What You Need to Know About Subletting an Apartment in Another City

By Brittany Loeffler on April 29, 2018

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If you’ve accepted a summer internship away from home, you’re probably subletting an apartment in another city. It can be nerve-wracking and scary to find an apartment in a brand new city, especially when it comes to subletting. There is so much mystery and uncertainty surrounding subletting that it can almost be confusing.

There’s no need to worry, though. We’ve come up with everything you need to know about subletting an apartment in another city.

subletting an apartment, house keys

via Pixabay

What Does It Mean to Sublet?

First of all, what does subletting even mean? It is an agreement between you, the subtenant, and the person you are subletting from, the tenant. It is not an agreement between you and the landlord. In most states, this is the case, but we’ll touch more on that a little later.

By subletting an apartment, you agree to pay the rent for the months you live there. You are also responsible for any damages you cause while living in the apartment.

If you fail to pay your rent, it then falls on the tenant to pay it to the landlord. You don’t want to be a bad subtenant, so many sure you always pay your rent to avoid problems.

Subtenant Rights

Just like how tenants have rights, you have as a subtenant also have rights when subletting an apartment. Any rules and rights stating in the master lease, or the lease between the landlord and tenant, apply to you as a subtenant. Any rights given to tenants by law also apply to you. For example, if the landlord has given the tenant the right to use the basement of the building as storage, you also have the right to use it.

If you have made any other agreements with the tenant about your rights and what you can and cannot do in the apartment, they also apply to you.

subletting an apartment, application

via Pixabay

You’ll Have to Fill Out an Application

When you have found a place you would like to sublet, you will most likely be asked to submit an application. This is for both the landlord and tenant to look over. They will require information such as your previous address, monthly income, and social security number.

They will need your social security number to run a background and credit check on you. This is to protect the landlord and tenant and ensure that you have never been evicted and have the means to pay rent. They don’t want to be stuck subletting an apartment to someone who will skip out on the rent.

Provide References

During the application process, the tenant may ask for some references. This should be one or two landlords you have rented from previously. They should be able to say that you paid your rent on time and left the property with minimal damage.

You can also use an employer as a reference in regards to how much you make monthly and how responsible you are. It’s best to prepare these references during your search for subletting an apartment.

You May Have to Put Down a Security Deposit

The tenant you are subletting an apartment from may ask you to put down a security deposit. This could be as much as one month’s rent. This is to protect the tenant in case you don’t pay rent one month or leave any damage to the property.

Remember, anything that you do, such as damage the property, will fall back on the tenant who has a lease with the landlord.

Make sure to have the terms of the security deposit in writing so you both understand what it means to get it back at the end of your subletting term.

Review State Laws

Every state’s and city’s laws are different when it comes to subletting an apartment. For example, in Philadelphia, it is illegal to sublet an apartment and must be done as an agreement between the subtenant and landlord. However, in New York City it is very common to sublet an apartment. It’s important to have some sort of knowledge about the laws and protections you have as a subtenant in a new city.

subletting an apartment, new york city

via Pixabay

Make it Home

Sometimes subletting an apartment can feel like you are a guest in someone else’s house. While this may be true, it’s okay to make the apartment feel like home. Feel free to bring in your own decorations and furniture. Hang up pictures of your friends and family. As long as you are respectful and don’t cause any damage to the apartment or anything left behind for you to use.

Your apartment isn’t the only thing you need to make feel like home, though. Get out and explore your new city! Become familiar with certain neighborhoods and find your favorite coffee or sandwich shop. For the next few months, you’ll learn the ins and outs of your new home!

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