Summer is quickly approaching, and you’re likely already dreaming up the perfect way to spend your summer vacation. You might be planning a trip back home to stay with family for a few months, or maybe you’re planning to couch hop between friends’ homes over the course of a few weeks. As you’re finalizing your plans to leave for summer, you may encounter one major issue — leaving your living space empty for months.
For some, this may be no issue as you consider it a storage space for all your belongings as you travel elsewhere. For others, some may see it as a financial loss as they are left paying for a space they aren’t getting full use out of it. That being said, you may be in the market for finding a summer subletter. By subleasing, you get someone to watch over your space, and you minimize the amount of money lost by not living in the space you’re renting to begin with. Keep reading for tips on how to find your perfect summer subletter.
Photo: Pexels
Make sure you aren’t violating your lease agreement
Before you even begin your search for the perfect subletter, make sure you aren’t violating any part of your lease agreement by subleasing your space. While subletting for a few weeks or months may seem likes the perfect solution for your summer vacation, your leasing office may not allow tenants to sublease their apartment out.
If things go awry while you are subleasing, you are still responsible for whatever happens while you are away. So, if you happen to sublease to someone who wrecks your apartment, you are going to legally liable for the damages as your name is still on the lease agreement. If you choose to go under property management’s nose and get a “secret” subletter, it may end up being more trouble than it’s worth.
If you have any questions about subleasing, refer to your landlord or property management for assistance. They can help you ensure you aren’t violating your lease by subletting it and also offer assistance on navigating the process from start to finish.
Advertise any way you can
Depending on how far ahead you are looking for a subletter, you may feel like you are being rushed into finding a subletter. You may feel like you have to choose the first person that shows interest in subleasing your space. However, don’t be afraid to branch out and advertise your space in any way you can.
First, ask around your own social circle. Is your friend nearing the end of their lease and looking for a quick place to crash until they find their next space? Or is a friend of a friend facing a bad roommate situation and looking to move into a new spot as soon as possible? Take advantage of the connections you already have and see if any friends are looking for a new space. After all, you may feel more comfortable knowing your subletter beforehand and feel like you are leaving your living space in far more reliable hands than if you had sublet your space to a complete stranger.
Imagine if you were looking for a space to sublease and how you would navigate your search. Your first thought may have been asking your friends for any options, but if that didn’t produce any positive results, you may turn your search elsewhere — social media. If you haven’t already, join groups for your college on Facebook. Whether it’s a general one for students or more specific pages for those looking for housing, these groups can be a great and easy way to connect with students and advertise your space.
Protect yourself and your space
As much as you want to, don’t take the easy way out by not doing your due diligence when it comes to finding your summer subletter. You can’t simply shake your subletter’s hand, give them your apartment keys, and hope for the best. When subletting, make sure you are taking the right steps to ensure that you are leaving your apartment in good hands. Create a sublet agreement that leaves no room for argument between you and your subletter.
A sublet agreement can help ensure that you are making your subtenant legally responsible for paying rent on time and keeping your apartment in good condition. The sublet agreement should be signed by everyone involved — you, your landlord/property management, and your subtenant.
An effective sublet agreement should make the terms of your sublet perfectly clear. Outline what you expect from your subtenant during the sublease, from the amount of time you are going to be subletting, the rent amount and due date(s), and the behavior you expect from the subtenant. By making documents like a sublet agreement mandatory, you may also be weeding out bad subletters who want to bypass any time of commitment.
Don’t let your summer be ruined by a bad subletter. With these tips in mind, help yourself find the perfect subletter.
Equal Housing Opportunity
