The biggest cause of stress for most of us in New York isn’t the traffic or the neighbors, it’s rent. The Fair Market Rent in NYC for a two-bedroom apartment costs $2,752 monthly, 99% more expensive than in other cities.

And if you ever wanted to take a trip then that NYC apartment can start to feel like a ball and chain. What do you do then? It’s simple, sublet. That’s how you can enjoy your freedom and take time off to see the rest of the world. Here’s everything you need to know on how to sublet in NYC.

Let’s take a look at what a sublet is, what it isn’t, and how you can do it in The Big Apple.

What is a ‘Sublet’?

A sublet is like a temporary leave of absence. Say you’re going to Europe for a month or two, but surely, you’re coming back. With so many people looking for a place to stay in New York City, it wouldn’t make a lot of sense to let the apartment sit there all alone without someone to keep it company. And pay your lease while you’re away. That’s why you should sublet an apartment in NYC. Lots of people need a temporary place because they just got to the city and need time to find something more permanent.

A Sublet In NYC Is Not Forever

That’s the difference between a sublet and assigning a lease. If you intend to come back, you need a sublet. If you’re trying to get out of your lease and you want someone to take it over completely, then you’re assigning it.

How to Find a Sublet in NYC

Okay. The City of Dreams sleeps on a big fluffy bed made out of paperwork, so make sure to check off all the little details. Here’s the basic overview of what to do subletting in NYC.

#1: Gather all information needed

It’s gonna feel like a lot, but none of it should be too hard to get.

1. The sublease length of the apartment in NYC. How long are you going to be out of town?
2. The name and address of the tenant from whom you’re subletting in NYC. Hopefully, you found them on Roomi because then you can use the chat feature to get all that from them if you don’t have it already.
3. Why are you subletting? Basically, the reason for your decision to sublet an apartment in NYC. Traveling musician? Visit family? Hula dancing?
4. Written consent of anyone else who has the primary lease with you, such as a guarantor or cosigner. Your roommate would be in for a surprise if they see another person they don’t know in the apartment without any kind of warning.
5. Finally, a copy of your own lease, if you can.

#2: Find a Subletter

A subletter couldn’t just be anyone. Ideally, someone you already know and trust is already a good candidate. Asking friends and family if they know anyone looking for a place is also a good way to find a dependable subletter. But the best way is to use a reliable room and roommate finder app, like Roomi.

Source: iStock

With Roomi, you can list your room and have potential subletters right away. The app is safe with security and privacy measures like in-app messaging, thorough background checks, and ID verification. This ensures that you’re talking to a real person behind the account and not a scammer or fraudster.

#3: Be wary of rental scams!

Scammers are everywhere but don’t let them come near your subletting process. Take note of these rental scams and don’t fall for any misleading links or ghost apartments.

1. Fake rentals or listings: These are bogus property listings with attractive photos to lure renters and eventually scam them into making deposits, then disappearing right after.
2. Overseas landlords: Some landlords say they’re in a different country so they can’t meet you in person. They’ll make you send an advanced payment to secure the apartment or for them to mail the keys to you, but once the money’s sent, they’re gone.
3. Phishing scams: These are deceptive emails or messages asking people to click on malicious links or provide sensitive information to eventually scam the person.
4. Identity theft: Just like phishing scams, identity theft is prevalent online. Scammers use a different person’s identity to pose as a landlord, providing valid IDs to earn the trust of renters, then once the payment’s been sent over and it’s time to get the keys, the property is already occupied or it doesn’t exist.

#4: Check with your landlord

Next, it’s your landlord’s part that moves the subletting process further. They might have more questions or need additional info. If they do, get it to them as soon as you can. Remember, you have to send a written request with all that jazz to your landlord. Use certified mail, and make sure to ask for a return receipt. Once you send off any extra stuff, the 30-day countdown begins.

Source: Stock

Your landlord’s got 30 days to say yes or no. If they don’t get back to you at all, then that counts as a yes. Now, you can have a great sublet experience in NYC!

#5: Make a backup plan, just in case!

Although settling your subletting situation takes a lot of work, it’s best to have a backup plan just in case. Set aside some extra money if your subletter doesn’t push through or there’s any mishap that happens, at least you’re prepared!

You can also have someone check in with you in case your subletter stops communicating with you, or they can’t pay a month’s rent for any reason. Remember, subletting is different than becoming a part of or signing a lease.

Now, it’s New York, so it shouldn’t come as a big shock to find out there are exceptions and special circumstances. Check out the “Tenant’s Rights” document, courtesy of the Attorney General, for more information that’ll make a sublet in NYC way easier.

Time To Sublet!

In the exciting world of subletting in NYC, the possibilities are endless! With the right information and resources, you can navigate the sublet market with confidence. Just remember to plan everything down to a T, beware of rental scams, have a backup plan, use a reliable room finder, and you’ll be fine.

Source: Roomi

With Roomi, you’re already set, security and privacy-wise. With its background checks, ID verification, and background checks, you don’t have to worry about encountering rental scams. More than that, you can narrow down your search for subletters by applying filters like age, preferences, lifestyle, and budget to make looking for a subletter easier.

So, whether you’re a seasoned pro or a newcomer, our comprehensive guide has everything you need to succeed in 2024. Don’t miss out on this valuable opportunity – sign up today to start your subletting journey!

Sublet Your Apartment in NYC with Roomi Today.