What is a sublet (or sublease)?
Subletting (sometimes referred to as "subleasing") is when you rent out your room, apartment, or house to someone else for a set period of time while you’re still on the lease. During the sublet period, you remain legally responsible for the rental agreement with your landlord, but another person (the subtenant) temporarily lives in the space and pays you rent.
Subletting might be a good solution if:
- You’re studying abroad for a semester
- You’re going home for the summer
- You’re graduating early and need someone to take over your spot until the lease ends
It’s important to check your lease and your landlord’s policies before subletting—not all properties allow it, and those that do can have varying guidelines to follow.
How is Subletting Different from a Lease Takeover or Relet?
Lease takeovers and reletting aren’t the same as subletting. The key difference is that subletting is temporary, while lease takeovers and relets are permanent transfers of the lease to a new tenant.
Lease Takeover
In a lease takeover, someone else fully steps into your shoes, assuming all lease responsibilities with the landlord’s approval. Typically, you’re responsible for finding a new renter and managing the details—advertising the unit, coordinating the security deposit transfer, arranging the handoff of keys, pet fees, and more. This can be an ideal solution if you need to get out of your lease early.
Relet
Reletting happens when the landlord manages the lease takeover process for you, officially ending your lease obligations once the new tenant moves in. In this case, the landlord usually handles everything, not the tenant. Relets tend to be more common with private landlords, who often prefer to stay involved and work directly with the new renters taking over the lease.
Understand Your Options
Not all property managers allow subletting, reletting, or lease takeovers, so it’s important to carefully review your lease before signing. Make sure you know what’s allowed—especially if your future plans are uncertain or you might be away for an extended period.
What to Know About Subletting
Before subletting, it’s crucial to check your lease and landlord’s policies—some require written permission or have specific rules about who can move in. To avoid legal trouble and make sure your subletter doesn’t disappear halfway through, here’s what you need to know.
#1: KNOW THE RULES
Before listing your apartment, read your lease. Many student leases either prohibit subletting or require written permission from your landlord. If it’s not allowed, try asking—some landlords will make exceptions if you explain your situation and offer to help find a replacement. Just don’t go behind their back; subletting without approval can lead to eviction or fines.
#2: FIND A TRUSTWORTHY SUBLETTER
Start by asking friends or classmates if they know someone looking. No luck? Post on your school's housing board or social media (be clear about the dates, rent, and apartment details). You might have to lower your rent a bit to fill the spot quickly.
Always interview potential subletters. Ask about their job or income, how long they need the place, and if they have pets or plan on hosting parties. Give them a tour, be honest about the space, and make sure they’re a good fit—because if they leave early, you’re still on the hook for the rent.
#3: PUT IT IN WRITING
Even if your subletter is a friend, a written sublease agreement protects both of you. Include:
- Names and contact info
- Start and end dates
- Rent amount, due date, and how it’s paid
- Rules around pets, guests, cleaning, and noise
- Who handles what utilities
- The security deposit: how much, what it covers, and how it’s returned
You can find free sublease templates online (like from the Internet Legal Research Group), or ask your campus legal aid office for help.
Also, be clear that if they don’t pay or break the rules, you can ask them to leave. Depending on local laws, you may have the right to evict them.
➡️Bottom line? Subletting can save you money and stress, but only if handled responsibly. Talk to your landlord, screen your subletter, and get everything in writing. A little prep now can save you a a lot of headache later.
How to Create a Sublet Listing
After you’ve confirmed your apartment’s subletting rules and gathered all the key details, follow this step-by-step guided on how to create a sublet listing to get started.
Have Questions?
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