So you signed a lease, but your plans have changed and you won’t be staying in your space for the full lease period – what should you do?
Sublease!
Here are 6 things to do when you’re in a position to sublease:
1. Find a subletter
Once you’ve decided that you want to sublease your space, the next step is to find someone who wants to sign for it. Reach out to friends or even make a post on Facebook or boilerapartments.com letting people know you’re searching for someone to take over your space. Consider making a subleasing agreement with someone you trust to be in your space. Or, if your subletter is a new face, perhaps make it a point to meet in person before signing the agreement. You can always give them a tour of your space so you both know exactly what to expect.
2. Get permission from your roomies
Just as anyone would hope, you need to ask permission from your roomies before someone new can move in. If they agree, great! If not, unfortunately you won’t be able to continue on with the subleasing process as it is necessary to have all of your roommates’ permission before signing the agreement. It would be a good idea to get their permission in writing to include in your subleasing agreement.
3. Sign the subleasing agreement
Once you and your subletter have decided to go through with subleasing, it’s time to sign the agreement. This agreement ensures that you are both on the same page. Find a time when you and your subletter are both free to stop by the Granite Student Living office to meet with a leasing agent to sign the agreement. Make sure you and the sublessee also read and understand the original lease agreement. During your meeting, a leasing agent can help answer any questions or concern.
4. Pay the subletting fee
After signing the subleasing agreement, the subletting fee needs to be paid. How this fee is paid is completely up to you and your subletter. Think about agreeing with your subletter to go “halfsies” on this fee, or talk it over and make a decision on who is going to cover it. Any route is okay, you just need to ensure it is paid.
5. Be prompt
If you know that you are wanting to sublease for an upcoming period of time, find a subletter and sign the agreement in a timely manner. Procrastinating the process can make it stressful. The sooner you find someone to take over your space, the sooner you’ll stop worrying about having to cover monthly rent for the time you’ll be away. Leasing agents recommend coming to the office to sign your agreement because the process can be done in one setting.
6. Know who is responsible for what
The primary tenant is ultimately responsible for turnover costs or any damages incurred during the occupancy of the sublessee. Should there be any damages to the space during the term of the lease, the primary tenant’s security deposit is used to cover the damage costs. Both the primary tenant and the sublessee are responsible for cleaning and removing items before the end of the lease and upholding the terms and conditions of the original lease.
