Planning to Sublease an Apartment at UGA?

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

HaveUHeard about how to sublease? Most apartments in Athens require you to sign a 12-month lease, which typically starts in August and goes until July of the following year. Since this is a legally binding lease with a company outside of the University, students must pay for it over the summer and during both semesters, even if they will not live there. However, most apartment complexes will allow students to sublet their apartments. You will have to jump through a few hoops to make it happen, but it is such a common practice you should be just fine.

To find a subletter for the fall, spring, or summer, it is smart to start looking about eight months to a year before you would need someone to take over your lease. Common reasons for needing a subletter both during the semester and during the summer are far-away internships, study abroad, moving home, taking classes elsewhere, etc.

Here are some of the more popular Facebook pages that UGA students use to find potential subletters:

UGA Class of 20XX (insert year your graduation year) Official Group

UGA / Athens Lease, Subleases, Roommates, Off-Campus Housing & Apartments

UGA/Athens Lease/Sublease

University of Georgia (UGA) Housing, Sublets & Roommates

If your student is a member of a sorority or fraternity or involved in a club, getting the word out early and potentially subletting to someone they know is generally better. The truth is, there are far more apartments available to sublet every summer than there are students looking to sublet, so if you can make an arrangement with someone you trust early, take it. If you want 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). Some students are tied to a year’s lease and may have decided to do a semester abroad or take a semester off, so sublets are out there. Unlike summer, finding a desirable apartment with roommates, you will be happy to live with is more difficult than finding someone to rent your place.

Most people tend to give up their summer leases, so finding someone to take over your lease in the summer can be tricky; however, it is possible. Chances are you will not get your full rent covered. Something is better than nothing, though.

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 the renters or roommates may be responsible if they cannot be sure who caused the damage.

Most apartments and houses in Athens allow subletters, but make sure to check with your landlord or leasing office before making plans with someone. Depending on how much you will be getting for the sublet for the summer, 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 storage blog.

Another resource is ApartmentsforAthens.com, which is a guide to Athens apartments that meet your lifestyle and budget.