Between co-ops, classes, studying abroad and dialogues, it’s nearly impossible to find an ideal living situation at Northeastern. So if you’re flitting off to France this summer and have no use for that Symphony apartment, why not sublet it? Or, on the contrary, if you’re stuck in Boston and getting jipped out of your summer vacation, this is a perfect time to test living off-campus if you haven’t already. While subletting can be a great way to save money for both the renter and the rentee, it also has the potential to be a disaster. Here are some tips to ensure a positive and stress-free subletting experience.
DO:
Sign a lease or contract. Whether you’re renting from a friend or a stranger you found on craigslist, it’s better to have your agreement in ink so there’s no room for confusion. Make sure it clearly states the dates of moving in and out and everyone’s full name. Don’t forget to mention any furniture you are leaving behind and explicitly state that the person moving in will be held responsible for any damages done to the apartment. Also. indicate if any money (first or last months rent and a security deposit) was put down by any of the parties.
Put down/ask for a security deposit. Again, even if you’re subletting from someone you know, it’s better to be safe than sorry. This way, the renter will feel more than morally obligated to respect the apartment, and the leaseholder won’t be stuck with a giant bill if anything goes wrong.
Interview people before allowing them to rent/meet the person you’re renting from. Make sure both parties fit well and seem responsible and reliable. This is especially applicable if you have other roommates who are affected by this change in the lease. It’s important to respect your current roommates so they feel comfortable with the new renter.
Change the name of the person who’s responsible for the utilities bill. Figuring out transferring money for rent can be complicated enough. Don’t add another stress to the equation. Call NSTAR, Comcast, and any other utility companies and change the name of the person who is responsible for the utilities, to the name of the subletter.
Go see the apartment before you rent it. Nobody wants to move into a place they’ve never seen before. If you’re living on Mission Hill, or somewhere that’s farther from campus or in a neighborhood you’re unfamiliar with, take the method of transportation you intend on using when you go look at the place. It’s better to know what you’re getting yourself into not only in terms of living but your method of commuting before you sign any kind of papers.
DON’T:
Throw a party. Come on, that’s just rude. Not only is it disrespectful to the space of the person you’re leasing from, the legal consequences aren’t worth it.
Leave your apartment a mess before you allow people to move in. Nobody wants to move into a messy apartment and if you leave your stuff around, you run the risk of it getting thrown out. If you’re leaving personal belongings in your apartment, pack them up in a box and put it in the closet or underneath the bed.
Return to your apartment unannounced while someone is subletting. Understandably, if you’ve left something in your apartment it isn’t unreasonable to go to get it while someone is subletting. However, send them a text or a phone call before you barge in. Furthermore, don’t spend the night. It isn’t your place if you’re not paying the rent, nor is it a homeless shelter.
Move around furniture. If you’re renting from someone, chances are it’s only for a short period of time. Although it is your home for a few months, it’s not yours forever. Leave the furniture the way it is. If you do have the absolute need to rearrange, make sure you put things back the way they were before the subleaser returns.
Now that you have the in’s and out’s of subletting, her are some resources to help you find your summer home.
– Craigslist
– Facebook Marketplace
– NU’s Off-Campus Student Services – 226 Curry Student Center | Open Mon – Friday 8:30AM – 5PM
Photos courtesy of FastWeb & ApartmentSearch