Your Step-by-Step Guide to Subletting in California Read Your Lease Carefully. Obtain Pre-Approval to Sublet. Find and Screen a Subletter. Send a Written Request for Approval. Wait Patiently (but Not Too Patiently). Collect and Store Security Deposit and Rent. Enjoy Your Freedom:
Confirm their employment. Ask to see a few months of paystubs to make sure their income can cover the rent, and call their employer to be sure they still work there. Do an interview. This doesn't have to be formal.
The key distinction lies in whether the original lessee (now acting as a sublessor) remains liable to the superior landlord for the full lease amount. If so, the sublease income isn't a direct offset to lease expenses but rather recognized separately as income.
There are several steps to take if you want to sublet your apartment. Review your lease agreement. You may not be allowed to sublet. Talk to your landlord or apartment manager about your intentions. Check state and local laws. Find a tenant. Check out the subtenant. Iron out the details. Draw up your own lease.
(a) A tenant renting a residence pursuant to an existing lease in a dwelling having four or more residential units shall have the right to sublease his premises subject to the written consent of the landlord in advance of the subletting. Such consent shall not be unreasonably withheld.
No tenant may sublet an apartment without the written consent of the landlord. If you did not consent to the sublease then it is not valid or enforceable. Your remedy is to terminate your tenant's lease, which will also terminate any subleases.
Keep reading for the five best things you can do to find a last-minute subletter to take over your apartment lease. Talk to Your Landlord, Leasing Office, or Property Manager. Post Your Sublet on Social Media. Post Your Sublet Online. Offer a Discount for Your Subletter. Have an Open House for Subletters.
Subletting Can Impact Property Values Parking becomes difficult, there are higher utility costs, and the neighborhood won't be as appealing to prospective buyers.
Make Your Request to Sublet in Writing Even if you've orally discussed a sublet in person with your landlord, it's a good idea to follow up the request in writing. This ensures that you're both on the same page regarding the terms of the sublet, and gives you a written record to refer to if memories fail.
Subletting your apartment without informing your landlord is generally not advisable and may violate your lease agreement. Most lease agreements require tenants to obtain permission from the landlord before subletting. If you sublet without notifying your landlord, you could face consequences such as: