Two Kinds of Programs, Four Common Names
When Houston renters ask about TheGuarantors vs. Jetty vs. Obligo vs. Rhino, they are often comparing two different products. Knowing which is which saves money. This guide is part of our flexible credit search, where we track which programs each building accepts.
Lease Guarantors: TheGuarantors and Jetty
A lease guarantor program stands behind your entire lease, the way a parent co-signer would. If you stop paying, the program pays the landlord and then seeks repayment from you. Guarantors help renters who fall short on:
- Credit score (thin file or bruised credit)
- Income multiple (for example, below 3x)
- US credit history (international movers)
You pay a fee, commonly priced as a percentage of one month’s rent and based on your risk profile. The fee is usually non-refundable. TheGuarantors and Jetty both offer lease guarantee products; Jetty also offers deposit-related products. Exact pricing and eligibility change, so verify current terms with the program.
Deposit Alternatives: Obligo and Rhino
A deposit alternative replaces the cash security deposit. Instead of putting down, say, $1,000, you pay a smaller fee or authorize a billing method. The building is covered for damages and unpaid charges up to a limit.
Deposit alternatives help renters who qualify for the lease but want lower move-in cash. They do not usually fix a credit or income shortfall. Rhino works as a deposit insurance product with a fee. Obligo uses a billing authorization model instead of holding cash. Both still hold you responsible for real damages or unpaid rent.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| TheGuarantors | Jetty | Obligo | Rhino | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Main product | Lease guarantor | Lease guarantor and deposit products | Deposit alternative | Deposit alternative |
| Solves credit or income shortfall? | Yes | Yes (guarantor product) | Not usually | Not usually |
| Lowers move-in cash? | Sometimes (replaces co-signer) | Yes for deposit products | Yes | Yes |
| Fee refundable? | Usually no | Usually no | Varies by model; not a cash deposit | Usually no |
| Still liable for damages? | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Pricing and eligibility change. Confirm current terms directly with each program before you enroll.
The question to ask first
“Does this building accept this specific program, and for which part of my application: the guarantee, the deposit, or both?” An unaccepted program means a wasted application fee.
Guarantor Fee vs. Extra Deposit: The Math
If a tiered building offers you a choice, compare total cost, not just upfront cash.
Example: $1,800 rent, 12-month lease
- Guarantor fee at 70% of one month: $1,260, not refunded.
- Extra refundable deposit of $900: $900 up front, returned at move-out if you leave the unit in good condition.
Over the lease, the deposit costs you nothing if things go well, while the guarantor fee is gone. The guarantor wins when you lack the cash or when the building requires it. Our move-in costs breakdown shows how each option changes cash to sign.
Which Houston High Rises Accept Which Programs?
Acceptance is building-specific and changes as operators renegotiate vendor contracts. Portfolio operators like Greystar, Hines and Hanover sometimes set policy across their buildings, but individual properties can differ. We track acceptance by building in our database and confirm it before you apply rather than publishing a list that could go stale.
How to Choose
- Credit or income shortfall? Start with a lease guarantor (TheGuarantors or Jetty’s guarantor product).
- Qualified but short on cash? A deposit alternative (Obligo or Rhino) may lower move-in costs.
- Have the cash? An extra refundable deposit often costs least overall.
- Check acceptance at the specific building before enrolling.
How to Apply with a Program
- Get pre-approved by the program before you apply to a building. Most programs make a quick decision online.
- Confirm the building accepts it and for which purpose: full lease guarantee or deposit replacement.
- Share the approval with the leasing office so screening can reflect it.
- Pay the program fee only after the building confirms acceptance.
Questions to Ask the Program
- Is the fee a one-time charge or monthly?
- Is any part refundable if the building denies me?
- What happens at renewal: is there another fee?
- If I owe the building money at move-out, how does the program collect?
- Does the program report to credit bureaus?
Common Misunderstandings
“A deposit alternative means I owe nothing for damages.” Not true. It replaces the cash deposit, but you can still be billed for damage or unpaid rent.
“Every Greystar or Hines building accepts the same programs.” Often, but not always. Confirm at the specific property.
“Guarantor fees are refundable if I move out early.” Usually not. Read the program terms before you enroll.
Get the Building-by-Building Answer
Tell us which program you have, or plan to use, in the questionnaire. We will text back the Houston high rises that accept it and fit your budget, with this week’s specials. Start your search.
