Planning to Sublease an Apartment at IU?

The Supply is Greater Than the Demand, Here’s How to Sublease

You might want to consider a sublease…HaveUHeard that when a student moves into an off-campus apartment, they generally sign a lease for twelve months? (It is actually a 10-month lease that apartments prorate so it gets paid over 12 months). Most leases run mid to late August through – July 31/Aug 1. Unlike most dorms, students are responsible for the entire year, even if they do not intend to stay for the summer. However, most apartment complexes will allow students to sublet their apartments. You will, nevertheless, have to jump through a few hoops to make it happen. Keep in mind that we say generally speaking leases are for twelve months but there are more and more options available these days for varying time frames.

To find a sublessor for the summer, it is best to start looking at the semester before (in the fall). It may seem a bit early, but there are usually more available apartments looking for sublessors than there are people looking to sublet. Post on Facebook pages and begin asking around in December. If you are in a sorority or fraternity or involved any sort of club gets the word out there. If you can make an arrangement with someone you trust early; take it. Do not count on getting your full rent covered. Most people tend to give up their summer leases, so finding someone to take over your lease in the summer can be tricky.

More Details

If you are looking for someone to take over for the fall semester, try looking at the summer before. Many people sign a lease and find options that better suit them last minute. If you are looking for a spring sublease, this may be a bit tough since most people have already signed year leases. Definitely start posting in the fall semester (around October/November). There are students that decide to take a semester off or go abroad and are committed to a year’s lease. Finding one of these with roommates that you will be happy to live with can get complicated, but it is definitely possible.

Some apartment complexes charge a sublet fee. Most all require signed forms with complete information on your sublessor. It is to your advantage to play by the rules and be sure all forms and fees are taken care of because, without them, you (the original renter) are responsible for any damage that may occur in your absence…and it happens. As a matter of fact, all renters may be responsible if they cannot be sure who caused the damage. My daughter and all her roommates were charged for a broken freezer after she left for the summer but since her name is still on the lease…

Depending on how much you will be getting for the sublet, once the fees are paid, you may also want to consider the cost of storing your student’s belongings during the duration of the sublet. Check out our blog on Storage. Pass on these great tips, tell your friends and like us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest. Find out more about how to use HaveUHeard as a great resource. Sign up for other great tips at haveuheard.com.