Security Deposit Return security deposit to co-signer?

[CMess]

Jurisdiction

North Carolina

Our tenant recently moved out. We did allow a co-signer on the lease. The co-signer provided the security deposit (based on the information on the check) and paid most monthly checks. We did not confirm in writing that the co-signer paid for the security deposit. The rental agreement simply entails a general statement that the deposit must be returned to tenant.

Is the co-signer eligible to receive back the security deposit or should it be sent to the tenant?

 

[adjusterjack]

Is the co-signer eligible to receive back the security deposit or should it be sent to the tenant?

No. The co-signer is only a guarantor of the tenant's obligations, not a tenant. The deposit goes to the tenant unless the lease specifies that the co-signer gets it.

Of course, if you get written consent of the tenant to pay the co-signer, you may do so.