ABC's of How To Sublet An Apartment?

[football]

Ok, moving January 1st but my lease is not up till June 1st. My landlord agreed to let me sublet.

When I find someone, do I give them a "lease" between the two of us? If so, is there a standard sublet agreement I can find somewhere (like the standard rental agreements/applications etc...)?

Do I do anything differently on paper with my landlords here?

My landlord I assume would hang on to my original security deposit till June 1st when the person subletting moves out? Do I ask the person that sublets to give me a security deposit as well?

If anyone has advice I would greatly appreciate it. I'll try a search online as well.

thank you

[scottlr]

Never done it, but google is your friend. I'd not do anything without having it in writing and signed by all parties. And I'd also get a security deposit in the same amount as yours from the person. I think a lot of students around here sublet their apartments for the summer, because they plan to return in the fall. That way, they get to keep the apartment, without having to pay the rent. If you aren't coming back, perhaps the landlord, if he's open to sublease, would consider just letting the new tenant take over your lease. That way, just can walk away free and clear.

[thewhit]

Definitely get a deposit and a lease agreement with your perspective tenant.
Your landlord, seeing that he's agreeable to this, may give you his blank lease agreement that obviously is satisfactory to him. Otherwise you can find some online or any good stationary store has a short form and long form lease. I'd go long form as tenants take you more seriously.

Be sure that what your tenant does, doesn't violate your lease. I always have an addendum sheet with different requirements that I try and think of that relates to each particular unit that I rent. For example one place might have hardwood floors and another carpets so be sure to anticipate on your addendum sheet what the potential risks are to you and provide penalties for violations.

I don't allow any tape or glue of any kind on any surface, no holes in any doors or woodwork and no holes in the ceiling, for example. What you don't want is for your vision of the property's condition to vary from your tenant's or you will spend too much time and money fixing your tenant's damage.

Finally take the most qualified person, not the best looking or the one with the most interesting story, or you will wish you had. Check references!!!!!!!!
Gary