How To Arrange For Taking Over The Apartment Lease?
I live in shared apartment. My roommate who was the main person on the lease is moving to a different state. I cannot take over the lease because I don’t make enough money. I plan to post a classified ad to find someone who can take over the lease. Is it a bad idea? What are the potential pitfalls? What to be aware of?
Check your lease first. My leases specifically prohibit sub-letting. Since you are not a legal signatory on the lease, you have no legal right to sub-let and could be prosecuted as a result. The only person who could have the right to sub-lease is one who signed the leased, if it is not prohibited in the terms. Moreover, if the main person on the lease does sub-lease the rental, she may still be liable for any unpaid rent or damages. You are taking on something that really you have no responsibility for and could be finacially or legally liable. Be careful.
If the roomate is able to sub-let, she really needs to be careful, too. She should run the credit of the prospective tenant, public records to determine whether they have a criminal record, check their job references and their prior rental payment history. I’ve actually had people that were featured on TV shows as wanted criminals show up to rent my units.
If there is a university nearby, why not look for a graduate student who is working on a master’s or doctorate and wants a quiet stable environment. Rather than placing an ad in the general paper, post an ad on a campus in a department.
I think you should be very careful who you get to share with you, they would need to be screened thoroughly and possibly someone who has a good professional job.