at our approval threshold, you may still have options.
Deposit Alternative
Approved residents can move in without paying a traditional security deposit, keeping more of their money available for other needs.
Learn more: https://www.obligo.com/
Cosigner
If you are close but don’t quite meet approval guidelines, a qualified cosigner may allow you to meet eligibility requirements.
Learn more: https://fullcirclevt.com/ufaq/cosigner-requirements/
theGuarantors
If you cannot provide a qualified cosigner, you may be able to purchase a bond/insurance product as a replacement.
Learn more: https://www.theguarantors.com/renter
What is TheGuarantors and how does it work?
TheGuarantors is a third-party company that can step in and financially guarantee your lease if you don’t have a qualified cosigner. Instead of providing a security deposit or finding a cosigner, you may be able to purchase a policy from TheGuarantors that protects the property owner and allows you to move forward. Approval and pricing are determined directly by TheGuarantors during their application process.
Do I still have to pay anything upfront with TheGuarantors?
Yes. TheGuarantors is not free — you pay a premium directly to them for the coverage. This premium replaces the need for a traditional deposit or cosigner for approval purposes.
Can anyone use Obligo or TheGuarantors?
No. You must still meet our minimum income + credit screening guidelines to be eligible for either program.
What is the difference between Obligo & TheGuarantors?
Obligo lets approved renters move in without paying a traditional security deposit. TheGuarantors provides a bond/insurance product to help you qualify if you do not have a qualifying cosigner.
Can I use TheGuarantors and Obligo together?
Yes. TheGuarantors helps you qualify for approval, and Obligo lets you move in deposit‐free. Using Obligo keeps cash available — including helping cover costs associated with TheGuarantors bond if applicable.
Do I still need to sign a lease and activate an online resident portal?
Yes. All applicants must still meet screening requirements, sign the lease, and activate their online portal in order to move forward.
Do I apply through Full Circle or through TheGuarantors?
You apply directly through TheGuarantors. Once they issue approval, they send confirmation back to us so we can finalize your lease approval.
How do I use TheGuarantors (Cosigner Alternative)?
Similar to Obligo, you must first submit your rental application through a Full Circle property. If you do not have a qualifying cosigner but meet our minimum guidelines, we can invite you to use TheGuarantors before your lease signing. With TheGuarantors, you may purchase a bond/insurance product instead of providing a cosigner. This allows some applicants who are close to meeting guidelines to move forward without a traditional cosigner. Like Obligo, this program is voluntary — you are not required to use TheGuarantors.
Does Full Circle make money if I choose TheGuarantors?
No. Full Circle does not receive any financial benefit or commission if you use TheGuarantors. This program is offered as an optional pathway to help some applicants move forward when they are close to qualifying but do not have a qualified cosigner.
Do all housemates need to apply to TheGuarantors?
Yes. Each housemate must submit their own application to TheGuarantors so that an approval decision can be made for the entire group.
Submitting an application does not require payment — you’ll only pay a fee if your group decides to move forward with TheGuarantors bond option after approval and touring the home.
If your group chooses to move forward, you can decide among yourselves who will pay any required fees (for example, one housemate or a family member can pay the bond on behalf of the group).
