Apartment Subleasing

Apartment subleasing is common when the original tenant needs to move but wants to avoid breaking the lease contract. If you are a potential subleasee (you want to rent an apartment under a sublease), there are a few things you should know in addition to the usual Apartment Renting tips. First of all, make sure you see a copy of the landlord's written consent to sublease the apartment. Second of all, be sure the subleaser (the original tenant) is trustworthy: if the subleaser doesn't pay, YOU get evicted. Last, it's best to pay your security deposit to the landlord, not the subleaser. You know where the landlord lives, but you may have trouble locating the subleaser when it's time to get your deposit back.

If you are the potential subleaser, you need to be just as careful. Contact your landlord to get written consent for the sublease, and make sure it is signed by all three parties. Some landlords charge a fee for a sublease, but don't try to avoid paying it by subleasing the apartment "on the sly." If your landlord finds out, you'll end up paying a great deal more for violating the lease than you would have if you had been upfront about it. Also, realize that if your subleasee doesn't pay, YOU are the one who will be taken to court for the money. So be sure your subleasee is reliable. Also, make a checklist of apartment contents and condition, and go over it with the subleasee upon move-in. This will be useful if there is any dispute over deposits or damages at the end of the sublease.

Apartment Renting

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