Subletting For a month or Two?

Question

How can I sublet for a month or two without getting into more trouble?
Anything to look out for?

Should I write anything to keep me out of trouble on paper?

Answer 1

The way to keep out of trouble always lies with getting things in writing. The first thing to do is read your lease to see if it is allowed. If it is allowed, the landlord will probably have the right to view the application of the subleasee. If not allowed, then you neetd to take stock of whether or not the landlord will find out. The best way is always the honest way. Even if not allowed, if you have a good history and relationship with your landlord, and allow them to check out the subleasee, they may say okay rather than loose you. You need to have the person checked out, anyway. Then get a regulation lease form and make the person sign it as a subtenant. If only for a month or two, get all the money up front and don't forget to get a security deposit.

You might want to go to www.nolo.com and check out the laws that apply to your state with regard to sub tenancy so you know what your rights are if the subtenant refuses to move out or damages your belongings. If they are reluctant to sign a general rental application, (available at places like Office Depot), or sign a sublease, then look out. That is a red flag that you should move on and find someone else. Bad credit is not really the issue, by the way. Plenty of good people have bad credit, sometimes due to medical bills. The things you want to look out for are job stability, salary, and whether or not they have ever been evicted or had a car reposessed. People who are willing to loose their car and home won't keep a job long. The only exceptions to that rule is a bad divorce or devastating medical crisis that they are recovering from.

Answer 2

I would seriously advise against subletting for just a month or two. It's not really worth the hastle for the small amount of money you might save.

Talk to your landlord and see if you can't get out of your lease a month early-- or ask them if you find someone else if they will let them begin their own lease a month early. Some landlords are receptive if you find someone else.

IF you do sublet, make sure you get some rules in writing as well as any other terms. Don't let this go just because you rent to a friend. If they damage things or create problems, you could be liable, so watch your back!