An apartment sublet can be a good solution for someone looking for temporary housing, someone who needs to temporarily leave an apartment or someone who needs to get out of a lease a little early. Apartments sublet when a person takes over paying the rent for the original tenant, usually on a temporary basis.

Pros

Apartment sublets work very well in situations where a person needs to rent an apartment for two or three month, perhaps while attending a university summer session. Sublets generally require smaller deposits and sometimes offer lower rent . If credit is an issue, apartment subletting can be a good solution for that, too.

A sublet should only be done with the landlord’s permission. For both the original lease holder and the person subletting, it is important to find a reliable person to enter into a subletting situation. You should ask friends, carefully look at ads and do interviews before deciding on a sublet.

Temporary versus “Finishing the Lease”

Apartment subletting can be available for both temporary housing and taking over a lease for someone who needs to move. Both situations can actually be short term, but carry different responsibilities. Taking over someone’s apartment lease can mean paying the full security deposit and signing the original lease. However, it can be a good way to find short term housing or try out an area without a long term commitment.

Cons

It’s important to enter an apartment sublet with very clear parameters for rent and the lease term. You should have a written agreement between you and the original tenant or an addendum to the original lease. Ask to see a copy of the original lease so you have a clear understanding of your responsibilities and obligations as a temporary tenant. People’s plans can change, so be certain you know how to contact the original tenant during the term of your sublet. Finally, be sure you know who has a key to the apartment or ask for all copies of the keys until the original tenant returns.