With graduation looming, many graduates are in the process of subleasing or “reletting” their apartments. The process is done between the person subleasing their unit and the person who has agreed to take over their lease. Although seemingly straightforward, the process can stir up issues regarding finding an eligible tenant and getting them approved.
Malaysia Jones, a graduating nursing student, says her subleasing process has been quite stressful.
“It’s been very difficult to find other college students that have credit established or a guarantor to be able to qualify to sign a lease. The standards for my apartment complex are strict, which doesn’t make sense since it’s supposed to be a student living,” Jones said.
Jones continues by saying that her apartment complex hasn’t made the process any easier, they made it seem like it was simple, but it’s gotten pretty complicated.
When Jones asked what her options were if unable to find anyone, the complex stated, “There’s nothing else we can do.” Meaning she would still be subjected to paying over $500 a month for an apartment she is no longer staying in.
The subleasing process can be extremely frustrating when you’re not too sure what your complex is looking for in terms of eligibility.
Celine Harmond, a resident assistant at Renew Tallahassee formerly known as Seminole Grand, is the first point of contact for residents. She says the subleasing process is straightforward for residents.
“From my perspective, the process is pretty simple because the resident does most of the work,” Harmond said. “They find the people they want to take over and let them know what to put on the application, i.e. their apartment, floor plan, current price. All we pretty much do is go approve the application and send them a lease termination document.”
Harmond feels the most common challenge she notices is residents trying to find someone to sublease their space.
“It’s hard finding someone to take over your place in the middle of the semester because everyone has a place to live and has probably renewed for the following year,” Harmond said.
What can also be difficult is finding an eligible resident to take over your lease. Some apartment complexes have requirements on whether or not a person is approved to take over the lease.
According to The Cavalier Daily, students in Charlottesville were facing stressful subleasing processes as well. One of the students was in the process of taking over a lease when the person subleasing stopped texting them back. She was forced to look for other options after having already paid a $100 “takeover” application fee.
For those looking to sublease, ensure that you’re aware of what your complex requires and make sure the person taking over your lease is an eligible tenant. Also, ensure that all proper documentation has been given to you by the prospective tenant and that your leasing office is up to date with any changes.