GEORGIA (WALB) - Rent has climbed 20% in the last few years and apartment vacancy remains tight around 6%, according to Cosign.

Property managers say many renters are being denied for reasons beyond affordability, even applicants with steady income are getting turned away simply because they lack a traditional family cosigner.

Cosign, a new third-party guarantor platform launched in 2025, to approve qualified renters without lowering standards. The company’s founder and CEO, Zach Schofel says the platform has proven as a better way to address income, credit, or past rental history challenges.

“I hope that everyone has access to familiar guarantor because if they do it is a much easier process than Cosign. But Cosign is there in emergencies for individuals who don’t have access to a family guarantor, as a stop gap to make sure people live where they want to live.”

This change has helped bring in military families, service workers, and young professionals, all groups that are increasingly common in South Georgia.

To learn more about Cosign click here.

Have a news tip or see an error that needs correction? Let us know. Please include the article’s headline in your message.

To stay up to date on all the latest news as it develops, follow WALB on Facebook and X (Twitter). For more South Georgia news, download the WALB News app from the Apple Store or Google Play.

Copyright 2026 WALB. All rights reserved.