Co-signer, wife disappered with son, can I enter apartment?

Question

So I co-signed a lease with my wife who I've been separated from since September. I've never lived in her apartment. She just recently disappeared with my son and I can't track them down. I have gone to the apartment complex and advised them if I could enter the apartment since I'm a co-signer, they said yes and even gave me a key since I didn't have one. Does that mean that I can then enter the apartment without repercussions if she finds out?

Answer 1

That depends what you mean by co-signed. Some consider that just a guarantor if the person on the lease fails to pay. In that case, you have no rights to enter. They may have misunderstood and thought you were living there as a co-tenant. Call the police and report her missing and for kidnapping. The police will search the place for clues. That way if anything comes up missing, you won't be blamed.

Answer 2

Yes, you are legally a tenant even if you have never lived there. If she didn't want you to have access to the apartment, then she shouldn't have had you co-sign. There is no legal premise to keep you from going inside. If you are not sure and are afraid of possible repercussions, then contact a police officer to go with you. But really, you have a legal right to enter.

Answer 3

I guess I'll have to find out exactly what I am. I think Im just a co-signer, but if I'm just a co-signer, was it bad on the apartment complex to give me a key to the apartment?

Answer 4

Technically and legally you might be able to enter the rental unit. Why would you want to enter the rental unit?



If there is some items still in the rental unit and become missing, it might become your responsibility to pay for the missing items.



Based on the fact that you are on the lease, the landlord technically is allowed for you to have access to the rental unit.



In the event something is missing or damaged the landlord is gonna deny they had anything to do with the missing or damaged items as they allowed you access.



You are legally responsible for the payment of the rent since you are the co-signer, of the rental unit.



I hope this has been of some benefit to you, good luck.



"FIGHT ON"

Answer 5

There's a different between being a cotenant listed on the lease and just being a cosigner (guarantor) of the lease. Which are you?

Answer 6

You're on the lease. Should be any problems, unless there is a legal order for you to not to.

Answer 7

Yes. As a co signer, you have the right to enter.

Answer 8

Yes, because effectively you have equal rights to it in accordance with the terms of the lease. You could even move into it if you wanted.

Answer 9

did you originally co-sign to be financially responsible because she didn't qualify on her own or because you live there...seems the landlord thinks to live there...

Answer 10

yes. you are the co-signer and have as many rights AND responsiblities as the other signer

Answer 11

Yes, legally you can live there but will be responsible for the rent.

Answer 12

Are you listed as a tenant or as a guarantor? If as a tenant, you can absolutely go in.