We’ve all heard the term before; Subletting, but the question is if we know the specifics of what subletting entails. In simple terms, subletting, or sublease is when a tenant who has their name on the lease, rents it to a third party while still having their name on the lease.
So how is this different from simply sharing an apartment/room with roommates? Typically, sharing an apartment/room with other tenants would involve their names to be on the lease too. However, while subletting, there is no change in the lease, only in the current occupants of that particular apartment/room. Now that we’ve got that cleared out, let’s just go over the next set of questions you might have and share our tips to find a subletter.
Why Do People Sublet?
Subletting is considered a far simpler procedure than sharing an apartment. For one, there is no need to break or make any changes in the lease while subletting, therefore, it is far less complicated. Subletting is usually practiced when:
- You are moving out of your apartment for an extended period of time and do not want it to sit empty.
- You move out before your lease ends and want someone else to occupy the apartment in the remaining time.
- You don’t want to pay the rent on both apartments at the same time.
- For the third-party tenant, getting a space sublet to them is often beneficial and cost-effective when you want a place to stay for a short period of time.
Also See: Potential Consequences Of Breaking A Lease
How Do People Sublet?
Read The Rulebook:
Before you do anything, read your property agreement. While most property agreements include the subletting clause, there are some agreements that might not allow you to sublet your apartment. Before you sublet, make sure to speak to your landlord or property manager and have them aware of your arrangement. Make sure that your agreement allows subletting and that you’re not doing anything against the lease accord. Acquaint yourself with the local state laws and make sure that the sublet clause is not against the law where you live.
Choose A Trusty Subletter:
Considering that this is a person that is going to be occupying your apartment, it is absolutely necessary that you find a subletter that is trustworthy, hygienic and respects agreements. The next section will detail how to go about finding the perfect subleaser for your apartment!
Ask Plenty Of Questions:
Choosing a suitable subletter often involves enquiring about much of their past to make sure that they’re a good fit and would not leave you with the short end of the shift. This is as far as the sublet agreement is concerned. This would entail questioning them as well as having them submit the relevant documents (or photocopies) of matters concerning credit history, criminal history, pet policy, work timings, etc. You should also always have potential subletters submit a copy verifying their identity (Eg. Passport, Driver’s Licence, etc.) as well as other necessary documents that support their claims.
Sign A Sublet Agreement:
Naturally, the next step would be to draw a sturdy agreement between you and the subletter. Your sublet agreement should include all the necessary clauses including subletting period, monthly rent, security deposit, termination date, and other details. You can also include specific instructions that the subletter is bound to follow, like ‘no pets’, curfews (if any), etc. Have all the clauses down on paper so as to make things easier for you both in the future by preserving them in writing. Subletting means having someone stay under your lease agreement and it is your responsibility to make sure that they don’t break the lease agreement or create undue trouble. It also means that you’re putting your reputation on the line and unruly or rule-breaking behavior might potentially cause your lease to end and for you to lose your apartment.
Maintain An Honest, Open Channel Of Communication:
Subletting involves having a potential stranger occupy your living space for a stipulated period of time. The process involves and necessitates an honest drawing of lines and clear specification of all the rules and regulations that the place comes with, along with the limitations and privileges that it offers. This is why you’ve got to make it a point to listen to and solve the queries and issues the third party might face in your apartment. Approach the process with honesty and it will prove to be a healthy, fruitful arrangement for both the subletter and subtenant.
How To Find A Subletter?
1. Inspect Your Own Circles :
As you know subletting involves renting out your apartment to a third party without changing your name on the lease, it goes without saying that you should find someone who is reliable. Besides that, it should be an individual you trust to be responsible when it comes to rent and other matters. That’s why subletting works best if it is to someone you already know and are friends, family or acquaintances with. This makes it easier for you to know the kind of person they are, their criminal history, their approach towards legality, and managing a household.
You should be able to gauge whether they are disciplined in matters of punctuality associated with rent, termination, etc. This makes the whole process simpler and less complicated. However, even if you are subletting your apartment to a close friend or acquaintance, do make it a point to draw an agreement and have them sign it. This is mainly to avoid any potential arguments in the future.
2. Ask Around :
If you don’t have anyone in your immediate circle who is looking for an apartment for a short period of time, ask around amidst your friends and family if they know someone who is looking for a similar agreement. This increases the trust factor and also brings in accountability.
3. Check With Your Landlord Or Leasing Office:
This is another safe option when it comes to getting subletters. Enquiring with your landlord or asking at the leasing office for potential candidates makes things way easier. This is because you don’t have to do the running around of narrowing down people on the basis of the specific clauses your property agreement might come with. So involving your landlord and selecting a subletter together eases the responsibility of the process from you. When it is a joint venture with your landlord, chances are that, if the tenant causes trouble or breaks the agreement, the responsibility would be shouldered by both the landlord and the leaseholder and not just by the latter!
4. Use Social Media And/Or Specialised Sites
There are multiple websites that are designed specifically for people to find subletters as well as apartments to sublet. These websites often allow you to post your specific requirement, lease period, rent amount, and other rules. Putting up a post on social media allows you to narrow down your search for candidates. You could also connect with others who are in search of something similar.
A few examples of such sites are Craigslist.com, Sublet.com, LeaseBreak.com, and SpareRoom.com. These forums allow you to speak to and openly correspond with potential subletters. Besides that, you can send them pictures of the apartment. It certainly makes the process a lot quicker and more convenient.
If these websites fail, you can always make use of social media to spread the word. It is not unheard of for people to acquire great roommates or subletters via platforms like Instagram, Whatsapp, or Facebook Marketplace!
5. Hold An Open House
Holding an open house is also a fantastic way to generate interest in your apartment. People enjoy viewing the apartment and having an actual tour of every nook and corner of the place. It gives them a sense and feel of the house ambiance plus the space. If hosting actual open houses can be difficult–as in the case of Covid-19–then you could always involve a 3-D tour of your apartment. Thanks to the advancement in technology this gives interested candidates a real sense of the place from the comfort of their home. It also makes your space offer stand out so make sure to highlight the advantages of your home in 3-D.
In short, subletting is a very convenient mode of earning money from your apartment when you’re not residing in it. It’s a great option to choose if you’re a frequent traveler and have to be away from home for short or long periods of time. However, choosing a subletter can be a difficult process and might involve careful thought and consideration on your part. But with some added research and communication on your part, it can be simplified and made quite fruitful!
FAQs On Tips For Finding A Subletter
What Is Subletting?
Subletting your apartment means renting it out to a third party while your name is still on the lease. It usually involves a sublet apartment between two willing parties and is an efficient means to earn rent on an apartment that you are no longer using.
How Do I Find A Subletter?
If you don’t personally know anyone trustworthy who is looking to sublet, then you can try advertising your apartment on sublet apartments. Post about it on social media or enquire with your leasing office for potential candidates to sublet your space to.
What Are Good Websites For Finding Subletters?
Some good websites that you could visit to contact either suitable subletters or apartments that you could sublet in the city of your choice are Sublet.com, Airbnb.com, Leasebreak.com, LeaseBreak.com, and SpareRoom. You could also use good old-fashioned social media to generate interest in and make people aware of your sublet offer!
