Summer is fast approaching, and college students throughout the world are rejoicing. Whether you're spending your summer working or playing, the thought of moving out of those smelly dorms and into an apartment has probably crossed your mind more than once. If so, you'll need to learn a little about subleasing.

Typically, landlords will not directly rent out apartments for terms shorter than six months. However, they realize that there are tons of students out there looking for summer solstices. This is where subleasing comes in.

Subleasing consists of you - the restless college student - renting from another tenant who is temporarily moving out. With subleases, the landlord is relieved of many of the hassles that come along with finding new tenants and making them happy. He or she doesn't have to worry about the costs that come along with preparing the apartment for the new tenants or drawing up a new lease. This is now the responsibility of the original tenant.

For example, Jean has lived in the same apartment for two years. Last week she was cast in an acting troupe, which will take a three-month tour through the U.S. Hesitant to leave her dream apartment behind, she decides to lease it out to someone (sublet) during those three months. Lucky for Sam - a restless college student - he sees an ad in the paper for Jean's apartment and decides to move in. Before things are officially official, Sam - and anyone else interested in subleasing will need to check out a few things:

• Make sure the landlord knows the apartment is being subleased and get his/her okay in writing.
• Find out if your are supposed to pay the landlord directly, or if you pay the old tenant.
• Find out whom is responsible for maintenance.
• Ask if there is a security deposit.
• Get landlord to perform an inspection on the property before moving in so that you don't get blamed for property damages you didn't make
• Set up your own accounts for power, gas, water, telephone and cable TV services so you don't get stuck with any of the old tenant's bills.

Subleasing is perfect for college students trying to get away for the summer. Typically, the old tenants will leave furniture and appliances behind for you to use. So say goodbye to those bunk beds and community bathrooms, and find an apartment for the summer.

Published: March 31, 2000

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