The New Face of NYC Guarantors: Why Panda Guarantee Is Shaking Things Up

TL;DR

Looking for a third-party guarantor in NYC but tired of overpriced options and confusing processes? You’re not alone. In this episode of Pinpointe Unfiltered, Rachel and Josh sit down with Tom DeRose, co-founder and CEO of Panda Guarantee, a new alternative shaking up the rental approval scene in New York.

Tom shares how his own frustration with the rental process inspired him to build a more renter-friendly guarantor model—faster approvals, better pricing, and actual human support. They also dig into founder real talk, startup life, and how landlords can benefit from working with new players like Panda.

5 Fast Facts

1. Panda often approves applicants big players usually reject
2. Their underwriter is A+ rated by AMBest (higher than competitors)
3. They’ve approved applicants with credit scores as low as 525
4. Applications from renters without SSNs are easier than you’d think
5. Approvals are quick and human, even for international or non-traditional applicants

Meet Panda Guarantee: A New Kind of NYC Guarantor

When it comes to renting in NYC, the approval process can feel like a black box—especially if you’re a student, international, or anyone who doesn’t check every perfect-credit box. That’s where Panda Guarantee comes in.

In this episode of Pinpointe Unfiltered, we talk to Tom DeRose, CEO and co-founder of Panda Guarantee, a new third-party guarantor shaking up the system. Tom shares why he launched the company, what makes Panda different, and why this matters to both renters and landlords navigating NYC’s chaotic rental market.

From faster approvals to cheaper fees and real human contact (yes, Tom gives out his actual phone number), this episode is packed with insights for anyone relocating to NYC—or helping others do it.

Why the NYC Guarantor System Needed a Rethink

The current guarantor landscape in NYC has long been dominated by the same big players who’ve made the process needlessly complicated and expensive. Tom DeRose’s personal experience with being denied, overcharged, and overwhelmed as a student renter led to the founding of Panda Guarantee.

• Legacy third-party guarantors (Rhino, TheGuarantors, Insurent) dominate the market
• Tom was denied despite having supportive parents and roommates
• Documentation demands were sky-high, even for ideal renters

His frustration turned into a mission: make it cheaper, faster, and less awful to get approved.

“It was just resentment, honestly. These companies were making it harder than it needed to be.”

How Panda Guarantee Is Actually Different

Unlike the old-school guarantors, Panda puts both renters and landlords at the center. They’re not just cheaper—they’re smarter about how they assess risk and communicate.

For renters:

• Cheaper premiums than big-name competitors
• Approves more applicants, even those with low credit or international backgrounds
• Fast turnaround on applications—no endless back-and-forth

For landlords:

• Faster claims payout process—no games
• A+ financial backing from their underwriter (safer than the rest)
• Pre-qualified applicants delivered to your listings, not the other way around

And yes—Tom’s actual number is on their landlord dashboard. Try getting that from a Fortune 500 firm.

Helping Renters No One Else Will Touch

Not everyone comes to NYC with perfect credit, a high-paying job, and a 700+ FICO score. Panda exists for the rest of us. They’re focused on giving people real options, not arbitrary rejections.

• Applicants with 620 or even 525 credit? Still eligible
• No SSN? Still eligible, especially if you’ve got proof of employment or assets
• International students or relocating employees? Fast-tracked, not sidelined

If you’ve got a job lined up in NYC but no U.S. credit history, Panda treats you like a person—not a liability.

Pro tip: Pinpointe Group works with mom-and-pop landlords who are often faster to accept new guarantors like Panda.

Building Trust in a Rigid System

Landlords don’t love change, especially in NYC where relationships and legacy systems run deep. But Panda’s been winning trust one deal at a time by leading with value—not red tape.

• Pre-approval first, then pitch the landlord
• Small landlord? One phone call and they’re usually in
• Big management company? Takes longer—but Tom is pounding the pavement

He’s not just selling a service. He’s creating a pipeline of qualified, ready-to-rent tenants. Landlords benefit without lifting a finger.

“We want to be known as the guarantor that helps renters who are stuck—because no one else is.”

From College Kid to Startup CEO

Panda Guarantee didn’t come out of nowhere. Tom’s story is one of trial, failure, and eventually finding product-market fit. He’s been through it, and it shows in how Panda is built—with empathy for both sides of the deal.

• Launched his first venture at 19
• Blew through multiple failed ideas before landing on student housing
• Built Housing Panda, a student housing management company in cities like NYC, DC, and Miami
• Used COVID as an opportunity to gain landlord traction when the city emptied out

Today, Panda Guarantee is growing fast, but staying human: real support, thoughtful underwriting, and a genuine mission to fix what’s broken.

Why This Matters for NYC Renters

The NYC rental game is hard enough without feeling like you’re begging for approval. Panda Guarantee is changing the dynamic by putting renters first and forcing an outdated industry to adapt.

If you’re moving to NYC and don’t fit the “perfect tenant” mold—or you’re a company trying to relocate someone who doesn’t—Panda might be the piece you’ve been missing.

Need help finding a landlord that works with Panda? Pinpointe Group has you covered.