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Real Estate
7 Things to Keep in Mind When Subletting Your Apartment
There are many reasons you may choose to sublet your space: you may want to spend time traveling, attend an artist residency, take care of your loved ones, visit friends, or maybe life has thrown you a sudden curveball that requires you to move ASAP.
Subletting can make a temporary change more financially feasible, while making sure your home is looked after while you are away. Whatever your reason for spending time away from home, there’s a community of Listers like you on Listings Project who are looking for a space just like yours. Let's help you connect with them and figure out the ins and outs of subletting along the way.
But first: what is subletting?
You may have subletted your space before, but if you haven’t, it helps to understand what subletting is.
To sublet is to rent out a space to someone else for a set period of time. This can be a space you currently rent yourself, or a space you own.
Subletting can take many forms: maybe you want to post a short-term sublet while you are away on a trip, or maybe you are moving out and want to find a long-term tenant instead of breaking your lease (and possibly paying hefty fees). Whatever your situation, subletting can be a flexible option that makes sense for a variety of circumstances.
Photo by Mia Barron
1. Check your lease agreement and local laws
Before subletting your apartment, make sure to check your lease agreement. It should specify whether you are allowed to sublet your space and if your landlord requires advance notice if you intend to do so.
Once you’ve reviewed your lease terms, look into your local subletting laws. Some laws state that tenants have the right to sublease with their landlord’s written consent, and may recommend or require you to submit your potential subletter’s information along with your request.
If you live with roommates, loop them into the conversation early and confirm they are on board with subletting. Some leases may even require your roommates’ consent.
Photo by Molly Schwartz
2. Think about what you are looking for when subletting
It will be helpful for both you and your subletter to have a clear understanding of your needs.
The more information you can share upfront about who you are and what you are looking for, the more likely you are to find the perfect person to sublet your space.
Are you looking for someone to take care of your space? Your pet? Your plants? Are you prepared to put your personal belongings in storage? Before posting your sublet listing, make sure to think deeply about these needs.
Quote by Nicolas Lupo
3. Clearly describe your space
As with any listing, you’ll want to describe your space and your situation as clearly as possible. Some basic questions you’ll want to make sure you answer in your description include: Why are you subletting your space?
Why are you subletting your space?
What is the layout of the space?
How many bedrooms and bathrooms?
Is the space furnished?
Are utilities included in the rent?
Are pets allowed?
Are there any amenities or special features?
Are there hardwood floors, a backyard, skylights?
What is the neighborhood like?
Are there grocery stores or cafes nearby?
Is it near transportation?
Is it ADA compliant or accessible to someone with a physical disability?
Listings Project Community Tip
We have a great, thorough blog on how to write a compelling and inclusive Real Estate listing that we highly recommend reviewing when posting your sublet on Listings Project. It covers everything from writing a standout headline to making sure your listing description is both detailed and personal.
Quote by Nicolas Lupo
4. Be fair and transparent as you evaluate potential subletters
It’s important to make sure your process for evaluating potential subletters is fair and transparent. A big part of what we do at Listings Project is making sure all members of our community are on the same page. That’s why all listers, whether they are posting a listing or simply subscribing to the list, are required to abide by our Community Agreements. We use these agreements to help us uphold the exceptional level of care and respect that is foundational to our work as a force of communal good and collective care within the real estate and jobs industries.
Please review these documents carefully as you begin responding to inquiries and showing your space to potential subletters. There’s a lot of guidance and information to learn from.
Listings Project Community Tip
We understand that some Listers may want to run background checks before renting out their space or inviting new roommates. Please keep in mind how background checks may affect people with an arrest record or who have been formerly incarcerated.
If you are concerned about sexual violence, we recommend you check the National Sex Offender Registry. We also recommend checking out resources from the Osborn Association to guide you on how to use inclusive, humanizing language to indicate you are open to leasing to formerly incarcerated individuals.
When running background checks, please keep our Community Agreements in mind to make sure everyone has equal access to housing.
Photo by Christine Gardiner
5. Verify information and create a sublet agreement
At Listings Project, we vet listings to make sure they are personal, inclusive, and in line with our Community Agreements. However, when interacting with Listers, it’s important that every Lister verifies information on their own behalf.
Take the time to get to know each other by:
Sharing and calling references from past tenants, subletters, landlords, or roommates to verify the history of the Lister
Consulting your local laws on the use of background checks.
Considering asking for income verification or vetting the ability of the Lister to pay the rent.
If you have questions or concerns, share your thoughts clearly, openly, and honestly. Jump on a phone call, video call, or if possible, meet each other in person in a public space.
When renting or subletting, read any leases carefully and address any questions you may have before signing. Spelling all essential terms out clearly in a lease or sublet agreement will help ensure there aren’t misunderstandings later on.
Your sublet agreement should include:
The start and end dates of the sublet
The rent amount and how it should be paid (Venmo, bank transfer, check, etc.)
The deposit amount, when it is due, and when it will be returned. You should identify whether or not this particular arrangement will take on greater risk and consider increasing the deposit within local limitations for damage caused by the tenant beyond normal wear and tear.
The anticipated responsibility for the utilities.
Any house or building rules that may apply to any tenants more broadly, not just those that might apply to the current landlord residing at a home.
Whether you are the owner, tenant, or subletter, here are more tips to keep in mind when renting a space on Listings Project.
Photo by Bethany Waggoner
6. Make a list of everything your subletter needs to know
Before you turn over your space, make sure you’ve documented everything your subletter needs to know that isn’t already in the lease. This is a great time to let your subletter know about your home’s quirks. Does your space have a finicky faucet, a miscalibrated thermostat? Maybe there is a stool in the kitchen that can’t be leaned back in. Or does your building’s plumbing need to be treated cautiously? These are the kinds of ins and outs you’ll want to document for your new subletter.
You’ll also want to provide your WiFi password, and if possible, the name of someone local who can assist your subletter if they have any issues while you are away. If you have a designated repair person or housekeeper who comes, make sure to leave this information too.
Photo by August Tang
7. Make space for your new subletter
You’ll want your tenant to feel welcome and at home in your space. If you can, clear out as many cupboards as possible, as well as any dresser drawers so that they have somewhere to put their things. Tidy and clean your space and make sure you’ve stocked up on household essentials. You might even consider leaving a friendly note of welcome for your new tenant, along with a list of your favorite things about your space and the neighborhood.