Change in roomates - allow sublet or new lease?

[Nancy C.]

I just discovered this site a couple of days ago and have already learned so much - things I wish that I knew before I made all the mistakes with my current building. I am hoping that the community can help me with a current dilemma (this time I figured I would ask before I just go charging ahead like I have done in the past).

I own a multi-family in Boston and rent to college students, typically 3 roommates. One of my units needs to change one of the roommates because the student is leaving university to take care of a dying parent. They have been very responsible tenants so far, but their lease just started Sept 1.

Do I approve a sublet (it requires all the same paperwork and co-signer paperwork as a normal lease) which I normally do in the summer for students leaving before the end of the lease?

Or sign a new lease with the new roommate since the duration the new roommate will be staying in the unit is 10 months instead of the typical 3 month sublet?

Lastly, is there anything that I need to be aware of or watch out for in releasing the current roommate from the lease? Is there anything I need to have the remaining tenants sign in changing the lease as they are all responsible jointly and severally?

Any help greatly appreciated!