How to Sublease an Apartment

When the tenant of an apartment will be gone for a length of time, they may decide to sublease their apartment. This happens in places where good apartments are hard to find, like big cities and areas near universities. These apartments are often rented already furnished, and can fill the needs of people looking for a place to stay temporarily.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Make sure the original signed lease agreement does not strictly forbid subleasing. Inform the landlord of your intentions to sublease. It might even be a good idea to speak to a lawyer.

2. Write a detailed advertisement describing the apartment. Include apartment attributes, contact information and photographs. Make sentences short and to the point, and make sure the ad is well organized and easy to read.

3. Set up times to show the apartment. Make sure the apartment is clean when applicants come to see it, and get to know the person viewing the apartment. Use this time to point out the apartment's highlights that aren't obvious, such as good management and quiet neighbors.

4. Choose a sub lessee. The ideal person would be familiar to you on a personal basis, or recommended by someone you trust. If this is not possible, make sure the person has plenty of references to show trustworthiness and responsibility.

5. Prepare the necessary paperwork. Make sure the lease agreement is ready by the time the showing takes place and states clearly the terms of the agreement, including the length of the lease, the amount of rent and deposit, the due date and a place for all parties to sign, as the landlord may need to sign the agreement as well.