Are you in a situation where you’ve signed a lease for a home or apartment, but won’t be able to live there the entire time? You don’t want to break the lease, especially if you’re planning to return. However, you also don’t want to waste money on an empty home and electricity you’re responsible for but not living in. One solution is to temporarily sublet your rental.
There are various circumstances where you may want to sublet your rental home or apartment. Examples include a job relocation, an extended vacation, or being a college student who wishes to visit relatives and/or friends during summer break.
Is subletting your rental home or apartment the right option for you?
Here are ten things you’ll want to know:
1. Make sure your lease allows for subletting. Many do not. Even if they don’t (or don’t specify one way or another), talk to your landlord about your special circumstances.
2. Even when subletting is allowed by your lease, be sure to follow the provisions in regards to informing the landlord you’ll be subletting. It’s never a good idea to sublet without the landlord’s knowledge and approval.
Note: You’ll also want to let your neighbors know you’re subletting. That way they’re aware of the change and can let you know if there is anything out of the ordinary happening.
3. There are several ways you can find potential subletters. Most common are internet boards like Craigslist, but you may also consider apartment location services, social media sources (like Facebook), and college or university exchange sites.
4. A lease is a contract between you and your landlord. In many cases, subletting adds another layer of accountability and responsibility. Foremost, subletting (in most cases) does not absolve you, the primary tenant, of responsibility for rent payment, damages, and conduct on the landlord’s property.
5. A sublease is also a contract, between you, the sublessee and, in most cases, the landlord. The sublessee must go through all of the usual steps to occupy the property, including credit and background checks. He or she may also be required to provide a security and damage deposit prior to being approved to sublease.
6. The sublease contract does not have to be complicated, but it must be thorough. Make sure the landlord provides you with any contract specifications (or even the contract itself) to be sure you’re in compliance with their requirements. There are many examples of sample contracts available from a simple Google search, too. If there are any special conditions negotiated in the process, be sure to get them in writing.
7. Perform move-in and move out inspections so there are no surprises on either end. Taking photos will help to document the condition of the property at the beginning and end of the sublease.
8. Secure any personal belongings. In cases like a student sublet you may be leaving furniture and furnishings for your return, but make sure to take personal belongings with you or put them in secure storage.
9. If you have roommates who plan to stay in the property during your absence, it’s a good idea to involve them in selecting their temporary roomie(s).
10. Understand the payment arrangements and make sure payment is received on time. If the contract requires payment from the original tenant, allow adequate time for payment to be received from the sublessee.
Note: Remember that in most cases, you, the original lessee, remain responsible for the lease payment. In many cases, a sublet probably will not cover your lease obligation fully. Most estimates are that subleasing covers 70-80% of your rent.
Subletting is very common and convenient in situations where keeping a lease makes sense. Following these simple suggestions will make it a much easier and smoother process for everyone involved.
Related Resources
Forbes How to Sublet Your Apartment
