How to Sublet

Question

What is the best way to add in a sublet tenant for my property? I have a single family house close to the local college. We have five tenants one in each room. New tenants are moving in this summer. One is wanting to have a friend sublet his room because he won’t be in town. What is the best way to handle this? Going to do a background check etc and have the money come straight to me but how should I write the contract. Thanks

Ryan Coon · Answer

First, you note, it is wise to follow the same vetting procedures that you do or would for a standard tenant.

Second, as for the contract, generally you want to make it clear that the subtenant has all of the same obligations, responsibilities, and restrictions as the direct tenant. The last thing you want is for the subtenant to think that they do not have the same obligations for things like upkeep of the property, reporting of maintenance issues, payment of rents, refrain from illegal activity, and so on.

Third, it often also wise to make sure you have a signed writing with the direct tenant reaffirming that their subletting the property to a subtenant does not release them from their obligations including the payment of rents, maintenance of the property, etc. This can help ensure that if there is an issue with the subtenant, you can go after the direct tenant as well as the subtenant. This signed writing can either be a separate contract with the tenant, or it can be integrated into the lease with the subtenant. Either way, the direct tenant should sign.

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Mackaylee Beach · Answer

I would carry out my standard screening process just like I do with any other tenant. It's essential that all parties are informed and fully understand their responsibilities.