Subletting your space is a great way to ease the financial stress of being away for an extended period of time. Whether you are spending the summer with family or vacationing in Europe. The subleasing process can help cover expenses so you can relax and enjoy your trip. To get the most out of the benefits, you’ll need to choose wisely when it comes to who you rent to and staying organized. We’ve outlined the process for you to help make the transition a little smoother.
How to Sublease Your Apartment
1. Talk to Your Landlord
Not all landlords allow their spaces to be sublet and will articulate this message through the contract you signed at the beginning of your renter’s agreement. Even if your agreement allows for a sublet, it’s still best practice to inform your landlord.
2. Draft a Sublease Contract
While someone else is staying in your space, you’ll want to protect yourself by drafting a contract that binds them to certain obligations and addresses things like move-in date, deposit requirements, and length of the lease. It’s also a good idea to include information about their responsibilities towards paying utilities.
3. Finding the Right Candidate
It’s critical to pick someone who displays trustworthiness. Ultimately, they are responsible for the rented space and its condition. You can ask your friends and family members if they can recommend someone who fits the bill. Otherwise, there are online sites such as Roomster.com that are safe and effective at bringing people together. Always meet them in person, and if you have others sharing the house, let them be a part of the process when it comes to picking a candidate.
4. Prepare Your Space
Before the new tenant moves in, complete a walkthrough of all the rooms. Be thorough by taking photos and completing a list of everything you are leaving behind. Note the condition of each item and any marks, scratches, or dents that are already there.
How to Optimize Your Space for a Sublet
Regardless of why you are subletting your place, most people will have furniture and belongings they will bring with them when they move. Utilizing a self-storage unit is one of the best ways to prepare your space for sublease.
Reduce Unnecessary Clutter
Before you move out, make a list of what you will take and what will remain. Many people have belongings that they will want to bring. Check back with the new tenant and try to coordinate with them about what they might be missing. If they don’t have a kitchen table, but you do consider the cost-effectiveness of leaving it there for them to use while you are away. For duplicated furniture put it in a self-storage unit.
Decide What Items Work Best in a Storage-Unit
Smaller items that need to stay in the apartment or home can be organized or stored constructively by using storage containers, shelving units, drawers, and cubbies. For larger items such as furniture put these in your off-site facility. Some things that work best in a storage unit are:
- Beds
- Sofas
- Dressers
- Tables
- Patio Furniture
- Seasonal Decoration
- Extra Vehicles
Remove Signs of Personal Identity
It’s best practice not to leave anything around that might be useful for stealing your identity. You’ve selected your new tenant after a thorough interview and background check, but accidents happen, and they might know someone who isn’t as trustworthy as they are. Remove all forms of identification like passports, bills, tax returns, etc. that might reveal more about you than they need to know. The best place for these items is under lock and key in a self-storage unit. If you can, you might consider having your mail forward to a new or temporary address.
Choose a Self-Storage Unit That is Right for You
If you’ll be gone for an extended period take time to choose the storage unit that will give you peace of mind. While separated from your belongings, you’ll want to ensure they are under the best protection. The best self-storage facilities will have:
- Climate-control – these units are great for metal or wooden objects as well as electronics that are susceptible to damage when exposed to extreme hot or cold temperatures.
- Easily Access – a self-storage unit should be easy to access. Look for spaces that allow you to drive up to the unit or have other amenities that make it easy to drop things off.
- A Security System – Each unit, either with a key or keypad system, should have a form of protection. Bonus if the facility itself has a perimeter gate as an additional safety measure.
Are you looking for the perfect self-storage unit? Stuff It Inn Storage is more than just a storage facility. It’s our goal to provide all of our clients with a safe, secure, and well-cared for atmosphere. Visit our website today to learn more about our available units and locations.