
Sign up & start saving!
Get our weekly newsletter for the latest in money news, credit card offers + more ways to save
Finder is committed to editorial independence. While we receive compensation when you click links to partners, they do not influence our content.
Updated
If you want a new roommate or someone to take over your rental while you’re gone for a few months, a subtenant can help bring in extra cash. But you’ll still be responsible for paying rent, even if your tenant doesn’t pay you.
Subletting is when a tenant leases out a room in a rental property to someone else who is not listed on the lease. Alternatively, as an existing tenant, you also have the option to rent out the entire property to someone else for a set period of time within your fixed-term lease.
Under a subletting arrangement, that third party is known as a subtenant and has the same rights and responsibilities as other tenants. You would act as the subtenant’s landlord and be responsible for their behavior and any loss or damage they cause.
Whether or not you’re allowed to sublet depends on your lease. Most leases will have a clause that requires you to get your landlord’s written consent before subletting all or part of the apartment.
If your lease doesn’t mention anything about subletting, you’re free to sublet your apartment.
If your lease specifically prohibits subletting, you won’t be able to get a subtenant for the property.
If your lease requires you to ask your landlord for written consent before subletting, make sure you give them plenty of notice — at least a month, in most cases.
Submit a letter to your landlord showing that your subtenant:
Yes, if a landlord feels that a subtenant might damage their property, not pay rent or otherwise be a bad tenant, they can refuse. Landlords will commonly refuse subletting requests if:
If you have a lease that allows subletting with your landlord’s consent, you’ll need to:
Transferring is when you allow another person to take over your lease agreement. This option is suitable if you’re on a fixed-term lease but you need to move out of the property before the lease ends.
You will need to get written permission from your landlord to transfer your lease, and they’ll also need to agree to accept the person you have proposed to take over your lease. If accepted by the landlord, the new person takes over your lease agreement and must abide by the conditions of the lease. You will no longer be responsible for the lease.
There are several factors you will need to consider when setting up and negotiating a sublease, including:
If you need a new roommate or you’re planning on heading out of town for a while, a sublease agreement can help you save on rent. But keep in mind that your renters insurance won’t cover your subtenant, and your landlord may require them to get renters insurance before moving in.
Prepare to revamp your asset allocation and explore new investment classes.
From gathering your financial documents to finding a good therapist, we asked the experts for their No. 1 tip for divorcing spouses.
Ways to protect your assets and what you need to know about marital debt.
It’s possible to consciously uncouple without the hefty attorney fees, but it takes some preparation on your part.
Learn when your home insurance policy would and wouldn’t pay to remove this building material.
Pause repayments, look for low-cost relief to cover expenses and other tips to keep your finances healthy while unemployed.
Find out if your business can qualify for this simplified application form.
Filing for divorce is a legal process that needs to be done correctly, otherwise, your case may be delayed or dismissed. Here’s the step-by-step breakdown.
Online legal services can be a quick, low-cost solution to your legal problems. Here’s the scoop on using online lawyers and where to get free legal advice.
Use these tips to lower your current rent — or save up for a new place if your landlord won’t budge.