If you are looking to sublet your Boston apartment and wondering how to kick off the process, we’ve got you covered. Read on for the top tips to ensure your experience goes smoothly from start to finish.

  • Request References – If you meet with a potential subletter and they really knock your socks off, you may find the urge to just hand them the paperwork and a pen and call it a day.  However, take the time to ask for references first, just so you can cover all your bases and protect your interests.

  • Ask your Friends – Before you post your ad on a number of different apartment hunting or roommate sites, make sure to ask around to see if any of your friends, relatives, or colleagues are looking for a place. By choosing somebody you are familiar with, you are less likely to run into payment issues and other potential pitfalls.

  • Research the Industry – If you are tempted to set an affordable price on your apartment just to get it sublet as soon as possible, or if you are looking to raise the price to cover some furniture and other personal property that you leave behind, make sure to do all the relevant industry research first so that the figure you land on is not only reasonable but fitting with the current market. Rather than taking the easy way out, make sure to charge a fair amount to ensure the most leads on your listing and the most efficient process. The worst thing you can do is go vacant or not find a replacement.  Be reasonable and accept fair offers if you are coming close to your deadline.

  • Put it in Writing – Never stick to a verbal agreement when it comes to renting out your apartment, since issues can arise down the road and you will have no proof of what you originally agreed to. By creating a legal, binding contract you will ensure that you have a paper trail in case something goes awry.  You should also talk with your landlord about subletting and work together on a stated goal.

  • Run a Background Check – Just like with asking for references, you want to make sure you are doing your due diligence and vetting a potential renter to the best of your abilities. Act as a landlord, and take the time to run a full background check to avoid any unpleasant surprises later.

  • Don’t Rush – Since meeting with strangers looking to sublet your apartment can be stressful and inconvenient, you may be tempted to just choose the first interested person who sets foot inside your apartment. Make sure to take your time instead, so you can choose a reliable subletter who will pay the rent on time and not cause issues and headaches down the road.

  • Talk with your landlord.  Work with your landlord. You may have signed a lease that has language which restricts subletting.  You may have a lease that provides proper guidelines for subletting.  Your roommates have rights as well.

  • Make sure you talk with your current roommates.  Over communicate your plans.  Give them plenty of lead  time.  Often times your current roommates can also ask around through their vast network of friends and solve the issue for you.

If you are ready to try your hand at subletting your Boston apartment, these tips are guaranteed to give you the tools for success. We hope these ideas help you find the perfect person as soon as possible!