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2B. Co-Applicants
2B. Co-Applicants
Andrew - LR Product Expert avatar
Written by Andrew - LR Product Expert
Updated over a week ago

Overview:

Co-applicants must be the spouse of the primary applicant, and can help gain application approval for families that may otherwise not have qualified for LightReach financing.

Ideal Use: Co-Applicants are ideal for families whereby the title holder needs a spouse to pass credit.

Disclaimer: Co-applicants are equally responsible for the Energy Plan obligations. The co-applicant must be a spouse of the primary applicant. Mis-use of the co-applicant feature, intentional or otherwise, may result in restricted access of the Certified Installer.

Getting Approved:

A

Any Co-Applicant must be...

A spouse of the primary applicant (no exceptions).

B

Co-Applicant email...

Must be a distinct/separate email from the primary

C

To get approval with a Co-Applicant....

  1. At least one applicant must pass credit (both applicants are run, highest score taken)

  2. At least one applicant must be on title (both applicants are checked)

  3. Co-Applicant must be a spouse of the applicant (no exceptions)

D

To achieve NTP (M0) with a Co-Applicant...

In general, same existing NTP requirements apply:

  • Both applicants must sign the contract

  • Web portal account set up + customer payment provided from one of the applicants

  • ID Verified and Title cleared via one of the applicants

Underwriting Details:

LightReach underwriters may request additional documentation to confirm the co-applicant is a spouse. In these situations, contact LightReach underwriting with at least one of the following. Providing multiple documents may be required in the circumstance, and is encouraged whenever possible.

  1. Recorded marriage license or certificate.

  2. Copy of both applicant's drivers licenses showing the same address.

  3. Voided check or bank statement showing both applicants, on the same address.

  4. Recent mortgage statement showing both applicants, on the same address.

  5. Recorded deed/title showing both applicants, as a couple, on the same address.

  6. Recent utility bill showing both applicants, on the same address.

For the avoidance of doubt, 'recent' documents are generally defined as those issued within the last 90 days.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1

Can I use a father? Mother? Brother? Etc.?

No. Co-applicant can be a spouse or legal partner only (no exceptions).

2

Still a soft check?

Yes, all credit checks are soft.

3

I'm a sales rep. Can I be a co-applicant?

Only if the full approval & underwriting criteria are met. (you must be a spouse or legal partner to the primary signer).

Intentional misuse of the co-applicant feature will result in immediate access termination.

4

My customer's co-applicant is deceased. Can I use them?

No.

5

My customer's co-applicant is estranged/does not live there anymore?

Only if the full approval & underwriting criteria are met.

6

Does credit score impact who is a primary vs secondary?

Big picture: Co-applicants (both parties equally responsible for the obligation) are distinct from having a co-signer (in which the primary is first responsible, and responsibility falls to the secondary if the primary fails to pay).

With this in mind, we use the terms 'primary' and 'secondary' largely for organizational purposes.

In effect, there is no meaningful distinction or hierarchy between the two, as both are equally responsible for the Energy Plan. Therefore, LightReach will never 'rearrange' or 'subjugate one applicant over the other.

7

My customer signed the contract, why isn't it showing up as signed?

Contracts must be signed by both applicants. DocuSign packages automatically route from Signer #1 to Signer #2. In most cases, the customers have simply not yet executed Signature #2.

8

What if home is in a trust or LLC?

Standard LightReach underwriting guidelines apply. (At least one applicant) Customer must provide trust or LLC documents confirming they are a trustee/controlling member/owner.

9

What happens if the primary is delinquent?

Big picture: Co-applicants (both parties equally responsible for the obligation) are distinct from having a co-signer (in which the primary is first responsible, and responsibility falls to the secondary if the primary fails to pay).

With this in mind, we use the terms 'primary' and 'secondary' largely for organizational purposes.

In effect, there is no meaningful distinction or hierarchy between the two, as both are equally responsible for the Energy Plan.

If there is a delinquency on the account at large, both applicants are subject to the potential consequences and actions of delinquency, just as a single-applicant Energy Plan would (including but not limited to late fees, impact to credit scores, etc.).

10

More than 1 co-applicant?

Applications are limited to 2 applicants.

11

My homeowner has a lower income. Should we add a co-applicant?

Income and DTI are not factored in our credit criteria.

12

Can I remove a co-applicant or change it after I have run?

Yes, via running a new application.

13

Can I get a higher approval amount w/ co-applicant?

No, approval amounts are not influenced by a co-applicant.

14

What if one applicant has a bankruptcy?

A bankruptcy within last 7 years will decline any application, whether impacting one applicant or both.

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