A sublet is when the person named on the lease (the tenant) lets someone else (the subletter) live in their apartment for part of the lease term. The original tenant is still on the hook to the landlord — you're paying them, not the building.
When it makes sense
- You're leaving for the summer (internship, study abroad, going home) but your lease runs through August.
- You need housing for 2–4 months and don't want to sign a full year lease.
- You want to test a neighborhood before committing to a full lease next year.
The 5-step flow
- 1
Check the lease. Most student leases require landlord approval for a sublet. Some ban it outright. Ask before you promise anyone the room.
- 2
Agree on price + dates in writing. Sublet rent is often below the lease rent
that's normal, especially in summer.
- 3
Sign a short sublet agreement. A one-pager covers names, dates, rent, deposit, utilities, and what happens if either side backs out.
- 4
Do a walkthrough with photos. Photograph every room, appliance, and existing damage. Both sides keep a copy
this is your deposit insurance.
- 5
Hand off keys, utilities, and Wi-Fi info. Tell your landlord the subletter's contact info in case of a building emergency.
What to negotiate
- Deposit — usually one month, refunded after move-out inspection.
- Utilities — decide if they're included in the rent or split. Put it in writing.
- Furniture — if you're leaving yours, note it in the agreement so nothing "disappears".
- Mail — set up forwarding so packages don't pile up in the lobby.
Good to know
The rule that matters: the original tenant is legally responsible to the landlord. Only sublet to someone you're willing to vouch for.
Common mistakes
- No written agreement ("we're both students, it's chill") → deposit fights.
- Not telling the landlord → risk lease violation.
- Undercharging without accounting for utilities → you end up paying to sublet your own place.
Browse live sublets on Subtoo, or post yours and reach verified students directly.