When searching for apartments, you might find listings online for apartment sublets and wonder, “how does subletting work?” Subletting an apartment is a very different process from renting directly from an apartment community or landlord. The subletting process comes with some unique issues and challenges that are important to be aware of.

What is Subletting? 

Subletting is when a tenant rents the apartment leased in their name to a third party. The original tenant’s name remains on the lease, and they continue their responsibility to the landlord while the third-party renter lives in the apartment. 

Many people will sublet their apartment or room if they need to move out before the end of the lease or will be away for an extended period of time. Breaking a lease early often comes with extra fees, so many people opt to sublet their apartment to avoid these expenses. 

How Does Subletting Work? 

During a sublet, the original tenant searches for their subletter. The subletter typically does not interact with the landlord or property management team at all. In many cases, the subletter and the tenant will make a handshake agreement rather than signing an official document. Subletting typically only occurs for a few months, but can sometimes happen for longer periods of time. 

While the subletter is living in the apartment, they usually pay rent to the tenant, who then pays the landlord. If the subletter needs maintenance or other support while living in the property, they would have to contact the tenant, who will contact the landlord. 

Issues with Subletting

Although subletting may seem convenient, it can come with a variety of issues. Many landlords and property management companies do not allow subletting, which can result in legal issues that cause a variety of problems for both the subletter and the original tenant. To prevent these issues, Southern Management does not allow subletting. 

Many people will charge their subletters more each month than they are paying in rent to the landlord, especially if the apartment is in a trendy neighborhood. This means that if you’re subletting, you could end up paying much more than if you rented the apartment directly. An illegal sublet can also cause problems if you need emergency maintenance or have any other concerns with the apartment, as the landlord is only able to work with tenants whose names are on the lease agreement. 

Subletting can also cause serious issues for the original tenant. If you get caught subletting illegally, you could be charged extra fees, and you may not be able to get a reference from your landlord when applying for future apartments. Additionally, most tenants do not screen subletters the way landlords do. The original tenant will end up paying the price, both financially and legally, if a subletter does not pay rent on time or causes problems in the apartment. 

Find Your Home With Southern Management

Instead of subletting someone else’s apartment, look for one of your own that you can call home. Southern Management has a large portfolio of communities throughout the Washington, D.C. and Baltimore metro areas with a little something for everyone. We offer flexible leasing options at affordable prices, including short-term leases, so you don’t need to sublet to find an arrangement that works for you. Check out our apartment communities today.