Subletting your apartment
SUGGESTIONS FOR SUBLETTING
(or ... why you should start thinking like a landlord).
1. Put the sublease agreement in writing and make sure the landlord has granted
permission to sublet the unit.
2. Make sure you obtain a damage deposit from the subtenants.
3. Never leave any utilities including telephone, water, lights, cable, etc. in your name for
the subtenants to pay and use. Don't buy any sob stories about transfer/deposit charges.
4. Know the financial history of your subtenants.
5. Obtain a local and a "home" address on your subtenant in case you have to sue them
for rent or damages.
6. Walk through your apartment with the landlord before you move out to verify any
damage, then do the same with the subtenant and again before the subtenant vacates in
August.
7. Remember you will be greatly discounting rent and therefore you are taking a big risk of
damages to your unit because subtenants who pay bargain basement prices tend not to
value the property.
8. You remain liable for unpaid rents and subtenant damages. Yes, you can sue the
subtenant for reimbursement but this is a cumbersome process so be careful before you
enter into the role of being a landlord.
Current Web Author: Beckee Bachman
Original Web Author: James P. Biggins
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