Sub-leasing is a brilliant idea if you need to be away for a while but don't want to eat a chunk of rent. But, letting someone in your home comes with several issues that might cause worry especially if you are doing this for the first time.
Here are safe and smart ways to sub-lease your apartment according to Apartment Therapy:
Clear your plans with your lease or your landlord
Check your lease to see if there are rules for sub-leasing. If there is none, you need to have a talk with your landlord. Don't even think about sneaking in a sub-lease out of fear your plea will be turned down. It can backfire big time as you never know what will go down while you are away. You might come home to an eviction notice if you get caught sub-leasing against the rules.
Mirror your own move-in: sign a lease and take a deposit
If you find the perfect tenant for a sub-lease, you want the setting to be squared away just like when you moved in. Have a walk through with your tenant and finalize the terms of agreement, including the deposit amount. Do not forget to put everything in writing - make sure it is signed and dated.
Leave written directions
Write down important and special instructions like if the shower needs an extra firm hand to keep it from dripping, or that your pots can only be cleaned with a certain kind of scrubber. Even if you have already mentioned these things during the walk through, it will help for your tenant to have specific instructions to refer to if a problem arises. Most importantly, give your tenant your contact information, the building management and local emergency numbers. It will make it easier for the tenant to reach you if something unexpected comes up, and your apartment will be protected.
Charge a cleaning fee
Everybody deserves to come home to a clean, fresh apartment - especially if you just came from a really good vacation in paradise. Indicate a professional cleaning service on the lease agreement especially if you have more than one tenant.