How to Sublet an Apartment

Some leases allow for subletting if you have to move out but can find an acceptable tenant. Remember that your name is still on the lease; find a subtenant you trust and who will take this responsibility seriously.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Legal Counsellors
• Financial Calculator
• Credit Reports
• Real Estate Attorneys
• Index Cards
• Notebooks
• Personal Organizers
• Writing Pens
• Notebooks

1. Post an ad on community message boards, in the newspaper classifieds or in other areas with high traffic. Include a description of your apartment, rent, dates for move-in and move-out (if applicable) and your phone number.

2. Show your apartment to prospective subtenants.

3. Draw up a written agreement between yourself and the subtenant stating that the subtenant will abide by the terms of your lease while living in your apartment.

4. Get a security deposit from your subtenant.

5. Arrange for the subtenant to send you the rent money, which you will pass along to the landlord.

Tips & Warnings

• Remember that your name is still on the lease and you are the one responsible for the apartment and the rent when you sublet.
• Make sure that your lease allows you to sublet and that you have the landlord's advance consent. If you sublet illegally, your landlord can evict both you and the subtenant.
• Only sublet what you have a right to. If you have a month-to-month lease, sublet only on a month-to-month basis.

on 11/22/2005 Put all your concerns in your agreement. If you're leaving furniture and belongings, include how you want them cared for. Cover all bases and what your recourse is if the agreement isn't followed. It's not easy, but you'll be better off in the end.