Subletting in Boston – How to Sublet and Where to Find Sublets
Subletting is an interesting proposition for many. It can be an opportunity for tenants in a lot of situations. As for landlords and property owners, they have options for making it relatively seamless and not creating a larger issue if a tenant finds themselves needing to break their lease. That said, each region and city can have their own unique vibe when it comes to it. Subletting in Boston might come with different expectations compared to other areas.
Our property services in Boston need to address the inevitable question of subletting. It’s important to have policies that address it for tenants so they know just what to do if they are going down that path. Let’s dive into this topic. In this article we will be going over the following:
- How to Sublet an Apartment in Boston – What are the basic things that need to be done to get ready for subletting in Boston?
- How to Find Sublets in Boston – Where do you go to find subletters?
- What a Property Management Company Could Do For You – Finally, we will touch on how property management companies help take the pain out of these types of things.
How to Sublet an Apartment in Boston
Subletting your apartment or house can be a practical solution for all kinds of situations. If you need to leave your place temporarily but want to keep your lease intact, for example, it could be exactly what you need. So what are some of the practical things you need to do for this practical solution? First, you can start by reviewing your lease agreement to confirm whether subletting is even allowed… and under what conditions. Some landlords require written consent or additional documentation. If you’re uncertain about the specifics, contact your landlord or property manager.
Once you’ve verified subletting is an option, determine the best way to find a reliable subtenant. We outline some solid options below. When reviewing potential subletters, looking for people with a stable income and positive references is the standard way of determining who are the best candidates. Conducting interviews and running background checks can help make sure the subtenant is trustworthy and capable of handling the basic responsibilities.
After selecting a subtenant, it’s time to solidify the arrangement with a detailed sublease agreement. It should outline critical terms, such as rent amount, payment deadlines, and the duration of the sublease. You should also include any rules from your original lease to avoid conflicts with your landlord. A clear sublease agreement protects everyone involved and sets expectations from the start.
There is another thing to keep in mind. Subletting in Boston comes with unique considerations. With a large student population and a competitive rental market, finding a subletter might be quicker, but landlords and property managers often have specific rules to follow with Boston’s renting regulations a little more robust than other areas. Leases in Boston often run from September 1 to August 31 of the following year to coincide with classes. Rent control doesn’t apply, but some leases include clauses that prohibit subletting altogether or require formal approval. Additionally, Boston’s winter rental laws – which limit evictions during colder months – could impact the terms of a sublease.
Here is a brief and concise list of things to make sure you do when planning for subletting in Boston:
- Review your lease for subletting terms and get landlord approval.
- Advertise the sublease and screen potential subtenants.
- Draft and sign a detailed sublease agreement.
- Share a copy of the agreement with your subtenant and landlord.
- Provide your subtenant with keys, property rules, and necessary contact information.
How to Find Sublets in Boston
Finding the right subletter isn’t always easy. But if you’ve decided subletting in Boston is where you find yourself, finding a decent number of candidates to choose from is important to make sure you find one that suits your needs. You could start by reaching out to people you know, like friends, family, or coworkers. This often isn’t enough, but exhausting those avenues first is nice to make sure anything else is even needed. In all of these “reach out” efforts, be clear about your expectations and the timeline when discussing the opportunity to make sure that possible subletters fully understand the arrangement.
If your immediate network doesn’t provide leads for subletters, broaden your search using online resources. When posting an ad, include key details such as rent, location, and amenities, along with clear photos to attract interest. Screen potential subletters by conducting interviews, checking references, and confirming financial stability.
Along with posting about your sublet opportunity on your own social media and personal channels, here are a number of places online you could look for and find potential subletters in Boston.
- Apartments.com
- Craigslist
- Facebook Marketplace and local groups
- Sublet.com
- Roommates.com
- SpareRoom
What a Property Management Company Could Do For You
When it comes to a lease agreement or subletting policy for a rental property, there are a lot of details to cover. More importantly, the finished lease agreement must follow all federal, state, and local laws to be legally enforceable. This can create a stressful situation for property owners. Thankfully, relying on a property management firm with experience and time-tested documents allows owners to breathe a helpful sigh of relief.
At Bay Property Management Group, we have you covered! From onboarding your property to late-night maintenance calls and everything in between, our staff handles it all… so you don’t have to. Give us a call and see how our Boston area property management can make investment ownership the enjoyable experience it should be.
