{"id":6757,"date":"2017-08-18T15:50:54","date_gmt":"2017-08-18T19:50:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.renthop.com\/content-manager\/?p=6757"},"modified":"2017-08-18T15:51:39","modified_gmt":"2017-08-18T19:51:39","slug":"the-dos-and-donts-of-subletting","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.renthop.com\/blog\/the-dos-and-donts-of-subletting\/","title":{"rendered":"The Do’s and Don’ts of Subletting"},"content":{"rendered":"

Renting works for many people as it provides more flexibility than owning. However, there are still some restrictions, including the lease date. In some cases, you may need to move out of your apartment before the end of the lease, or leave for several months. Luckily, you can sublet our apartment to a renter who needs a short-term option. Subletting can be a bit tricky, so we’ve gathered a list of do’s and don’ts of subletting.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"subletting\"<\/p>\n

What is Subletting?<\/h2>\n

Subletting<\/a> is when the original tenant has an agreement with an other renter to let them use their space. The new renter will live in your place, pay rent, and essentially taking over your lease (including respecting all the parts of your rental agreement). Original renters may sublet to their friends or family, or find a stranger they do not know by listing their apartment<\/a> for sublet.<\/p>\n

In a sublet agreement, the new renter usually does not become the legal tenant on the lease with the landlord. However, the landlord knows about and authorizes the sublet circumstance. In some cases, the new tenant may have the option to take over the lease at the end of the original lease term.<\/p>\n

Do’s of Subletting<\/h2>\n

Follow these steps if you plan to sublet your unit.<\/p>\n

1. Be Selective With Who You Sublet to<\/h3>\n

This should be an absolute given, but time and time again, people will just take what they can get. Instead, you should be very selective about who you sublet to. You are held liable if they are not paying their rent or do not respect the property. Remember, you are vouching for this person and if they are awful, you are likely to ruin your relationship with your landlord and lose a lot of money in the process. It is a good idea to have some sort of screening process to make sure that people are suitable options.<\/span><\/p>\n

2. Know the Rules for Your Area<\/h3>\n

Being that the United States of America is a fairly large country, the rules and regulations for subletting might differ depending on where you are. Some places require you to ask your landlord, while others don\u2019t need your landlord\u2019s permission at all. If you want a quick reference to check out the rules, visit this site for some good information<\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

3. Ask Your Landlord<\/h3>\n

Of course, before just up and leaving and letting someone else live in your apartment and take over your lease, you should try to bring it up with your landlord. While this isn\u2019t always required by law (as you just read about), it is a good way to avoid any stress or problems in the future. They will appreciate the gesture and might even share some tips with you about selecting the right person to sublet.<\/span><\/p>\n

4. Create Rules and Guidelines<\/h3>\n

Before you can leave and move someone in, it is a good idea to set some ground rules or guidelines for what they can and can\u2019t do. This is still your lease and if you have any particular specifications to make, that is your prerogative. For example, do you want them to have a pet inside your apartment? Can they smoke? These are things you need to think about and provide to the person you are subletting to so they are aware of your expectations. <\/span><\/p>\n

Learn more:<\/p>\n