Subletting - Step by Step!
Going away this summer? If you signed a 12-month lease, you could be paying rent while your room in Boston is unoccupied. The solution? Sublet your room! Find another person to live in your room and pay rent during your absence.
1. Ask your landlord for permission in writing! It's tempting to find someone without informing your landlord, but this can cause serious problems. Your landlord can evict the sub-lessee if they did not give permission. Some landlord/management companies may charge a fee to sublet, which can range from $100 up to one month’s rent.
Pro-Tip: this fee seems too high, try to negotiate, or ask your sub-lessee to split the cost with you.
2. Find someone to live in your room. Use the Northeastern Housing Database by registering with your Husky email address. Post your apartment listing, and link your listing to your roommate profile. Search for potential sub-lessees in roommate listings. Include your roommates in the process, so everyone is comfortable with the new tenant!
Pro-Tip: Pick wisely! You'll be responsible for any damages while the sub-lessee lives there.
3. Get everything in writing! Write up a sublease contract between the sub-lessor (you) and sub-lessee, to make sure everyone is on the same page. Include:
-
Move-in/Move-out dates and procedures
-
Rent price, when it's due and how to pay
-
Utilities and how to pay them
-
Responsibility for damage - Will you collect a security deposit?
-
Furnished/unfurnished
4. Both parties should sign the agreement and each have a copy.
For more information use our Guide to Subletting. Contact
Off Campus Student Services in 226 Curry, (617) 373-8480 with any questions or concerns.
|