Subletting rooms and apartments is a hot topic, especially as Spring and Summer terms draw near. Before you decide to sublet, make sure to read your lease and check with your landlord to find out if you are allowed to sublet your space, and get details on any guidelines or restrictions for the process.
You will also want to talk with your roommates about this decision. They may have an opinion about potential summer roommates or may already have a roommate in mind. Perhaps they, too, would like to sublet their space for the summer months.
Be careful when posting your sublet on sites, and never include personal information about yourself - public forums are accessible by anyone! Using the Beyond The Diag Roommate Finder and posting your sublet on the site (https://offcampushousing.umich.edu/) is a great way to protect your safety and security, as only UM-affiliated persons are able to gain access.
Subleasing Rights and ResponsibilitiesIn most cases, you will continue to be the primary leaseholder and will be responsible for the full rent and utilities if your subtenant does not pay.
If you ask your subtenant for a security deposit, it cannot exceed 1.5 month’s rent.
Be sure to fill out an inventory checklist before handing over the keys, and have your subtenant complete one as well. Decide in advance who will be responsible for any damages at the end of the lease. The security deposit amount and responsibility for damages should be included in your sublease agreement (https://cdn.offcampusimages.com/public/resource/uqz_1a8_y7buylubhpvptjpybbclhyvb4te5rl_0jwc.pdf).
Questions or Concerns?
It is important to be confident in your subtenant and have a clear and legal sublease agreement in place. If you have questions or concerns, check out Student Legal Service’s’ website (https://studentlegalservices.umich.edu/article/tips-subletting) for more information, or contact us at [email protected]!
Author: Erika Aldrich